In the army now to pay for school... just got back from training in kentucky.. Although I joined the biggest conformest group of them all, I still want to try to keep my indivuality as much as possible.. We have to have short hair and no piercings.. Does anyone else have a similar problem that could tell me how they still feel like an individual... I just want to be happy with myself... I dont mind the military but the strange feelings I get when I'm the same as everyone else is really getting to me.... Im not happy now but i guess it is all in my head... Weird.. whiney... my fault... I know....

what do you plan on going to school for, my new friend?

Im in college now as a freshman.. My first college class is tomorrow.. I am taking classes required for admission to pharmacy schools over the next two years... this semester I have biology, chemestry, calculas, and english... I want to be a pharmacist...

oh, that is wonderful. I am sorry to hear about your misfortune though, and I hope things look brighter.

Become a reservist. 28 days a month you're a civilian and there's less bullshit to deal with.

YOu are the same as everyone else, just run with it. Eventually youll get older and stop giving a shit about image and just be yourself for real.

Got a full facial tattoo of some breasts. A big nipple on each cheek, cleavage line down the middle of yoru face. I'm sure that's individual. Might make you popular with the guys.

:p

wiser words have never been spoken

Your military image on the outside must match your surroundings, but they can never truly take away your personality.

When you are dancing in a trench on a windswept hill in freezing weather, just trying to avoid hypothermia, humming a dance tune in your head and laughing at everyone round you being grumpy, they can never take away who you are inside.

Whilst my manliness was changed by the army, the majority of my character never was, as in many ways I was already stronger than what they tried to brainwash me into. High intelligence can never be subverted by their drilling and beasting.

I had this problem in catholic school, i think most girls did. we weren't allowed to dye our hair, and had the uniform every single day. no jewelry except for a crucifix, and no "weird" hair styles.

Shoes were unregulated pretty much, i guess. that was how girls decided to make a fashion statement, by finding the most ridiculous shoes imaginable. Also knee high socks, we were allowed to have any as long as they were green, blue, white or yellow. people went everywhere finding weird looking patterned sox to make a statement. Looking back, we looked like fools. Nothing you wear should prevent you from being yourself.

I understand the need to stand out, or make your appearance fit how you feel about yourself, but you don't need that stuff. Your personality wlll show your individuality. And if your desperate for some sense of individuality find some boxers that fit your taste. then you can smile the whole day knowing you're the only one with weird unique boxers .

Seriously, just let your image conform but never let your personality conform. That's all you need to do.

He'll just become another depressed person.

There are plenty of ways to stay an individual in the service. I have done so for about a decade now. Are you having trouble with anythhing specific? I could quote some regs if someone's giving you trouble with your off duty wardrobe or expression. You are active? Reserve? What MOS?

reserve... can you quote some regs please.. thanks alot for the help