I felt much the same way early in my career. But once you've acquired a family, and other real life social responsibilities you begin to look at this differently. Therefore careerists by must needs be more realistic than thrill and experience seeking young warriors, both of which are not non-admirable qualities, but can sometimes fly in the face of the triad of God, country, and family. That order begins to change at times to what is needed.
The ability to "take" stress is not consistent with the ability to perform under stressful conditions. Anyone can "take" stress and still perform pretty much the same, but it's the after effects of traumatic events that vary on the physiology and psychological health of the recipient. Repeated traumatic events are going to take a toll on individuals regardless of their "macho" or "hardened" attitudes or level of competent training.
Suicides are caused by any manner of various pathologies, not solely derived from combat experiences or unaccustomed loneliness. We must get to the bottom of why this suicide rate is so high among our military members tout suite, not waiting for years of "qualified" quantified studies. These lives must be saved now, not simply pile up as statistics.
Sorry to "add" to your "stress" at the current moment, but we are experiencing record backlogs at the VA where patients are now waiting months just for mental health appointments, which is only adding to the toll. You'll need to ensure that you have effective preventative strategies to deal with such things as PTSD and other maladies, and I suggest you take full advantage of whatever services you have currently available to you without delay. That may mean swallowing your pride for a referral for yourself or any one of your buddies who may be exhibiting what you may even consider an inkling of a symptom (learn what they are) of psychological "stress" or suicidal thoughts while you're still on AD. The butt you save may wind up being your own.
I'm a disabled vet retiree of the Army, although not combat or military service related, it's from FDNY service comparable to police or miltary combat. I have no horse in this race except for concern for your well being, and the well being of other veterans and the less fortunate.
The current struggle is to the the current commander-in-chief in office, because 1) it's not time yet for a change of command (don't change horses in the middle of a stream), 2) the alternative would be completely disastrous for all veterans and so-called entitlement (I hate that word) participants, bar none, and 3) the neocons will send us back into another war without the prerequisite reconstitution, repair, and rest that our armed services so badly need at the moment, therefore "breaking" all our services, not just our land forces. And not to mention draining the treasury AGAIN and robbing all hope of the the American Dream even being a thought on our children's lips ever again.
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