Hi all. I am currently in the Army and looking to try out some hiking/backpacking to get me outside more often. I have absolutely zero experience in the backpacking world as a civilian. However, I obviously have the basic skills the Army teaches for rucking, land navigation, patrol bases, etc. How similar is the military version of backpacking to the civilian? Which skills transfer between the two and which ones are different? Does military gear suffice or is it best to invest in civilian equipment? Any other insight is appreciated. Thanks in advance!

PS: any really good places in the north Kentucky region to make sure to go to?