I never served. I barely even write military fiction. Tis is not for a lack of understanding or desire, but instead no real market for such thoughts. Some of my protagonists have been ex-military or associated with some form of a paramilitary force. I’ve researched special forces heavily–to the point where I absolutely want to write a special forces role playing book and even delve into the novel side of things.
What I find most interesting about the military is the camaraderie between the soldiers in unit and between opposing forces. There is a level of respect for organized military units at the highest level. There is an unequal amount of trash talk, but that is to be expected.
Maybe what I read and think is all a myth. I know that the way things are in war now bear no resemblance to the medieval-based fantasy conflicts I used to write all the time. Modern warfare is more distant if no less predicated/dictated by technology. The up close and personal aspect of old combat changes the way you see your enemy.