Reveille, Reveille
The day I joined the Navy, I was waiting, along with 20 other future sailors, to be processed in. There was a young man sitting next to me, around eighteen or nineteen years old. After awhile, he looked over at me and said, “What are you in for?” His unsuccessful attempt at humor by referencing a jail term not only did not make me laugh, it scared me. What was I in for? What had I done? People avoid serving our country for a myriad of reasons, ranging from “it’s too hard “to “It's just not me.” Some people cannot join because of medical reasons such as diabetes or flat feet. As many reasons as there are not to serve, there are just as many reasons to join, including job security and “the judge made me.” Mostly because of the media and the movies, being in the military has gained the stigma of being a hellish adventure, complete with screaming drill sergeants and long working hours in the heat of the desert. Although this stereotype can be true, it is possible to turn this potential nightmare into a series of government-funded vacations. The key elements to securing a good holiday include choosing the right branch of service to enter, deciding on an appropriate career field, and surviving Basic Training.
Before you even talk to a recruiter, have an idea as to which division of the military interests you. The Army and Marines are extremely physically demanding, frequently requiring physical exercise as often as five times per week. In addition, these branches of service routinely station their personnel in areas of the world that are not conducive to the comforts to which you may have become accustomed. In contrast, the Navy and Air Force are both far less demanding. It is possible to go for months without having to do a single push-up or sit-up. Many of the duty stations in these two branches of service are far more comfortable, greatly improving your vacation potential. Although physical activities will eventually be required regardless...