What not to ask a soldier?

Asked by: Julien Haag  |  Last update: June 18, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (13 votes)

Avoid asking soldiers, "Did you ever kill anyone?" or similar questions about trauma, death, and personal guilt, as these are highly personal, triggering, and invasive. Other sensitive topics to avoid include criticizing military operations, probing for political views, or asking if they have PTSD. Focus on positive, general questions instead.

What questions to ask a soldier?

Segment 2: Jogging Memory

  • Were you drafted or did you enlist?
  • Why did you join?
  • Why did you pick the service branch you joined?
  • Where were you living at the time?
  • Do you recall your first days in service?
  • What did it feel like?
  • Tell me about your boot camp/training experience(s).
  • Do you remember your instructors?

What are the 10 soldiers' rules?

  • #1. Soldiers fight only Military combatants.
  • #2. Soldiers do not harm enemies who surrender. ...
  • #3. Soldiers do not kill or torture any personnel in their custody.
  • #4. Soldiers collect and care for the wounded, whether friend or foe.
  • #5. Soldiers do not attack medical personnel, facilities, or equipment.
  • #6. ...
  • #7. ...
  • #8.

What gets you blacklisted from the military?

The term "black list" in military law refers to an official list that identifies individuals who are suspected or confirmed to be collaborators, sympathizers, or potential threats to military security.

Why don't veterans like being thanked?

Some veterans dislike being thanked for their service because the phrase can feel like a superficial, automatic gesture that highlights a divide between civilians and those who served. It may trigger uncomfortable memories, guilt, or the feeling that the complex, often traumatic realities of war are being simplified into "heroism".

Things Not To Say To Someone In The Armed Forces

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What does 22 mean in the military?

A single number has shaped the way that Americans think about young military veterans. It's the number 22 as in 22 vets take their lives each day. The number has become a rallying cry for advocates trying to call attention to suicide among vets. #

How to tell if someone really served in the military?

To find out if someone was in the military, you can request their service records from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) using SF-180, verify active-duty status via the DMDC/SCRA website, or check public background check sites [1.2, 1.4, 1.11]. The most definitive proof is a DD-214, which can be requested with the individual's consent [1.2].

What does 11A mean in the military?

11A - Infantry AOC. Officer Description. Commands or assists the commander in commanding an Infantry unit. Serves in positions requiring general infantry experience.

What is the 8 year rule in the military?

The 8-year provision is a special enhancement to standard Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) benefits. It applies when a veteran was rated as totally disabled for at least eight continuous years immediately before death, and the surviving spouse was married to the veteran during those same eight years.

Who can't be drafted?

In the event of a U.S. military draft, exemptions and deferments generally apply to women, men over 25, active-duty service members, and those with specific disqualifying medical conditions or hardships. Only men aged 18–25 are currently required to register, with exemptions for certain immigrants, students, and institutionalized individuals.

What is the 59 minute rule in the army?

The "59-minute rule" is an informal U.S. Army and Department of Defense convention allowing supervisors to grant employees up to 59 minutes of administrative leave, often before holidays or for rare, minor tardiness. It is not a formal regulation or entitlement, but rather a discretionary, non-recurring, and usually verbal authorization for time off.

How will we fight in 2026?

How We Fight 2026 points to how we can best optimise that which we have in our armoury to maximise our likelihood of winning. It will not be easy, it will be fraught with friction, and it will demand hard choices.

What are 10 Soldiers called?

A group of approximately 10 soldiers is most commonly called a squad. Often consisting of 6 to 10 soldiers, the squad is the smallest unit in the army, typically led by a sergeant or staff sergeant. In some contexts, this size group may also be referred to as a section.

What to tell a soldier?

When speaking to a soldier, offer sincere gratitude, such as "Thank you for your service" or "I appreciate your sacrifice". Keep it positive, respectful, and brief, focusing on appreciation for their commitment to safety and freedom. Simple, genuine, and encouraging words are most appreciated.

How to tell if a military guy likes you?

There are a few signs that a military guy may be interested in you. He may make an effort to spend time with you, initiate conversations, and ask you questions about yourself. He may also show concern for your well-being and try to make you feel comfortable and supported.

What are the 5 hardest interview questions?

Tough interview questions with sample answers

  • Tell me about yourself. ...
  • What critical feedback do you most often receive? ...
  • Tell me about a time you overcame an obstacle. ...
  • How do you handle stress? ...
  • What have been your most positive and negative management experiences? ...
  • What's your biggest weakness?

What is the 20 20 15 rule?

The 20/20/15 rule is a TRICARE guideline for divorced military spouses, offering limited health benefits for one year if the marriage lasted at least 20 years, the service member served at least 20 years, and there was a 15-year overlap. This rule applies when the full 20-year overlap (20/20/20) is not met.

What does a military wife get in divorce?

A military wife in a divorce may receive a portion of the service member's retired pay, continued healthcare (TRICARE), and commissary/exchange privileges depending on the length of the marriage and its overlap with service. Key assets like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are divisible, and with 10+ years of overlap, the military may pay the former spouse directly.

Do they give you $10,000 if you join the Army?

Yes, the U.S. Army offers signing bonuses of $10,000 or more, but they are not universal and depend on specific job, training, and timing requirements. These incentives are often tied to in-demand roles, fast shipping times (reporting to basic training within 30 days), or specialized skills.

What are 200 soldiers called?

A company in the U.S. Army is normally made up of three platoons, which means 60 to 200 soldiers, but it can have more. An artillery unit is called a battery and an armored air cavalry is called a troop.

What time do soldiers wake up?

Soldiers in basic training typically wake up between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. daily, with 0500 (5:00 a.m.) being a standard wake-up call. This routine, often initiated by "Reveille," allows for early morning Physical Training (PT), usually beginning around 0500-0630, followed by breakfast and a full day of scheduled training.

What does MOS stand for?

MOS most commonly stands for Military Occupational Specialty, a system used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps to identify specific job roles and training. It acts as a code (e.g., 11B for infantry) to classify service members by their career field and duties.

How to spot a fake military person?

Spotting a fake military person involves looking for inconsistencies in their story, uniform, or behavior, particularly online. Red flags include requests for money, vague details about their unit, using romantic language too quickly, or refusing video calls. Real service members will not ask civilians for money, gift cards, or crypto, nor do they pay for leave.

Can you look up people in the military?

Yes, you can look up people in the US military, but methods vary depending on whether you are verifying active duty status or searching for historical records. The most direct, 24-hour way to verify active service is through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) using a name and Social Security Number.

Can bipolar people join the military?

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is generally disqualifying for military service in the United States, as it falls under the Department of Defense’s prohibited mood disorders. While some, often unannounced, exceptions for waivers were noted in 2017, it remains extremely difficult to join with a documented history of bipolar disorder or treatment.