Hey Youth,

I guess I don't usually reply to your posts, but after reading this latest one, I decided I had to put in my two or three cents. Ok, first of all, being a veteran myself, I think it's admirable that you want to go into the military. But take my very good advice, Youth, be absolutely sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Believe me, once you sign that paperwork and you are on your way to boot camp, that's it! You will be the property of Uncle Sam and he will literally own your happy butt for however many years you have signed up for.

I'm sure you have spoken with your recuiter and he has told you about all the benefits and good programs that the military has to offer. I know there are many. But also know that it is absolutely NO walk in the park, no matter which branch you are looking into. I myself would recomend The Air Force if you are looking for something that is a lot more like a normal 9 to 5 job (although, believe me, it is definately NOT a 9 to 5 job!). And I guess if you really want to see action and go all the way, gung-ho, then the Marines would be your choice...have fun with THAT boot camp. AND I guess the President is looking into changing the way the Military treats gays, which is good, but I wouldn't expect big changes any time soon. The U.S. Military is full of traditions and traditional attitudes, and that will take a long time to change. However, having said that, I did alright in the service, although I HAD to stay in the closet big time.

I went in many years ago to get away from my own bad family situation and to maybe see parts of the world I might not have otherwise have been able to see. I got the first part ok, but because I kind of became complacent where they decided to put me, I wound up doing my whole enlistment in one place. Which for me was ok at that time. But beleive me, you can really see some of the world while you are in. If that's something you think you might like, then by all means go in. Then there is always, always, always the distinct posibulity that you will go to war in a very nasty place. That is something you definately want to consider very carefully. I'm sure you realize it will be real war and fighting with real guns and real bullets and death or permanent injury is a VERY real posibulity. BUT, if all of that sounds good to you and you carefully weigh all the pros and cons and it still looks better than anything you might have in the civilian world, then by all means, join up. But do yourself a HUGE favor and be as informed about everything that is involved as you humanly can before you sign up.