Getting out of the military? Thoughts, One Year Later…
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- Опубликовано: 6 мар 2023
- Next week marks the one year anniversary of finishing active duty in the United States Marine Corps. In this video I discuss some of the challenges I've faced since getting out and some of the things that have helped me along the way.
This past September I began working on a six-part short film series that focuses on Veteran transition. I've submitted a few episodes to film festivals, so I won't get to share the series until I hear back from them. Hopefully that day comes soon. Also, the Veterans featured in my series do a much better job about talking about military transition, but here are some of my thoughts for now.
I felt inspired to start a RUclips segment called "Thoughts", where I discuss some of the things on my mind. I'll probably make a segment for travel and one for photography / video tips as well.
If you like this content and want to see more, please subscribe.
If you would like to support my photography and film making pursuits, you can support financially or purchase prints on my website - www.bensteele.com.
Also my Instagram - / benj_steele
Thank you.
I served from 2000-2004 (0351, 3/6, Cpl) and did two combat tours. I immediately got a job and used my GI Bill, and while my transition was smooth compared to others, I still struggled with depression, anxiety and just trying to deal with the culture shock of going from one environment to the other. I never thought about suicide in terms of actually killing myself, but I had times where I really didn't care one way or the other if I kicked the can. Biggest thing I can tell anyone who is still serving is to document everything in your medical STRs at BAS no matter how mundane or latent it may seem. Allergies, strained muscle at the gym, numbness in your hand, headaches, etc. You don't have to be in a wheel chair or in combat to qualify for VA compensation and other benefits. If your a vet who's already out, just get with your local county VSO office and ask them for help with the process regardless of what you think you may or may not qualify for. Many conditions are presumptive based on areas that you were deployed (allergies, IBS, headaches, etc.) and others are presumptive based on your MOS (tinnitus and hearing loss). You can get tinnitus from being exposed to loud noises such as, in my case using rocket launchers, or simply being a dental tech in the Air Force and being around constant drilling noise. Aside from monthly compensation, veterans who rate a 50% or higher can recieve free healthcare, free counseling, job training, and other benefits for higher ratings. I'm always amazed by how many veterans are unaware of what VA benefits are available to them. Wish you all the very best.
Great advice, thanks for putting this out there!
I was with 3/6 Kilo 0341 Mortarman to!
thanks @SSS-bd6li for the invaluable VA advice!
I finished about 4 months ago. It is tough honestly. You hit points that are so true. Being alone is somthing we are not used to. Thoughts can eat you alive and make you overwhelmed. Im going through this weird thing where I feel dizzy almost like a overwhelming feeling and I see stars and worms in the sky it’s very strange and eats me alive. Anyone else go through this. I’ve been to neurologist and had brain scans and they have no answers for me. But I found videos on RUclips saying that stress and anxiety can bring it out. It’s a nervous system problem. You’re right tho it’s good to have small wins and celebrate those wins and I’m still trying to figure that out. Great video man !!
Totally man. I experienced some health issues, not exactly what you described, but issues that were likely linked to anxiety. Just hang in there and be proactive to give yourself the best chance of success as possible. And stay busy! Keep it up and let me know if I can ever help.
Currently thinking about getting out. I’m a 28 year old CPT finishing my Company Command time and to tell you I’m burnt out is an understatement. I def appreciated this video.
Thanks and good luck with your next steps.
Thank you, I needed this video. Transitioning is hard and I feel like no one will ever be able to 100% prepare for this. This video really helped me because it is a reminder i am not alone.
Glad it helped man!
Retired with 26 years in the Army…everything you mentioned resonated with my own experiences.
This dosent get talked about enough. Thank you for posting it helped me knowing I’m not the only one feeling this way
Glad it was helpful in some way. Wishing you the best!
Im in the army i joined at 32 im 34 now and have 3 more years to go , im so glad i found this chanel ! Subscribed for sure .
Nice man, good on your for joining later on. Hopefully it sets you up nice! Thank you for your service.
