I wouldn't hesitate to advise any grandchildren of mine to join the
military if they asked me for my advice.

If they asked you why you recommend it, especially at this specific point
in
history, what would you tell them?


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote
I would start out by explaining that life is an adventure.

Ha ha ha! Yes it sure is. Even when one does not join the military.

... Everyday
is a new series of events that lead to in multiple directions. Take
advantage of the training and skills offered by the military in
exchange for adding to your store of skills and ability so that
whatever direction your life takes, you are a little more prepared for
it.


That is a valid point for many young people, but not for others. For
example, for a young person intent on becoming a doctor, joining up has
been a good way of gaining some financial security while struggling up
that ladder, and because of the military's vested interest in having
good doctors on hand, it has also been a way past a door that might have
otherwise been closed.

All changed now.

I would say that you can pick what you want to do - Aircraft,
electronics, yada, yada, yada. If you really want to have some fun,
shoot for the elite specialties. Hell, even those pussy Navy types
can do good things for you.


OTOH the Navy doesn't give you all the fun of visiting exotic & foreign
lands, meeting the people, and killing them. And you don't get to sleep
in the swamp.


I would tell them that the discipline and camaraderie will stay with
them forever and give them something to fall back on when times get
tough.


Self discipline & focus is a big benefit that military training and
experience can offer. But again, not all kids need this, not all would
benefit from it. It's quite likely that a kid with some minor discipline
or behavioural 'issues' might end up having really serious problems.



I would say that yes, the chances of being killed by bad guys is
higher than being killed driving across town, but if you pay
attention, trust your buddies and follow the lead of your Senior NCOs
- stay sharp, you'll be just fine.


It improves the odds (and is a useful skill to carry forward in life),
but it's hardly a guarantee. Suicide bombers and IEDs don't care.


Last, I would say that will be bad times, but they will be more than
offset by the good times and those will be more than worthy of
remembering.


Doug Kanter wrote:
All true (almost), but to my son, I've said that if you're going to get your
guts blown out, make sure it's for a good cause.


"The United States has no right, no desire, and no intention to impose our
form of government on anyone else. That is one of the main differences
between us and our enemies."
-- Apparently he isn't counting the invasions, occupations and
nation-building endeavors in Afghanistan and Iraq, 2005 State of the Union
address, Washington, D.C., Feb. 2, 2005



The U.S. military has always been at least on the fringe of being a
mercenary force used to gouge greater profits out of exploited foreign
economies for politically favored companies. This was true in George
Washington's time, it's true now. There have been a fair number of times
when this has been only a slight tendency, then there have been times
(like now) when it is pretty much the primary mission.

I knew this when I joined up. I'd make sure that any young person who
asked my advice had a reasonable knowledge of history, as well as
knowledge of the nature of the beast to which he was offering his throat.

DSK