Posted on 08/18/2026 7:04:51 AM PDT by rlmorel
From the article:
Having spent over 55 years inside academe — earning Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, then serving as a post-doctoral cancer researcher, faculty member, and research administrator, not retiring until almost 79 years of age — how the one-year title of Staff Sergeant (SSG) decades ago could mean more to me than my PhD might seem bizarre. Nonetheless, it’s true.
Why?
The 19-months in the U.S. Army, as a 24-year-old draftee, transformed my life. Essentially every significant civilian success thereafter can be attributed to that brief stint serving America, and two main factors were responsible.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
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I learned many other lessons in college, but...almost none of them (apart from the stubborn stick-to-itiveness to master something intellectual I didn't understand) have stuck with me.
But the lessons learned as a Petty Officer on an aircraft carrier did.
It most certainly had an impact on my career-due to lessons I learned about chain-of-command, working with people who I might have disliked, sticking to a job and seeing it through, not wanting to be the one to let others down.
I was always thankful I did not serve during a shooting war, but I suspect there is an even more concentrated awareness of the lessons many military personnel learn, when they have been forged in that crucible of personal danger and combat.
I love this country-and every day I wear my military hat as a cover because I am so grateful to a country that allowed me, and helped me to grow into a man on their dime.
I would be interested in hearing the thoughts of others on this.
Also generally noted a lot better views on race than among most civilians. We're more likely to judge people as individuals because we had a lot of contact with good and bad of all races.
Thank you for your service!
His doctorate is in Philosophy. Of COURSE a stint in the service was more valuable.
After 30 plus years working for a large city Fire
Department I noticed over and over the drastic difference in a rookie who had served prior(no matter the branch) and the average kid off the street.
Time after time always first to get to work, easiest to work with, and quickest to promote in rank. JMO
It’s apples and oranges; academic learning versus operations learning and experience.
I served 18 years in the Navy. Served onboard an Oiler, a Guided Missile Cruiser, an Aircraft Carrier, a Fast Frigate, and an AEGIS Cruiser. One of the things I learned during my 18 years was to outlast people. You’re working alongside someone or for someone that is a total jerk, eventually either you or he will get transferred. Served me well as a civilian except you can’t take the civilian jerk into a fan room for some one-on-one counseling.
One major difference between civilian and military knowledge is that while the power brokers want to keep people ignorant, they have to let some real knowledge through in order for the military to operate.
My first job as a civilian was for a DC contractor outfit. My first week I was assigned a task in the morning and had it completed before the end of the day. My supervisor was shocked and surprised that it got done so fast. I was somewhat confused at first. In the Navy, you were given a task and you completed it. It was expected of you.
I agree with your post to a large degree, but I certainly don’t think it is all one vs the other.
I was required to learn things academically as an Airman Apprentice and up.
And, I did summers working in a live hospital environment while going to college.
I agree with your sentiments. Before I served, I wasn’t a chronically late screw up, but I sure did learn to be on time in the military. And you are correct, in my opinion, about race relations.
As you can guess, I view my service as totally my privilege!
When I found myself in the hiring process, anyone with military service had a leg up with me, for just those reasons.
One thing I hated about my 22 years of service was having to leave behind good friends every couple of years. I had 11 separate postings in those 22 years.
But the corollary to this is I learned that no matter where I went, I would always meet new friends.
All these years they’ve been dear to me, even though I left them behind.
I've known a lot of veterans in civilian life -- both black and white -- and most of us seem to miss how it was in the Marines, where you didn't care about the skin color but just the fact that we were all Marines. The black people that just hate white people, and the white people that just hate black people, are the real problem.
The rest of us just want to live our lives like normal people.
A Ph.D. is an abbreviation for "Doctor of Philosophy" It is not a doctorate in philosophy.
R.W. Trewyn's doctorate was in microbial physiology. His Ph.D. dissertation was "Methionine Biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: The One-Carbon Transfer Portion of the Pathway."
I have always felt a two year military sting for all young men at 18 years of age would be an excellent idea for the USA.
For the most part the military will either make a man or woman of you or break you. I saw both kinds in my time. There were a good number of AWOLs during Viet Nam who wound up with BCDs or DDs. I would like to know how they faired in civilian life.
I did not serve but my dad went to the ETO in late 1944 as a 19 year old replacement infantry troop and came home 2 years later as a senior NCO with a Purple Heart and Silver Star. Like most WWII vets, he didn’t talk much about it but he spend the rest of his life supporting and serving veterans organizations. Nearly all our family friends growing up were fellow VFW members and my mom was active in the Auxiliary as well. Looking back I have no doubt that in a different world he might have been able to have a
different career, even attend college - but he had no regrets and neither do I, knowing how virtually everything his his life was shaped by his military service.
I had a smart mouth even in the military due to being a dumbass and a giant — the exact max height allowed for military service (6’10”) (navy is lower). Mesomorph, too. Not spindly, at all. So I tended to think I could individuate people.
Anyway, I got amazing at push ups due to various NCOs not being intimidated at all.
Although, much later (when I was an officer) several laughed and said they were wondering what would happen if I wasn’t smart enough to back down.
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