Me and you will be getting out at the same time I really can’t wait to go back into the civilian world the army has been good and bad so far but I think I have my mind made up, honestly I might think about going NG
@@officialwop4467I will not be nowhere near the army or anything army related when i get out , this institution is rotten to the core fk this
I joined the Army late in life at 28, it was always my childhood dream. I signed a 6-year contract, I have 10 months left and really struggling with not knowing what to do. A HUGE part of me wants to get out and live my own life, I'm starting to feel trapped and incredibly depressed. but the other part doesn't want to give up my childhood dream. But I feel I'm unfit to continue serving if that makes sense. I'm so conflicted.
Sounds like you’ve already lived your initial dream. Six years is absolutely something. Whether you stay in or get out, I’d just follow your gut and make a good plan accordingly. Then stick to your decision. Good luck!
Awesome video. I been out for 12 years and I am still adjusting. Keep moving, stay positive, stay busy. 👌🤙
Appreciate it. You too. It’s a process!🤙🏽
Great video thank you
Thanks for sharing yoir story! It definitely reasonates.
Absolutely. Thank you
Been in for 5 years. Security forces and grunt. Getting out in 20 days. Hope it goes well
You got this!
How is it?
Hey! Your cinematography is amazing. much love from one veteran to another!
Thank you! Working on it!
Thank you for this.
Absolutely.
Semper fi brotha
Ben, thanks for your service brother. Served in the Army for 21 years and retired in 1999. Army Ranger, 2nd Battalion, LRSC, Airborne Battalion Combat Team, etc. Transition from active duty back to civilian life is a lonely experience. It’s a complete loss of routine, discipline, focus and morale. You need to have a support group, stay in touch with your brothers and live life one day at a time. Doesn’t matter if it was a 2 year hitch or 30 year hitch, once you drive out that gate for the last time, it’s a ball buster. I struggled for years but eventually refocused and got my mind oriented on my goals. Anyone can do it but you must maintain contact with your brothers. They love you unconditionally and will always be there. Wish you luck in your future endeavors and Godspeed brother. RLTW and USMC.
Thanks Mark. Great advice, really appreciate. Best to you as well!
Honestly, some of us never really get over it.
I was a Marine 0311 for years, did two combat tours, and for awhile was an EI at TBS, so we walked similar grounds...
Anyway, I've been out for awhile now and have an amazing job with killer pay. I get to travel the world nonstop and make significantly more money than I need....yet would trade it all in to be a young, broke lance corporal again.
This is pathetic, I know, because a lot of it is just a desperate bid to regain my youth and not have to grow up and be an adult. But just being honest---I was much happier back then. Maybe everyone feels this way to a certain extent, because adulting is hard... And maybe its even harder when in your youth you got to be in this amazing outfit which allowed you to experience so much---yet at the same time provided you with this safety net that protected you from so much.
I realize now that the Corps was this crazy paradox in which you had to worry about dying...but you didn't have to worry about living. Like you could literally die in combat or even in training...but you didn't have to worry at all about normal life stuff--- like food, shelter, medical care, etc because that stuff was always going to be provided.
So, yeah---you had to worry about dying, but not about living. And something about that is cool as hell when you're a young man.
Hey Tom, I totally get that and can understand why something so significant always leaves a mark on us, especially something like combat. And I agree with that point about the military taking care of life’s necessities. My buddy and I were literally just talking about that. All we did when we first moved to California was worked, surfed and had fun. Everything else was taken care of. I personally think I’ll enjoy civilian life more once I’m settled, but I totally get it. Also, looking back on youth is pretty wild too. I’m only 29, but it’s wild to think how fast the past 10 years have gone. Thanks for your comment brother.
@@Benj_Steele good morning sir, my name is Joshua and I’m currently on my last year in the marines. Im married with a baby on the way stationed at CP where u were just different unit. I want to be a film director, and I’m currently in school for it. Im getting out next year and I want to know if there’s any advice that you would have for me rn? Hopefully u respond, but Thankyou for this channel it’s helping me. Semper Fi
@@joshuamack4703 , nice man that's epic. Congrats on school. Where are you at? Cover some basic advice for life here in this video. As far as making films, that's a tricky career path. Really cool though if you can swing it. I'd say move to a city that has some sort of film presence and find a way to get on set, even if it's just as a volunteer. You kind of have to work your way up from that over time. And definitely film your own projects as you go. I haven't navigated that either, but with you the best.
