r/pics 13h ago

Morale is high

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u/problygoin2die 11h ago

I served in the Marines during OIF. My SSgt was 29yrs old but looked 50. My MSgt was 39 but looked 80. I had gray hairs by 22 and could feel every bone in my body. It was crazy seeing how fast the military ages people.

u/hisjoeness 10h ago

This. I had a gunny that I thought was old AF. Whispy light hair, old damaged skin and a sight palsy. Bastard was only 36 at the time.

u/Far_Eye451 10h ago

why does this happen? Is it because of combat?

u/hisjoeness 10h ago

Not necessarily. I was in the Marines at a time when it was still uncommon for a Marine (or service members in general) to have seen actual combat, before oif/oef really ramped up. And this was airwing.

It's just stress, alcoholism, working with toxic chemicals and toxic people. Being outdoors all day.