I joined the Army at 17 and had to have my Dad sign the papers for me to do it. I became a tanker just like my Dad was in Korea. He was proud of me and thats why I did it. The Armored Cav (1/11 ACR) were some tough SOBs. I enjoyed the hell out of it for four years. Got out a buck seargent, loafed for 6 months then joined the Coast Guard and stayed in for another 18 years. I told my Dad during a rough patch in my first enlistment that it would either be 4 yeras or 20+. (Those Clinton years were the toughest!) No use in wasting anymore time without reaping the benifits.
I wouldnt have changed very much at all. All my duty stations were good because of the people, not because of the location.
You will be hard pressed to find a more rewarding career than serving your country.
EVERY person graduating High School should join a military service for at least one hitch. Move as far away from home as you can and prove to yourself that you can make it.
Advice?:
1. Dont work on the heater system in an M-1 in sub zero weather (no matter how cold you get) without disabling the Haoln fire supression system first. The IR sensor is just in the right place to be smacked with the crescent wrench when it slips off of the exhaust flange bolt. (Halon frostbite to the eyes hurts for about 2 weeks).
2. Dont trust your platoon Sgt when he tells you the breech block is locked in place with the chain fall (that he failed to get replaced because its broke!) and its ok to remove the firing pin with your index finger. (BIG TIME ouchy boo boo!) Then make sure that the doctor that sewes your finger back on hasnt been practicing psyciatry (sp) for the last 8 years and is working the ER just to keep his quals up.
3. Wear your ear plugs more than everyone else.
LOL I know what you mean about the heaters and halon bottles. I was an M1A1 tanker myself. Greatest thrill taking 67 tons 40mph across the open desert, ooohhh what a rush.