…or nieces or nephews, etc. I’m having these questions come up and I’m torn on this. On one hand my experience has been like no other- got a chance to see and do so many things, forged the best friendships, housing/education/medical benefits through the VA afterwards. But those cons - the higher odds for experiencing abuse, witnessing or performing horrifying things, etc…all the stuff that comes with lifelong damage…
What’s everyone’s take on this? Would you recommend the military for your kids?
I’ve always advised that there are three reasons to join the military: you feel an actual calling to do so, you have a family and no other way to support them, or you don’t know what to do with yourself so you have Uncle Sam take care of you for four years so you can work it out. (I was option three: I ended up staying for eight.)
I would also advise my kids or anyone else to only consider the Air Force, the Space Force (even though it’s still in beta) or the Coast Guard: while there are dangers with any branch, it seems that in-country if the bullets or IEDs don’t kill you quickly, exposure to burn pits and other toxins will kill you slowly.
Hey part of the Option 3 crowd here too. Took me about a decade to figure things out so guess I’m slower than most. Yeah while I’m entirely grateful for the doors the military has opened, I’m kinda not too excited about the premature death and disability from toxins part. Now given that these seem to be recurring themes throughout all major conflicts you’d think that military service would incur a guaranteed lifetime post-service medical care that is world-class. But no, it’s a dog and pony show to prove how injured you are or might be one day to get that. Until that changes it’s going to be hard for me to sell that path.