Back in college I decided I wanted to channel my inner Elle Woods and give the whole Greek system a shot. I found that it was a lot more like military life than I thought…

I found what I thought was the right sorority for me, went through the whole process, was an active member for a year and then decided that as nice as some of the girls were, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Now I sit back and can’t help but see the similarities between the college Greek system and this crazy military community we are a part of. Both communities are hard to explain if you aren’t a part of them. They create bonds that stand the test of time. Heck, my father has been out of the Navy now for almost 13 years and he still talks to some of the guys he knew in his first tour of duty over 30 years ago. He will always be a Sailor! I have friends who were a part of the Greek community that feel exactly the same way about their brothers and sisters. Before you think I’ve lost my mind trying to compare the two communities give me a chance to explain…

At most Greek events there came a point in the night where each group started to pick on each other. There were songs that talked about which fraternity had the smallest, um, gear and chants that sororities screamed to tell everyone why they were the best. We talked about which sorority was known for being the best fundraisers and which fraternity threw the worst mixers. And it was perfectly acceptable to discuss the organizations amongst ourselves, but you better watch out if someone not in the Greek family started talking bad about it.

It’s the same way with the military community. We have a healthy rivalry in the military but a great respect for each other. Air Force picks on Navy, Navy picks on Marines, Marines pick on Army, and everyone picks on the Coast Guard. But heaven help anyone outside the military community that dares speak badly about our men and women in uniform. Then we all stick together.