No Reintegration, No Assimilation

I keep hearing the words  "re-integrate" and "assimilate" and I absolutely detest them. 

Why should we have to "re-integrate?" We were trained to become what we are. We were taught, forced, beaten, and trained to become stronger, faster, tougher, better, something more. We learned to adapt and overcome. We gained a 360 state of mind. We learned to soldier through it and drive on. We lived, fought, operated, and in some cases, died on a separate plane of existence. We survived, and did what we could to make sure our brothers beside us survived as well. We were broken down so they could rebuild us into something better than we once were. 

But now, when they are done with us, they tell us "Reintegrate!" 
"Don't be like that!"
"Don't think like that!"
"Don't act like that!"
"Go back to what you were."
"Assimilate!"

Fuck "reintegration." 

We are NOT who we once were! We are NOT what we once were. We are the sword and the shield. When things bump in the night, we bump back. We are the invisible force. We are the sleeping giant. We have gone to hell, and some of us came back. We have been beaten and battered, but we are NOT broken. We have forged bonds that transcend blood and race and creed, to create a united brotherhood capable of holding the dark of night at bay. Through training, through war, even through hell, we have become the nightmare's nightmare. 

"Reintegration" is not possible. There is no switch, no 'delete', no 'backspace.' We are what we had to become to survive, and we carry that badge with pride. There is no shame in what we are, though the media, the suits, and the cowards would have us think so. "Reintegration" implies no further purpose or use. It implies a sense of shame in one's being, enough to desire to fade back into the uninitiated, untested, unworthy masses. 

 Yet, our purpose is clear and never ending. We exist that we may descend into hell and trod it's gruesome paths that those without the ability, even those without the heart, never have to. We exist to check Hell's fiery advance and keep it's smoke, ash, and destruction away from our doors. We are the righteous retribution of the flag under which we are all united.

By all means, take up the standard, follow the colors, and press onward with us. But telling us to "reintegrate" is like telling a lion to go back to being a cub. We will not reintegrate. We will not assimilate.