Am I insane or just conflicted?

Question

I'm 23 and have everything going for me: A college degree, a professional job, and a few bucks in the bank. But for the last few years I've been seriously considering going into the Army. I feel guilty about having never served and feel that I have a lot to offer. So what's keeping from joining up? For one, it would seriously upset my family, which I would never like to see. Second, I'm worried that I'd regret my decision after induction.

Please offer encouragement one way or the other. I'd hate to go through life with regrets, but that could happen either way.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Joining the military is a noble cause.

Answer 2

I think the real question is why do you feel guilty about not having served? Many Americans have never served and yet are valuable credits to the nation... and more than a few who have served are horrible examples of what we shouldn't ever be.

If you feel in your heart that you owe your country a debt or that you will be more fullfilled as a citizen or if you feel a calling, then by all means join up. We need men and women like you. If it's out of a feeling of guilt, then you need to weed this out first because the worst possible thing would be for you to still have your term to serve and resent it because you made the wrong choice.

If you do join, and become a better citizen for your service, your family, if they're really thinking about you and not themselves, will come around and respect your decision. Because it is YOUR decision, not theirs. One of the hardest things for a parent to come to terms with is that their child had made a choice for themselves that the parent doesn't agree with -- and yet it was the right choice for them to make. But your family will be there for you, and they will support you, if not at first, then when they realize it was the right choice for you. But you have to be sure it's the right one.

Hope this helps! Bottom line -- figure out the guilt! Then the rest will become clear (well, if not clear, at least not muddy!)


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(Ok, I assumed you were American, but as others have suggested, this may not be the case -- stick in your preferred country and the sentiments remain the same.)

Answer 3

Upsetting your family and just what do you mean. Yet you say not wanting to see them. Well I feel your parents is concerned about your welfare in these days and time with so many of our men at war getting killed. Joining the army is your discrection and it could be of some benefits, but consider some issues of life. Loving your country is good but love yourself as well. Unless Uncle Sam drafts you I would go the other way by not joining. Do not regret your options of not serving your country cause chances are better things may be ahead for you. Throw guilt out the back door and go on with your life seems you are already in good status.

Answer 4

First of all you should never do anything out of guilt. That's like being peer pressured to do something back when you were a teen and the end result was not so good.
You should talk to an actual person who is in the army that is currently in the same position in the army that you are interested in doing. This will give you a chance to ask questions about how it effected him and his personal family life. Don't talk to a recruiter because they won't show you both sides of the coin.
You should also ask yourself what is your purpose. What do you really want to accomplish in life? To me it sounds like you want to be recognized for a job well done. Follow your passion and not your guilt and everything will be okay. The army may not be the perfect fit for you.
Don't worry about what your family thinks, if they see you happy doing something you love, they will be happy for you regardless of what it is you decide.
Good luck!

Answer 5

If you really feel the need to do so, spend some time around a military base/post, so that you get the REAL experience of speaking with people that are in the military.
Recruiting personnel tell you what you want to hear..not the truth.
I would choose Air Force over the Army, based on personal experience.
I don't think you need to feel guilty over not joining the military. But, it is your choice. I admire all the military members for their courage and commitment.

Answer 6

Join the Air Force not the Army

Answer 7

go and talk to a recuriter, they have requirments that you have to meet and maybe you will not meet some of them. You have to join for the righ t reason, once you made you decision you have to stick to it. Joining the military is a very noble but life long commitment, I could not be more proud of my husband for being in the military and helping keeping our country free. He is curretnly deployed, and it is hard on our family but we support him 110%. There is nothing wrong with feeling the way you do. write out a lsit of pros and cons, yes, your family maybe shokced but don't you think they would be very proud of you since you have accomplished so much already why not take it one step further? Your not the first the recruiters have sen who were not 100% sure they wanted to join....so go for it you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!!

Answer 8

Go half way and join the National Guard.

Answer 9

talk to an enrolment officer maybe youll be able to serve your country and pursue your carrer at the same time.

I live in canada and I intend to soin my military in med school couse 1 they will pay for it and 2 I will be paid well after

Answer 10

Every man thinks less of himself for not having been a soldier.

(quote from Dr Johnson, who, interestingly enough, never was a soldier).

If it makes you feel any better, my mother screamed for a week after I enlisted. They'll get over it.