Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL, left his military career not due to a lack of action but to safeguard his future and well-being. Despite enjoying combat and being highly committed, he observed the detrimental effects of a prolonged military life on his colleagues, including injuries, PTSD, and fractured family relationships. Ryan now dedicates his life to supporting veterans through his podcast, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining familial bonds over a singular focus on military service, thus aiming to aid others in navigating similar challenges.
Thinking of the long-term impact of a military career, I realized that 20-plus years as a SEAL could mean serious bodily injuries and strained personal relationships. I couldn’t afford to go down that path.
Each deployment feels exciting, but I’ve seen the toll it takes. Most of my friends from the teams ended up dealing with PTSD, broken homes, and lost connections with their kids.
My decision to leave wasn't about a lack of action; it was about recognizing the potential future pain of a life entrenched in military service without balance.
The camaraderie in the SEAL teams is incredible, but it can overshadow what’s truly important—family. I couldn’t risk losing that bond with my loved ones.
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