Misunderstanding

Sorry that you misunderstood my statement. Steve stated that those military guys and gals knew what they were getting into when they joined, therefore they aren't really victims here. I'm simply saying that while that is true to a certain extent (they did volunteer) a large number of them joined for the wrong reasons. It is extremely naive to join the military, ignoring the fact that you may have to actually serve some active duty! Joining the military should not be sold as an easy way to pay for college or see the world. It is a hard and dangerous job that isn't for everyone. I have many family members who served honorably in the military, and one who went on to a high-level pentagon position. But I certainly wouldn't want anyone I love to join, now.

When I was in high school, I scored high on the military exam that the recruiters gave (sorry, but I can't remember the name of the test). Anyway, I began to get calls from recruiters nightly and they were pushy. Sometimes down right rude. These people had never met me, knew nothing about me, and were trying to talk me out of going to college to join the military. Is this really the right recruitment tactic? Yeah, I would have really been good on the front line! It is easy to see where so many kids are drawn in to the excitement without really thinking about the consequences until it is too late. Especially when you consider the demographics (large number of under-priviledged and poor).