In September of 1980, as I took my first fateful steps off the bus at Fort Dix, New Jersey, I had no idea I was entering a world where the shadows held secrets darker than any battlefield. This unforgiving military fortress, with its muted gray concrete and oppressive training regimen, would become the backdrop for a story rarely told—one of vulnerability interwoven with strength and the relentless struggle for survival against an unseen enemy.

"The Dark Side of Serving" pulls back the curtain on the hidden truths of military life, revealing the uncomfortable realities that are often swept under the rug. As drill sergeants wield their authority like a weapon, recruits find themselves navigating relationships fraught with fear, manipulation, and betrayal where safety can come at a price and loyalty is tested in unimaginable ways. In this short series, the echoes of past struggles resonate, challenging us to confront the unspoken challenges faced by those enlisted to serve and protect, yet caught in the crossfire of a battle far removed from the glory of duty. Join me as we delve into the complexity of human experience within the military, unearthing the raw and often painful truths that define the journey of every soldier.