Off Duty
There are many things an off-duty military member can do while deployed or while at home in the states. There are more than enough things to do even on base here in the states. If you are deployed, the chances of going off base and seeing the country may not be good, and if you are in a combat zone, you would not want to anyway. The number one thing you should think about prior to leaving base both here in the states and overseas is safety. The threat of terrorist attacks and violence is not just overseas. On and off base, there are many ways to spend your time. My first suggestion is to know the area and where to go and where not to go. An off-duty military member should take the time to understand the culture and know the surroundings.
My Experience
In my time in the military, I had the opportunity to spend time in many different countries. While I was in the Navy, I visited Singapore, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand. We were allowed to spend several hours touring the countries and shopping. I will say that Japan was my favorite. The culture and the people were the most interesting and friendly of any country I ever visited. Then Thailand with the beaches and clear water to swim or water ski in. The vast variety of countries I visited allowed me to realize how great we have it in the United States.
Education
One of the most important ways you can spend your free time is to continue your education. This is true even if you are going to stay in the military. One of the greatest assets you will have is that degree (and notice that I’m not talking about a degree in basket weaving or watching TV). While I was deployed in 2012, I was able to complete a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Delaware. The military has access to many different colleges and universities that will allow you to obtain degrees in many different fields.
What Not to Do
The worst thing you can do, and it seems that 65 percent of the military want to do this, is party! This will usually lead to trouble, both with the military and civilian authorities. If you look at alcohol-related offenses in the military, they continue to rise right along with drug-related offenses. Partying could land you in jail or in military confinement, or get you demoted, fined, barred from reenlistment, and possibly discharged dishonorably. Is a bar fight or DUI worth your career or even your life? I will end with what I used to tell my platoon: don’t do anything stupid!
- What’s Missing in Today’s Military: Integrity - March 20, 2018
- What’s Missing in Today’s Military: Honor - March 19, 2018
- Veterans without Care: What’s Wrong with the VA? - December 18, 2017
