For me personally, I'm looking forward to my first milsim event in december I'm an ex serviceman but I'm not doing it to hark back to the 'good old days' (great memories but some really bad ones aswell)
For me, its a change from skirmish days. Its a chance to meet new people & possibly new friendships, yes it's playing pretend soldiers at pretend objectives but how many of us do get immeresed in a days pew pew pewing lol
Above all, it's the enjoyment, challenges & socialising which I don't get much being a lone parent as my kids come first