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What explains the disparity of outcome in people who join the military? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 week ago by Subject6051@lemmy.ml to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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American culture seems to be rife with men who went to the Marines and after being discharged of duty went on to either lead successful lives or who's life took a turn for the worse and ended up on the street.

Of c, the two groups are not equal in numbers and the third much larger group lies in between these two groups. Now, I still am interested in the disparity between the extremes. Why do some people who join the Marines go on to create an over represent the Marines amount the successful, while others end up on the street? They are all given a clean slate somewhat and are exposed to the exact same environment, what do the successful learn which the unsuccessful don't?

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[–] PrincessLeiasCat@sh.itjust.works 18 points 1 week ago

I would assume it also has to do with your assignment and how much/if any combat you’ve experienced and injuries you sustained.

My Dad was drafted into Vietnam - infantry - and was wounded. He was only there ~ 6 months, and tried to go to university on the GI Bill, but for awhile couldn’t stand being in that type of environment immediately after returning home. PTSD/survivor’s guilt, etc, were too much.

Later on in life his injuries prevented him from being able to work. This, combined with rising medical debt, left us in a bad spot.

What you’re exposed to when you serve and when you served also come into play - PTSD is taken more seriously now, as are the effects of things like Agent Orange. I’m not sure if the VA is better or worse from, say, 20 years ago, but that could also be a factor.

Not sure if this helps to answer your question, but that’s my personal anecdote.