Welcome to TFL...
There are many US armed forces veterans, armed professionals and first responders on the forum.
I'm a veteran too & served four years on active duty(Desert Storm era).
For a 1st weapon or a CC(concealed carry) model, I'd start with a DA only Ruger SP101 .357magnum or maybe a LCR .357magnum. They are robust & well engineered. A Ruger SP101 snub was my first firearm in late 1993.
Other good models include the S&W L frame 3"/4" .357magnum the S&W 642/442 .38spl +P or the SA/DA J frame 638 revolver.
A spurless or DA only(no cocking or hammer spur) is a good choice. It's safe, it won't snag or bind up with clothes & a police detective or lawyer can't make the bogus claim that you shot in a reckless way or were making threats. DA only sidearms have been issued to US law enforcement & security officers for decades. The LAPD calls them; "neutered".
You can practice or train with .38spl rounds then move up to .38spl +P or .357magnum for serious carry. Carry only factory made, high quality ammunition too. No reloads or hand-loads for home defense or concealed carry. Ammunition isn't cheap in 2013, but I'd still buy factory made loads for defense.
In .38spl, get the Ranger-T load, Corbon DPX, Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P JHP, the Hornady TAP or Critical Duty, the MagSafe SWAT load, or the popular Buffalo Bore 158gr Lead SWC HP +P. Carry at least 2/two spare speed strips or speedloaders too. Safariland & HKS are well made speedloaders. I'm left handed & prefer the new orange Quik-Strips. 2 strips can conceal in a Altoids tin too,
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ClydeFrog
PS: know & understand your area's gun laws & lethal force standards. Get a valid CC license too. Your DD-214 may be good for weapons training.
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