Keeping the balance p1 - Military Career Advancement - Military Times Edge

Balancing a busy civilian career with a demanding National Guard or reserve job can be the toughest part of merging military service with private life. Few know this as well as Terry Schappert, host of the History Channel’s “Warriors” series when he’s off duty and a sergeant first class in Special Forces when the uniform’s on.

“I’m blessed to be able to tie the two worlds together like this,” Schappert said. Balancing the two can be like juggling bowling balls, but he’s learned a few things along the way. Here are his tips for keeping things stable even when everything’s up in the air:

Seize the day

Schappert started his military career on active duty, first in an 82nd Airborne Division recon unit, fighting in the Persian Gulf War, and then, after getting his Ranger and Special Forces tabs, with a Special Forces unit in Germany. Through it all, he grabbed opportunities as they appeared. When he had time, he acted in local plays for kicks — never knowing they’d lead to a new profession.

“A lot of what’s come my way has been a combination of persistence and luck — or, if you will, some faith,” Schappert said. “You’ve got to be willing to do things you didn’t expect. The job is not to avoid pain, but deal with it. Stress can be good — you just have to find ways to keep moving.”

Follow your passions

The jobs — acting and spec ops — have similarities. Both require high levels of dedication and initiative. And whether it’s a producer or a general who’s giving the orders, you must be able to take direction well. But you also have to set your own course.

“When I realized I had accomplished everything I had wanted to do in the Army, I did some soul searching, and that’s when I decided I wanted to be an actor,” Schappert said.

He worked two jobs — bouncer by night and personal trainer by day — while attending an intense two-year conservatory program on Broadway. That set the stage for a variety of acting gigs. But when the World Trade Center fell, Schappert knew it was time to put the uniform back on. He joined the Rhode Island National Guard’s 19th Special Forces Group.

Have a support team

Just as every play, movie or TV show has its behind-the-scenes crew and every Special Forces team relies on a host of support units, Schappert says he couldn’t do what he does — on the battlefield or in front of the camera — without his wife and family.

“My wife is my rock,” he said. “I’m very lucky to have her.” Indeed, she filmed the homemade pitch video that landed him the “Warriors” gig.

Stay focused

“Whatever you’re doing, you have to be fully immersed,” Schappert said. “When I was in Iraq, I wasn’t thinking about all the roles I was missing. I was a medic, and that’s what I was doing.”

Conversely, when it came time to film the first 11 episodes of his show, it meant a lot of time away for on-location shoots of warrior cultures around the world. His own soldier time had to take a back seat. By the time he was finished, it meant that “I had some Army requirements with my unit that I had to catch up on.”

Pick your battles

Schappert was close to nailing a role in “The Sopranos” when his unit was activated for a tour to the Balkans.

“I was on my second or third call-back, and I had to tell my agent that I was going to Kosovo,” Schappert said. “I had to take stock and ask myself if I was doing the right thing trying to do both jobs, but I realized it was a matter of being resilient and having the confidence that things would work out.”

When “Warriors” started filming, Schappert’s unit was headed for Iraq. Because of the earlier deployments, he was able to take a pass, but it was hard. “Getting the series was definitely a double-edged sword in that respect. I wanted to go, but the show was obviously a great opportunity.”

Keep the faith

“When I was in eighth grade, I wanted to be a priest,” Schappert said. “Instead, I definitely took the road of darkness.” He left the church for 28 years but found himself turning back to religion during a tour in Iraq.

“I just knew there was something missing, and I’m so sorry that I missed out on the time that I did. My faith makes a whole world of difference now. I’m a better person, a better husband, and it provides a bridge between my two worlds. ... If you have faith, do what it takes to hold on to it and nurture it. If you’ve lost it, go back and get it.”

Know when to say no

Schappert’s an easygoing guy, but you could hear the anger in his voice when he recalled one audition.

The director was really interested in him for a part, “but it was quickly becoming apparent that it was going to be a totally anti-military movie. I said, ‘I don’t want this role,’ and walked out. The minute it gets to the point where you’re willing to trade your values for a job, you’ve sold your soul. You have to stay true to yourself.”