Encourage her....seriously, I’d do it if I had it all to do over again (Ok, AFTER college and instead of marriage).
I was a civilian typist for the DoD for a few years during college. I was about to apply for a Corps of Engineers post in Oman when I got serious with my future husband :-).
We have a lot of military experience in the family, and we’re encouraging Anoreth to prepare herself sensibly - community college classes, Girl Scouts awards, physical training - and discussing how to make the most of an enlistment. The military can be terrific for a young person who lives frugally and takes advantage of the opportunities for education, training, and travel. She wants to be an auto or airplane mechanic and go to Iraq; she’s good with tools and machinery, at least compared to me.
My brother joined the Air Force because Mom said he had to move out at 21, but he found it was perfect for him and had a very successful 22-year career. Now he’s working for the AF as a civilian! My father was a Navy officer, 27 years. I think Anoreth has the personality to be career military, too: very intelligent, like my brother, but needs a lot of structure and rewards to do her best.
I went to college right out of high school, and didn’t have to Get Real and get a real work ethic until I had a job. I think, especially with the way things have changed in the last 20 years, that some serious work, whether it’s military or civilian, is a good idea before college.