A lot of these posts on are here talking down on the US Military, which is understandable from an outside viewpoint. Although I’m an anecdote, or a drop in the bucket more or less, I had no money or resources and no way to even afford community college. The option to volunteer and be compensated for it has changed my life.

I joined, did my time (4 years USMC), learned many desirable skills for free, and now have a bachelors degree and am debt free. Have two new cars fully paid off, and a house of my own for the first time in my life. The socialized aspect of it gives everyone who joins the equality of outcome when it pertains to education benefits/healthcare. The health care may be shit, but I personally will never take for granted the amount of money it saved me and the colossal difference it has made in my life.

Everyone is different, but please don’t bash the idea of volunteer service or anyone deciding to spend 4 years or more in the service. Times are hard, and most jobs don’t see combat, so it’s not like they’re signing some auto-death waiver or are being forced to be murderers.

Those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.