Lou Rothenstein enlisted in the army in 1956. During his 30-year military career, Combat Military Intelligence was his primary field of duty.
He retired in 1986 as decorated Command Sergeant Major and was inducted as a distinguished member of the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in 1994. After retirement, he completed doctoral studies of clinical and organizational psychology.
Vet2Vet: Lou, you had a lengthy career in the Army. What about it do you miss the most?
Lou Rothenstein: I believe it is the camaraderie, teamwork and mentoring others. Watching junior leaders grow and develop new skills.
V2V: Did you choose Military Intelligence as the field to work in, or were you selected?
LR: I did grunt recon things – observing and reporting. I studied admin things reading and writing reports. I was in a warm part of the Cold War.
It all came together when the intelligence field grew in the ‘60s and there was an old combat soldier willing to train me. He was a real mentor.
V2V: I know you have served veterans in many capacities since retiring. How did your education in the field of psychology help in these endeavors?
LR: I saw PTSD before it had a name. Taking care of soldiers was my job as a senior NCO and that was an easy move to learn more to provide better counsel to help veterans.
V2V: What military expertise did you gain on active duty that has been your greatest asset after retiring?
LR: Army Leadership Principles. Simply put – improve yourself, provide a good example, take care of others and challenge them to grow.
V2V: What are some of the ways our senior vets can better face the challenges of aging, especially if they have service-connected disabilities?
LR: I believe the best and most rewarding way is to help other vets work through those challenges. Sharing experiences, providing counsel and guidance. Helping others helps heal us.
Happy 4th of July 2024!
