I hate people...
Some idiot was Army-bashing today, so this is my response to his question, "Why join the Army and let someone else control your life?"
There's a sense of honor in it that, no offense, I can't expect someone who isn't in the military to understand. You get discipline, you learn a skill, you get the pride that comes with serving your country. When I'm not working for the Army, I have complete control over my life. But when it comes time to put on my uniform, shave my face, cut my hair... I do it with pride. It's called Selfless Service and it's one of the core values of the Army. Being able to disregard personal preference for a call to a higher duty. Putting your country ahead of all else. That's a decision. That's not something that you're forced to do. Nobody can force you to sacrifice that most precious thing, your own life. You choose to do that. You make a committment, take an oath. Therein, my friend, lies your "personal say" And nobody should be denied the ability to make that decision, whether they're 17 or 37. Granted, it's not for everyone. Some people get in and decide it was a bad idea. So they resign, and there is no dishonor in that. It's all about making the decision that's right for you. Nobody else controls your life; that's all in your hands. You make your own choices, and live with the consequences.
There's a sense of honor in it that, no offense, I can't expect someone who isn't in the military to understand. You get discipline, you learn a skill, you get the pride that comes with serving your country. When I'm not working for the Army, I have complete control over my life. But when it comes time to put on my uniform, shave my face, cut my hair... I do it with pride. It's called Selfless Service and it's one of the core values of the Army. Being able to disregard personal preference for a call to a higher duty. Putting your country ahead of all else. That's a decision. That's not something that you're forced to do. Nobody can force you to sacrifice that most precious thing, your own life. You choose to do that. You make a committment, take an oath. Therein, my friend, lies your "personal say" And nobody should be denied the ability to make that decision, whether they're 17 or 37. Granted, it's not for everyone. Some people get in and decide it was a bad idea. So they resign, and there is no dishonor in that. It's all about making the decision that's right for you. Nobody else controls your life; that's all in your hands. You make your own choices, and live with the consequences.