Welcome to the forums. I'm not really sure about the whole Army thing, it isn't a terrible option, but I think you really need to want to do it, it shouldn't just be on a whim. Did you have any alternatives?

Dr. Jeebus wrote:

...talk to the few forum members that are part of the service. Nothing anyone else here has to say should matter to you...

Because it would be impossible for one to be able to understand things without participating.

Gosh, I wouldn't know that being in a cult is a terrible idea unless I first experienced it... I guess I shouldn't tell people they are a bad idea unless I first try it.

Damn, I can't possibly know that picking up a tray of food from a hot oven will severely burn me because I haven't done it yet.

I will concede that those in the military would be able to provide a degree of relevant personal experience that others do not have, but that doesn't make the rest of us unable to empathize, sympathize and realize what life in the military is like or the toll it takes on an individual or their family.

Also, military experience is not the same for all people. Graduates of West Point aren't going to have the same responses as those who were drafted during Vietnam.

Shit... the way you phrase things it is as though people shouldn't be able to vote in this country because they may not have enough experience with what they are voting on to be able to make rational decisions.

Dr. Jeebus wrote:

What are you, Jon Snow?

Are you flat out insulting him, me, or both of us?

Dr. Jeebus wrote:

You only quoted half my statement and then responded in a ridiculous manner that's answered by the part you didn't quote.

The context was not altered and the second portion of your statement did not answer anything, it only reaffirmed your position.

Sometimes I feel like you browse the forums with blinders on and respond with a quick tongue and no regard for anyone else. Did you read what you wrote? I quoted it before because it was the part of your post that I found infuriating. My response to you wasn’t because I disagree with your perspective on family coming first in a large personal decision. In fact I believe the same thing. I responded the way I did because you suggested that no response other than one from a member of the armed forces or family was worth considering.

Dr. Jeebus wrote:

Do you HONESTLY think that our opinion should have any bearing on what he does? What possible reason would there be for it?

Did you read my first post in this thread?

I do believe in what I said and I do think it is a legitimate response.

I don't think that going into the army is something that one should do on a whim. A person needs to really be focused on it and prepare to dedicate a large portion of their young life to the service. I do feel that at 30 I have lived long enough to know what a four year commitment to a serious and life changing decision is all about. It is something to be considered and not done randomly or on a lark.

So, does my answer definitively state if going into the army is a good or a bad idea? No, it simply cautions that the decision shouldn't be quick or irrational and suggests that alternatives should at least be an option.

Dr. Jeebus wrote:

That wasn't the question asked though. The question asked was "Is it a good idea to go into the army." I don't disagree with your statement about it not being something you do on a whim, but you're also not giving any opinion on his inquiry.

Neither of us answered it directly, and frankly, I doubt he will receive a specific answer from anyone online with a two sentence post.

He hasn't offered enough information for anyone to present a valid argument for him to join or avoid the military.

As far as I understand, the point of a thread is to further the discussion and see if the conversation leads to a meaningful answer or suggestion.