I would never personally do it, because of religious convictions, but I don't think it's a bad idea. My best friend is going into the Marines by the end of the year, and my stepdad was in the Navy. Just do what you feel is right to do.

I don't see it as a bad idea at all, the benefits of being in the army are excellent. Especially in the US? If I'm wrong please do correct me.

I'd never join, but it seems about half and half with people I've talked to and their experience. My friend's boyfriend seems to have had a good experience (and actually moved up to Alaska to live with him), as well as my friend who was in the Army. On the opposite end of the coin, my sister's friend said it was miserable and definitely wouldn't suggest joining, and my brother didn't seem to enjoy the experience much at all. However, he was involved in the Iraq war and was stationed in Qatar two different times, so for him it was a much different experience I'm sure.

I've had a few friends tell me when there's no action, the boredom is absolutely crippling.

I am pretty anti-military but also a big fan of letting people do whatever the **** they want bc its not my problem. However, if you've been experiencing mania recently, I would advise against making the decision right away. If it sounds like a good idea in six months, try it. If you're only doing it as a last resort for an employment, try to consider other options as well. Internet work is pretty plentiful these days, and their are a lot of writing jobs that pay really well and don't require drug tests, and since you're a talented writer you could easily pick up several and make a really good paycheck.

But most importantly, don't make any huge life changes if you've been manic recently. You will prob regret it

Everybody pays tax, everybody is a 'government tool.'

Now how about you leave the thread until you've been through puberty and let the grown ups answer her questions.

But there you go, he's joining the army for the wrong reason. He wasn't interested in serving his country, he did it because he "screwed up". And this is the case for any job, if you join it because it inspires you then it will suit you, but out of desperation and you're unlikely to get much out of it.

As far as I can see, Phanastasio isn't in that position, so I don't think this should be a factor.

Until you've been married to an idiot who milked the system and ruined your life doing so, I suggest you grow up and think of better retorts.

I will say there are some good people in the force but it's too much of a sacrifice to a government that doesn't care about the underlings.

It just breaks my heart that anyone ever goes that far. it's a horrifying job.

Some people are kept safe and have good jobs in the gov. It's the underling positions that are scary.

So, you would be totally OK if the same sacrifices were made under a government that really, really, really cared about all the crap people chose to endure for their own sake?
What do you think about firefighters? Police?
Do you think it's too much of a sacrifice for them to put their lives in danger for your sake?
Do you hold their choices in disdain while you benefit from them?

I think the same thing could be said about military or public service. People choose it. And they know the risks. Regardless of their motive for choosing to take those risks, they do, and whether you think it noble or horrible, you are still benefiting from their decisions, and they as well.

If you actually think it's all about sacrificing for a government, you've got it all wrong. It's about sacrificing for yourself, your fellow man, or any other reason we have the right to choose, seeing as it's our sacrifice to begin with.
So let's not pretend that we're all doing this for the government, shall we?