[Poogsdad]

Welcome Blackhorse 1. Thank you for your service.

As a man who retired from military service in 1995, I do understand some of the transition issues you may be experiencing and will most likely continued to deal with for a while.

As Hygiliac has already stated we are now "PFCs". Our priorities have now shifted from mission, unit, and fellow marine to our family, friends, and self.

It is OK to think about yourself and loved ones now, rather than others, you have earned it.

If you find yourself in a hot situation as a civilian, your first priority is swift disengagement rather than aggressive engagement. This will be a sharp shift in mindset for you, I know it was for me, but you will eventually get used to it.

As for carrying too much gear, having enough to effect a prompt disengagement is what you need. Having said all this I still routinely carry two weapons with a reload for each and a SureFire Light as well.

Thanks again for your service and welcome to the forum.