I was in the Marine Corps for 10 years. I never say I served. I grew up a military brat. In 3rd grade I was in 3 school in 2 countries and in 2 states. I landed in a small town with no prospects. My mom always told me I was out when I turned 18. There was no talk of college. I have my enlistment papers, and I show them to my kids. Two days after my 17th birthday I enlisted in the Marine Corps. November 6, 1986. I was definitely not going off to serve.
I don't know what my kids think, I was long out of the service when the first of five was born. I led marines in combat as a corporal and was a platoon sergeant when I was lured out by my wife. It was never service. Not to my country. More like football in school. Loyalty to the team amongst ourselves. We felt like mercenaries, or legionnaires.
I have a lot of grim stories, but I don't think of them. It doesn't come up. I have a 10 year-old schooling from home because of covid and we are learning algebra. I have a college kid whose car is broken and trying to get it home. And 4 kids between with all of their current-day problems.