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This actually is a perfect place to ask. We've got people of all opinions, ideas and experiences around. If I'm not mistaken, we've even got people who lost people in war. All aspects, ideologies and opinions are expressed, and important questions raised and answered.

Most of them have nothing to do with military life (from the perspective of a person who's served).


Basing a decision to join the military off of people's views who've lost a loved one in a War, is only relevant if the individual who's thinking of enlisting bases his decisions in life on family member's wishes. Joining the military is the sole decision of the individual (or it should be); it's your life.

I suggest you check out a Military Forum; such as www.military.com, to get a perspective that is more in tune with what you may want to do with part of your life.

-Keith

Yes, but the person making the decision should note the people around them - if you die or get severely injured in a war situation (say if that does happen) then you're not the only one who suffers, death can actually tear people apart, particularly the death of a son or daughter.

At the end of the day, the decision comes at the questions of 'Is it worth it?' followed by a long essay of an answer considering all points of views, all possibilities, what it may mean to you and what it may mean to others.


Wait I said I'd shut up didn't I, oh well.

KeithC, you really have the perspective of the individualist soldier. Not only should the person subscribing keep in the back of his head that the people around him will be affected too, also, he should be aware of the consequences of his enlisting ánd the possible results - including that he goes into military duty and ends up killing someone.

The fact that most of us have nothing to do with the military doesn't mean we can't form an opinion about it. It's like saying no one should have an opinion about anything, because from the eyes of the people that are really involved, we're not involved. Of course we can have an opinion and of course we can raise valid and important questions. I find it quite disturbing anyone would see that different, as even democracy is based on the fact that anyone can have an opinion and everyone can influence decision-making (to a certain extent).

Even though (it appears that) you loved the military, and I know many other Americans who did, I can tell you I know an equal number who hated their time there, or winded up having recurring nightmares or some who even have light cases of PTSD.

Signing up to the military might be a way to get into life, but it can just as well be your way out of life, or into a life that is haunted by nightmares or similar experiences.

But, you're correct, the decision is solely that of the individual, but any sane individual will also calculate in the effects it can potentially have on their own physical and mental health, the effects it can have on beloved ones and the deeds they potentially have to fulfill.

That you were 'lucky' and didn't get sent out into hell itself, doesn't mean another person will be as 'lucky' as you were. Unless you're really dedicated to fighting for your country, I say that given the current circumstances extreme caution is an appropriate thing.

You don't get very far in the Military by being an individual (regardless of the idiotic advert "Army of One", that has since been dropped); you've got to be part of a Team.


Sure; that's input he could get from someone who's actually been a part of the military (not a recruiter).

I don't remember saying that I "love" the military; but I do appreciate what it has given me (some things are not tangible in a physical sense). There's been many a time when I've thought my sanity had been pushed a bit too far, or things just plain sucked; but many places of employment are stressful. I know many people who hated their time in the Military as well; most of them signed up for the wrong reasons.


I'm pretty sure my deployment to Iraq was hellish; at least from my perspective. Seeing a little kid get brained with a rock by another kid, just because he wanted the piece of candy I threw him while on a convoy (which we couldn't stop) through Nassariah...isn't something I like to remember. I was involuntarily extended past the time I signed up for (which they can do according to contract) to go on the deployment; that's just the way the ball rolls sometimes. I may have to go back again, as we are now in our "ready year"; don't really want to, but I did sign on the dotted line (again).


I'll go along with that statement as well.

The individualist comment was not aimed at your duties in the army, but in how you handle people who've not been in the army.


Doesn't mean we can't raise the questions.

I'll retract my statement about going to 'hell', since I was not aware that you served in Iraq. My respects for that.

Glad we agree, though.

In that case, I can see your point.