@tompriceusmc If you don't mind me asking sir what field did you end up pursuing a career in? Thank you for your service.
@@PaxGeo.
I started off working in personal security; I was a bodyguard for an entertainer in the music industry.
This artist was on tour constantly, and I of course had to travel with him. After years of doing that, I started helping out this artists' tour manager, and over time slowly eased into that spot. I couldn't be a security guy forever; at some point, I was going to be too old to be wrestling crazy fans off stage. lol. So in my late 40's I moved into being a tour manager.
I still do a little of that now. Although I'll be 54 this year and will soon be ready to pack it all in and spend my days fishing. :)
Seems like our journeys and transitions have gone nearly the same except i was enlisted. Awesome video Brother.
Thank you man. Seems like you're making some awesome stuff. Keep at it!
Thanks for sharing. I'm two years out of the Navy, still in the 'traveling/tryng to figure out how to make a living with a camera' phase. Inspiring work, good luck!
Of course man, thanks for watching. That definitely takes time. I've been lucky to get some good commercial gigs, but it's definitely still a work in progress. Keep at it!
Thanks for this man, I’m an Air Force captain getting out in a year and definitely nervous but going back for masters using my GI Bill to help me transition/help the transition
Of course man, thanks for watching. And that's really wise of you. Hindsight 20/20 I should have done something like that directly out of the service. Idle hands isn't the move right out of active duty. Getting right into something will be great. Stoked for you!
Glad I came across this video and I hope more see it. I got out a decade ago and I think the two reasons I had it easier than others was 1. Having purpose (school) and 2. Living within 45 minutes of my last unit. I could go see all those guys on Pendleton if I wanted- and I did- and it helped ease out of it. I found the veteran community in community college was extremely good at getting vets from the tribal military mindset to reach out and find their communities and follow-on colleges. We'd always hang out together but invite other organizations to get a good two-way conversation going. By the time I got to my 4 year university, the mission was clear, the community was close, and day by day, you sort of "de-program", or at least learn to leave the bad behind (and go to therapy about it) and take the good and apply it to the next stage. The end result was a new hybrid vet student/alumni community where we all still hang out. The point is the community is the foundation. Even the biggest introverts need one. You gotta put yourself out there and realize life and growth happens outside your bubble. Glad you took time to travel the world too- it helps you move on and establish a new foundation and outlook on life.
Totally agree, good point. Community can be hard to build, but it makes all the difference. I need to work on that front.
I came across your channel by happen-stance and find it compelling. I retired from the Air Force in 1998 after 28yrs. I did 4 yrs in Vietnam as a Pararescueman (PJ). I was only a trigger pull away from ending my life because of losing my closet friend on a mission. But I realized at the last moment that I have people who depend on me. I was wounded shortly after that incident and I retrained into aircraft maintenance. After retirement from the AF, I became a cop in California and retired from that in 2012. I don't miss that job. I miss the military. But the military isn't for everyone. I honor your service and deeply respect what you've chosen to do. My younger brother retired from the Corps as a MGSgt. So I have a strong fondness for the Corps. Now, I'm an advocate for Veterans seeking mental health care. I'm looking forward to hearing more of what you're doing. Semper Fi.
Thanks for sharing and that's awesome you're finding ways to give back even after a second career. It's been interesting for me to hear the stories of other Veterans. Good luck with everything!
I just found this channel and I guess Ill share my story. So I got out of the Navy after 6 years about 3 years ago and started college just after. My goals were to buy a house that I could renovate and improve, get a job, start college, and continue in Jiu-Jitsu. Well, everything that I had set my mind to I am completing. BUT after I got out, the zeal of civilian life drained real quickly. Starting college showed me that I was no longer apart of a team of tough individuals who understood eachother. I was now just another face in the crowd doing everything for myself and not leading junior people. I am currently in an aviation school to be a commercial pilot and I thought there would be a team atmosphere but I was sure wrong. Overall, life after the military has been better, but it was so much more of a struggle than I ever anticipated. I cannot wait to see what this channel puts out in the future. Subscription earned.
Thanks for chiming in. I think it's difficult for everyone in different ways. Impressive things you've been working on though. I'm sure bjj helped. God bless!
