It’s hard to describe the struggle of finding meaning and purpose to a civilian; this is something only a veteran will understand and appreciate.
Purpose in the military
I remember quite clearly the day I drove onto Fort Bragg, fresh out of Ranger School and ready to lead men into combat. I arrived at the 504th HQ and immediately took on the monicker of the Devils in Baggy Pants, a name earned in WWII given to the brigade by a german soldier. I wore a US Flag on one shoulder, and the All American unit patch on the other. From my first day, I represented much more than just myself. I belonged to an elite group of men with a rich history.
It was more than being a part of a group with history though, it was also the gravity of what I was doing. I was fighting for my country, ready and willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good. The spartans came home with their shields or on them, I was similarly coming home with my flag or under it. Every formation, every training exercise, every action I took in uniform was about sharpening myself and my men so we could make the other poor bastard die for his country.
Then I got my DD214…
Both Chad and I have told you many times, and i’ve written about it in the book, to make sure to answer why you’re getting out (1, 2). It’s because both of us understand how difficult it is to find a purpose greater than yourself when you’re not in anymore. To a civilian, that might not seem like such a big deal, but to a veteran, nothing is more important.
You didn’t joint the military because you cared about yourself, you did it because you cared about something greater than yourself. You were a cog, and for many that served with you, you were an integral part of their lives. Now what?
I don’t live to earn money. Money is a necessity to survive, but having it doesn’t really motivate me. I would go through a lot more pain and suffering to earn a cloth tab than to earn a dollar.
I also don’t live to work for my employer. I know, that’s like a taboo thing to say, but I’m not willing to die for my company, but I was and am still very willing to die for my former employer: The United States of America. There are very few things I wouldn’t do to protect the red, white and blue, there’s no way to replicate that in the civilian world.
So? Now what?
First, if you have a good “why” maybe that is your purpose. Maybe you need to get involved in helping veterans or doing something for your community. Maybe you need to run for office, or maybe you need to volunteer at church.
What you’re missing is the selfless-sacrifice that formed the keystone of everything else you did.
For me, I volunteer at church, give tons to charity, run this blog, support vets, and I live for my family. My motivation to kick ass at work and earn money is so that I can continue to fund the efforts that make up my new purpose…a purpose that is bigger than me.
What’s yours?
-LJF