When I tell people that I want to join the military, quite often I get a perplexed look and the question, “Why do you want to join the military?” The answer is complex, but the gist of it is that the country has given me many opportunities and I feel that it is my duty to ensure that the opportunities continue to exist. Last year, as the college process began for Uppers, I decided to apply to some U.S. Military Academies – specifically West Point and the Air Force Academy. The decision to do so stemmed from a number of factors, most importantly family history. Many people apply to the academies or enlist because of relatives who have served. My father, uncles and grandfathers all served in the Army and, from a young age, I was influenced by their wartime stories during family get-togethers. Whenever I received advice from my father, the advice came from his military experiences. Since childhood, my dad had a hope of sending me to military school, and as the college process started, that hope became reality. During the past summer, I even attended the West Point Summer Leaders Seminar, a week-long program that introduces prospective candidates to the Academy and military lifestyle. Essentially, it was one week of life at West Point. I enjoyed the program and decided to continue with my applications. My decision to enter the military has been a self-motivated one, and for many people, it is the same. However, for another group of people, that is not the case. I assume that for the public high school students who do not get into a college, cannot pay for college or drop out of school, the outlook is bleak, and these students join the military with the hope that their experiences will provide them with direction in their lives. A number of these enlistees stay in the military and move up in the ranks while others use the experience to jumpstart their careers or receive a scholarship to attend college. Employers and colleges understand that soldiers are very capable beings and will not hesitate to accept them. The benefits of joining the military are tremendous. Outside of the fact that uniformed personnel of the United States carry honor and recognition, there are other advantages. In terms of fiscal benefits, employees of the U.S. Government recieve decent pay and healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. Additionally, loans are much easier for servicemen to obtain, and those who serve long enough get retirement benefits. Soldiers gain invaluable life and leadership experience, which will aid them if they decide to pursue a new career after serving. The package is great. But not everyone is up to service, and that is fine. It takes fortitude to sacrifice oneself for one’s nation, which some consider the highest form of service. For their actions, soldiers are rightfully rewarded. The military is not all gold; it is a difficult path, one on which I am deciding whether to proceed. But whether I choose to attend the Academy or do ROTC at a civilian college, the hardships will, in the end, have their worth.
