It's Shilyn Joy!

The US Army is all about being able to trust each other through training and operations. When I decided to stay enlisted and leave the ROTC program, I expected those “friends” of mine to support me in my decision. I’m still in the Army, I’m still a soldier - more of a soldier than they were, considering most of them haven’t even gone through real military training yet.

They think it’s all about fun and games and playing war. They think it’s all about knowing what to do in the woods, not realizing how many jobs there are, how intertwined the military is. They think they know what they’re up against, yet, they know nothing about how it all works.

I’m supposed to let these people lead me? I’m supposed to trust that those same people that have “abandoned” our friendship will keep me alive when I deploy?

I’ve come to have such a jaded view of the people I used to work with, that I was so surprised when my new company was as welcoming as they were. I am the lowest enlisted member - a Specialist! - the only one that wasn’t a non-commissioned officer, warrant officer, or a commissioned officer. Yet, they respect my opinions when I have them, they talk to me like I’m human, and are genuine.

This is how it’s supposed to be, everywhere. But one person can’t change it all.