Thanks for sharing, I’m looking to get out soon. What pilot program are you doing?
I'm effectively done with the Army in a little over a month. I say effectively because I go on leave a few days before Christmas which will carry me into my 120 day internship program at the start of the new year. Once I'm done with that I return to post to clear and go on terminal leave.
Epic. Cool with the internship, that will be great. Good luck.
Although I'm retired Army, I gained a unique perspective on the Marine Corps because I spent considerable time with them because I was HR (42A), and I was with them as they were transisitioning into the Army. They didn't leave because they hated the Corps. No. They left because the Corps tried to change their job, and they declined.
Point: The Corps, the "Brotherhood," is more important than your personal desires.
I think that's why former Marine have the toughest time adjusting to civilian life: They didn't just leave the military. No. They left a cult.
I have 36 days left in the U.S. military.
Good luck with your transition!
I just got it in June. It’s scary but also peaceful. You have plenty resources. Find what makes you happy🤙🏼
Hey man this video helped me as a 38 year old civilian! I am thinking about joking with a kid! 18 year old girl and 5 year old girl!
But here’s the thing this video is about transitioning to civilian life and how hard it is! My thought is the civilian life has made me drink, depression, and stress!
So for me I’m looking to get out of the civilian life and have the support of the military! I will hate reliving civilian life and enjoy military! My daughter matters and being a single dad in civilian life has its struggles too!
I’m talking to a recruiter now for a better life! I know it sounds crazy but just flip it all! I may be saved and my daughter by joining make sense!
Glad it helped and good luck!
@@Benj_Steele Ben I understand a lot! I’ve been on this “battlefield” in ways you know normal citizen! Law abiding providing for your family one and do what’s “best”
Here’s the thing the USA is a struggle and sometimes it’s civilian side some things are military wise! I appreciate your service mad respect man!
But I did 20 years on this get a job and live the “American dream” side is there such thing?
People are out here struggling and dying too and honestly I have not looked up the stats yet but bet it’s higher than war!
Obesity, disease, depression, suicide, murders, and so on!
So I would rather have an honest community!
And hats off to the navy seals, and all that! Mad respect but we civilians are not exactly well off either! Lack of mental health hence the school shootings think about it all deeper!
And no I’m not like that but just saying lol
@@Benj_Steele another thing most people go into the military young and dumb no offense if I go in older and wiser I won’t be so damaged but there’s always damage! There’s a lot of people my age that say fuck this join just saying grass isn’t greener either way
I’m 38 think about how much better off I am or maybe not that can be up for debate on joining! And physical fitness wise well if an 18 year old can join I’ll be just fine lol
I'm sorry to say sir but you looked disturbed in this video, but i understand your situation, i have high respect to soldiers. I do not know what all soldiers go through during deployment. May God bless, guide and guard you on your new career. May you have a million subscribers someday.
Haha, I'm sorry I looked disturbed, but thanks for the good wishes!
You don’t man. This is a whack take.
what does whack take mean?
@@user-vu1gx4uv2k Bad take. Uncharitable. Unhelpful at best.
3:33 is that Okinawa or Guam?
Guam. Stopped off there short.
very handosme with uniform 👍👍
I just got out. It sucks out here.
I feel you. It does get a bit better keep at it.
Looking to enlist for 4-6 yrs, wondering why s**c*de ideation is so common!?
I’m sure there are a lot of elements that go into it and I’m definitely not an expert. Losing a sense of community, finding purpose, a new schedule, lack of finances, addiction could all play a role. I’m sure any large transition period has some struggles I think it’s just amplified for Veterans because the military culture is so strong. Obviously combat PTSD would take all of this to an extra level for many people.
I still don’t regret joining though. Just do your homework as far as branch, MOS, etc.
@@Benj_Steele great feedback I really appreciate this. I’m certain on the branch and MOS, not certain on the length of time as I’m a new dad lacking finances but desiring quality time with my family. The dichotomy is draining at times!
Because you’re fighting for an evil force and your conscience can’t handle it
@@chelseachelseafcsuperfan7220 bruh what 😂 lmao
Everyone is depressed and suicidal?
Too many are yes