amkeyte

For my experience the abuse removed my personal repulsion against activities that might constitute sexual offense. I'm left to rely on my "socially adjusted" moral compass because some things simply don't trigger my disgust mechanism. Someone with similar experiences told me a good thing to live by. "I don't give a fuck what happened. We still know right from wrong". The other thing that keeps me out of trouble is knowing that I would NEVER want some child to deal with the shit I have carried around my whole life.

To be honest, I'd bet its actually easier to transition in the military (now). The amount of support is much more than you can get in the civilian world, and the group of peers is much more close knit, with a common mission. Of course its all based on the command. Glad it worked out for you! :) All the best!

Consider military academy and become an officer if you're hard up to join.

I'm ex-Navy, and frankly wish I had gone to school for electronics engineering instead of getting military training as an avionics technician. My pay would be around double now 10 years later.

I always tell people that ask this question to join as an officer instead of enlisting. Also, if you're into electronics (robotics, etc...) consider getting into the RF industry... all the old guys are dying off and leaving openings :)

Hah! I was stationed in Diego Garcia for a few months... we had Make your own Pizza night on Fridays... It's amazing the crap one looks forward to on deployment.

Be safe and keep your head on a swivel. Remember the enemy hopes to find you complacent. :) Thanks for doing this AMA.