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Part of it might be the incessant “esteem training” that is going on these days in education. Academia is world unto itself. I went into the Army - it must be admitted - to help pay for College. Mommy and daddy weren’t gonna foot the bill. Looking back NOW, it’s easy to understand why.

But I remember during those first few weeks in Basic, I was feelin’ pretty low, lol. During KP, it all kinda hit me. Feelin’ sorry for meself. Well the Army was the best thing that ever happened to me. That ain’t always the case for everyone of course. But I owe Uncle Sam a debt of gratitude, and the outstanding NCOs and Officers and fellow Soldiers that can never be repaid. I Suppose it could be argued that had I paid attention to Mom, Dad, Apple Pie and Chevrolet in the first place, a couple stints in the .mil wouldn’t have been necessary to begin with, but that ain’t how it worked out.

No doubt you are correct about “esteem training”. As far of a reach as this may seem..the fact that our kids can’t fully participate in what used to be an independent childhood (simple things like playing in the front yard alone, playing in the neighborhood with friends, with no adult supervision..gasp) because of the dangers involved, may have robbed them of their independence and decision making ability. Very often what one learned in that relatively adult free environment, carried forward to adulthood.

The military is a great teacher. Thanks for your service.

Nice post...I agree that the military is a good career choice whether before college or after ..i did the college first then the mil and i love the crusty Artillery sergeants who were our DI’s..They would not run if a cannon shell was chasing them and for that i thank them forever. It was the best preparation i could have had for life...and it got me thru ‘Nam and into the ‘real world’...