Tough doesn't mean shit. It's funny how it works though. You can train your ass off for 15 years and never go to war, still being tougher than nails. I'm just a straight-leg, no tabs or 300+ APFT score, just a plain old dirty leg. In my case, I was one of the lucky ones that went to Iraq and in my opinion I'm no tougher than most of the guys in my "old" (I got out of the army a few months after I got home this past march) company. I think it has more to do with sucking it up and driving on than anything. Some of my best friends aren't supermen, they just don't bitch about anything and they always drive on, one foot in front of the other. They've seen some horrible nasty ass conditions and they never mumble or groan. That's the key.
I'm out now though. Ten years in was enough for me. I saw enough cool and enough horrifying shit to last my lifetime. Thought I would get out while was still healthy and sane to enjoy my middle years!
Seriously though, let me know if you need anything man, even just to talk. -11b