I had to smile throughout your story as it resonated with me strongly - and my career within the Royal Australian Navy across two branches (Training Development and Public Relations) as well as working within Service and external to Service (with Air Force and Army counterparts - and then added to the mix, the Defence civilians), then with the Reserves who were an entirely different mindset. I think these experiences shape us. I agree that despite working in a hierarchy, the opportunities to have different work and opportunities empower us to grow. Many times I have thought that I didn't "come out into my own" until I was well into my mid 30's and when I started contracting. "Human conversations" within military were always with select individuals who shared similar mindsets and who are still now, my friends from all those years. Thanks for your personal story.