Modern-Day Spartans: The Rare Breed of Combat Veterans
By Ralph A. Sarabia Combat Vet, Therapist for veterans with PTSD and Entrepreneur
In the hustle of Southern California, I catch myself scanning rooftops, checking corners, mapping exits—habits ingrained by necessity. These moments remind me: we’re different. Not better, just different. We are the modern-day Spartans, a brotherhood forged in fire, representing just 0.765% of America’s 330 million people.
This isn’t just a story about service; it’s about the sacred weight we carry and what it means to stand apart in a world that often can’t comprehend our reality.
The Weight of a Combat Load
The weight of a combat load is more than the 60 to 120 pounds of gear strapped to your body—it’s a symbol of responsibility, survival, and sacrifice. Each piece of gear tells a story: the rifle you carry, the ammo you depend on, the body armor that protects you, and the medical kit you hope you’ll never need.
It’s the searing pain in your shoulders, the ache in your knees, and the sweat-soaked fatigue that never quite leaves. But it’s also the invisible weight: the knowledge that every decision you make carries life-or-death consequences, not just for you but for the brothers by your side.
For most, the idea of a “heavy load” is metaphorical. For us, it’s literal. And even after the battlefield is behind us, that weight lingers in our minds and hearts—a badge of honor, a burden, and a bond that connects us to one another.
The Sacred Few
Imagine walking through a crowded mall, surrounded by hundreds of people. Chances are, you’re the only one who knows the sound of incoming fire or the brotherhood forged in battle. That’s the reality of being part of the 0.765%.
Less than 1% of the U.S. population has served in combat. That makes us rarer than Olympic athletes, NASA astronauts, and Fortune 500 CEOs combined. While 99% of Americans benefit from our service, few truly understand what that service entails. It’s not their fault—it’s the divide between experience and understanding.
The Disconnect We Feel
If you’ve ever felt out of place in a civilian conversation, you’re not alone. When someone says, “I know exactly what you mean,” and you think, No, you really don’t, that’s normal.
How could they understand? They haven’t stood in your boots, felt the snap of an AK-47 round by their head, or made decisions that can’t be undone. They haven’t carried the weight of lives in their hands or endured moments that words fail to describe.
This disconnect doesn’t make you broken—it makes you rare.
The Truth About Being Rare
Being a combat veteran means carrying experiences that most people only see in movies:
• Decisions that can never be undone.
• A brotherhood deeper than blood.
• Memories too sacred to share fully.
These aren’t weaknesses—they’re proof of a life lived with purpose, grit, and sacrifice. That hypervigilance? It’s not a flaw; it’s what kept you and your brothers alive. Those heavy memories? They’re sacred, not burdens.
Standing Together
When you feel isolated—whether in a crowded mall, airport, or family gathering—remember this: you’re not alone. Across this nation, a brotherhood of warriors understands your journey. They’ve carried the same weight, walked the same path, and share the same bond.
We may be few, but like the Spartans of old, our strength lies not in our numbers but in our resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to one another.
The Legacy of Modern-Day Spartans
You are not just a veteran. You are a modern-day Spartan, part of a legacy of courage and sacrifice that spans centuries. Your story matters. Your experiences are sacred. They aren’t meant for everyone to understand—they’re meant to forge you into something extraordinary.
Stand tall, warrior. You’re not alone. You are among the sacred few who carry the weight of freedom on their shoulders. Together, we honor the past, embrace the present, and fight for a better future.
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2 comments
Keep up the fight Marine!
So proud of you
Well said, Marine! As you know, I’m one of the less than 1% who has served in combat, so I can relate to everything you’re saying. There’s no place I feel more connected than in a room full of my own—doesn’t matter the branch, background, or socioeconomic status. We, the modern-day Spartans, will always understand each other and will keep fighting until our last breath.
Thanks for sharing!