I hope that was abundantly clear. 

I doubt that I am more intelligent than anyone else here, quite frankly.  I may be better schooled that "some" and more knowledgable about my specialty, but more "intelligent?" I seriously doubt that one......

Military service did have a positive effect on my ability to withstand criticism.   Certainly, it had a major effect on my ability to withstand criticism of ideas and be able to separate that from a "personal attack."  That is something that is worth its weight in gold.... and then some.

Understand one thing:  while I cannot speak for anyone else, in this regard, I want YOU to understand that I am not, EVER, attacking you personally.  I may have a field day on something you say...... but it is the THING that I am accosting, not YOU!  Ok?  I may say, "that is the stupidest statement I've ever heard."  But notice, please, that the "statement" is what is being called stupid, not the person who said it. 

SO......... what is it that you don't want to ask?  (I'm a sneaky little devil, aren't I?)