Hello j:

This isn't a decision that someone can make for you. Joining the military or NOT isn't like deciding to go to this movie or that. Given that we're at war, you could get KILLED in the military. People who go in usually don't do it to enhance their civilian career. They do it because they feel an obligation to their country....

And, then there's those who do it to get laid... Ok, not everybody is egalitarian. If you can avoid getting killed, and you can put up with military BS, those guys have an awful lot of fun toys to play with. Driving an aircraft carrier, or piloting an F-22 has got to be the most fun you can have with your clothes on...

Yes, I served. I was only an enlisted man, and would have given my eyeteeth to become an officer.. I mean, they're the managers, and the rest are the grunts.

Plus, the military will educate you, and take you around the world. In my view, it's the greatest adventure a young man can do, assuming again, that you keep from getting killed.

In terms of that, I found the Navy to be the safest place... No matter how ugly the battle was, we at least got to eat hot food and sleep in our own beds at night... No dirty foxholes for sailors.... Course, when the ship is going down, there ain't no where to run....

excon