About CTS

A Note from the Editors

The Call to Serve is a new Medium publication unlike any other, dedicated to the military perspective, written by the very people who’ve lived it firsthand. Our goal is to provide a safe venue for people to share their stories — 100% true and honestly told. We aim to inspire our readers through the power of storytelling. We want people to connect, to laugh and to cry and to engage with the authors through comments and claps… and most of all, to come away inspired to tell their own stories.

The challenges of military life are many. Some are unique to serving in the armed forces, and others are inescapable dilemmas of the human experience more broadly: Deployments, long-distance relationships, tough supervisors, depression, financial struggles, loneliness, disciplinary actions, suicides and combat and PTSD and stressors abound.

All too often the demands of military life can overshadow its many benefits: travel and adventure, training and educational opportunities, a steady paycheck, unparalleled camaraderie, free healthcare, retirement investments, hands-on job experience, leadership opportunities, and most of all, serving a purpose bigger than oneself.

Underneath the uniform, behind the rank and clean-cut professionalism is a human being; a unique individual with a unique story. A thousand experiences — trials and tribulations, victories small and large, fears and traumas and shame, quiet comedies, humble beginnings turned to blazing successes.

We’re looking to capture these experiences. Your experiences. Our call to action, “Go beyond the gripes — come rumble with us” asks our writers to be vulnerable, to face their pain and frustration head-on. We’re looking for creative storytelling — nonfiction, intimate, and honest stories that reveal truths about our military, and society more broadly. We’re looking for unique perspectives on current issues and policies in the military, that offer new ideas and solutions. Most of all, we’re looking for stories that surprise, that spark compassion, and that inspire us towards empathy and evolution.

So, what is your story?

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