Asymmetric Military

Link: http://www.military.com/Recruiting/Content/0,13898,rec_splash,,00.html

I teach at a high school and many students ask me whether they should join the military. I have come up with an easy, if oversimplified, formulation. There are two reasons to join the military: The first reason to join the Army is if you are an individual who loves military stuff: You like guns, marching, physical exercise, and the smell of Kiwi; you've watched Blackhawk Down 23 times and didn't realize there was another station besides the History Channel; you read Victor David Hanson and Sun Tzu; and you like the PX as much as Bob Vila likes Home Depot. You need to join the Army or else you will suffer from soldier envy for the rest of your life.

Black Hawk Down

The other reason to join the military is if you're patriotic or believe in a particular cause. Your commitment to the mission and goal of the military will allow you to tolerate the many unpleasant tasks and non-compromising treatment that, unless you are also joining for reason number one, you will not enjoy.

I'll discuss my reasons tomorrow.

Link: http://www.military.com/Recruiting/Home/0,13387,,00.htm

Below I gave you two reasons to join the Army: Patriotism, military temperment, or both. Some, however, join for other reasons. Now, it has happened that people join for the wrong reason and end up liking it, but I want you to know that if your reason does not change, you may regret it. Here are the wrong reasons to join:

1. Money for college.

There are lots of ways to get money for college even if you're not a genius. If you're poor, you'll get financial aid. If you're middle class, work! Or, get a loan. Public colleges are hardly anything at all and if you go to a junior college, it's even less. Since we're on the subject, I don't know why everybody doesn't go to a junior college. Anyways, you don't have to run through the mud and be in Iraq for a year just to get some money for books. Here'a a better idea: Go to college and join ROTC. You get money and when you graduate, you get to be an officer.

2. To be with friends:

Chances are you will see them less.

3. Meet girls/guys

Dont Laugh. Here's the deal: Guys, the ratio is 8:2 guys. It could be OK for girls, now that I think about it.

4. To get training

Whatever job you want, you'll get trained. Don't worry about it.

5. Job opportunities

Some employers may like military people. Some may not. I think if you're a reservist, it will work against you, overall, as most employers don't want the hassle of deployments.

6. Glory

Most people have a positive view of the military and will treat you nicer. But, then again, if you keep telling people you're in the Army to get some special recognition, 60% of all people and 100% of the people you want to impress will notice your pathetic attempts at attention and remember that such people are always obnoxious. Be proud, be humble.

7. Family expectations

This one's not too bad. You may have a military tradition to carry on. If it's worth it, go ahead.

Remember, I joined and have not regretted more than 5% of the whole experience.