Guidelines for a Reflective Paper
FIRST, ORGANIZE YOUR PAPER….
My Life: Before, Now, and Later
Introduction: The Military Life “Join the military? What? Are you crazy?” “Joining the navy? Good for you. We’re proud of you!”
These are very common differing reactions from some people I’ve met regarding the military. Such contrasts are very evident in today’s world, amidst the present economic chaos we’re in.
Many people assume that a career in the military goes in line with just about any other career. In reality, it is a lifestyle of its own – something some people view as challenging and patriotic while some view as terrifying and unacceptable. Some people are incredibly proud of a family member having served or have given his/her life to service; while some feel remorseful for having lost a loved one in war. However you look at it, military service is like a pendulum. It goes back and forth; left and right; liked or disliked; loved and hated; patriotic or horrific.
To get to the point, every member of a military family is affected by the demands of the military; husband, wife, children, and even extended families such as grandparents, uncles and aunts. Additionally, every aspect of life is also affected by the military – marriage, schooling, religious practices, cultural, moral, social, and economic. Perhaps, the children represent a great percentage of the affected population. They are the silent majority - since they can’t protest and need to get along with the flow of the rigid military life.
My Life Before
Who really knows what life is like for the children in the military? How do they cope with the separations due to deployments, changes in schools, leaving their friends behind, starting a new social circle someplace in the world, divorce, culture shocks, language barriers, and career choices? No one would know better but a child who grew up wrapped around the military’s tight grip. I was one of these children. We are referred to as military brats; a moniker I am not really crazy
My Life: Before, Now, and Later
Introduction: The Military Life “Join the military? What? Are you crazy?” “Joining the navy? Good for you. We’re proud of you!”
These are very common differing reactions from some people I’ve met regarding the military. Such contrasts are very evident in today’s world, amidst the present economic chaos we’re in.
Many people assume that a career in the military goes in line with just about any other career. In reality, it is a lifestyle of its own – something some people view as challenging and patriotic while some view as terrifying and unacceptable. Some people are incredibly proud of a family member having served or have given his/her life to service; while some feel remorseful for having lost a loved one in war. However you look at it, military service is like a pendulum. It goes back and forth; left and right; liked or disliked; loved and hated; patriotic or horrific.
To get to the point, every member of a military family is affected by the demands of the military; husband, wife, children, and even extended families such as grandparents, uncles and aunts. Additionally, every aspect of life is also affected by the military – marriage, schooling, religious practices, cultural, moral, social, and economic. Perhaps, the children represent a great percentage of the affected population. They are the silent majority - since they can’t protest and need to get along with the flow of the rigid military life.
My Life Before
Who really knows what life is like for the children in the military? How do they cope with the separations due to deployments, changes in schools, leaving their friends behind, starting a new social circle someplace in the world, divorce, culture shocks, language barriers, and career choices? No one would know better but a child who grew up wrapped around the military’s tight grip. I was one of these children. We are referred to as military brats; a moniker I am not really crazy