[yiftach]

Fair enough.

[wilburt]

Sorry that you have PTSD I am guessing it goes with what you did while in the service. and I know it takes years to get out of it but then ya have to work at that. as I have a son in Iraq right now I do beleive he is there to make our world safe and that is his duty . As for talking any one out of it,Nope wouldnt.As for talking to them about going in I do think that is a caricture builder for most. They learn disapline and manners and lots of things can also finish school and learn a trade while in there. and seems like most that do go do learn a trade that they might not get to do out side the service. and they should be very proud to serve our country . I just might be frrom the old school,but I do think it is a good thing to do.

[franki30]

Some of the causes of my PTSD stem from military action, but most of it come from EMS and disaster recovery activities. Thanks for supporting our military and I pray your son comes home soon, and healthy.

[tzadok]

thanks am sure he will come home soon and only know now he will have a time getting used to loud noises but we will help him out as much as we can so it hopefull wont take 6 months for him to recover from this. Merry CHristmas or HAppy what ever you celibrate!

[pierson]

I've spent most of my adult life in the U.S. Army, both on Active Duty and in the National Guards of 3 states. I retired a few years ago, and I miss it a lot. I'm also dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other forms of "burnout" from my experiences in the military, riding ambulance and disaster recovery. Because of my experiences, if anyone asks me about a career in the military (or EMS and disaster recovery), I can talk with them about both the great benefits and the definite drawbacks that go with the decision. But most of you don't have that experience to draw on. So, if your son, daughter, spouse, sibling or just good friend was looking into joining the military, what would you say to them? If you would try to talk them out of it, what arguments would you use? If you were supportive of it, what encouragements would you use?

[adalberto19]

I come from a long line of military. My husband is ex army. My brother is law is a retired ranger. Several of my nephews have joined other branches of the military. My family believes in serving their country and protecting it from terrorist. I have to admit that they got good educations out of the deal as well. Yes, there are draw backs but there is with any occupation you choose. I do not try to talk anyone into serving or not serving. I say to those who choose to join that I admire them and thank them for standing up for the US as a whole. I also say may God bless them for defending those who are safe at home. My husband sacraficed many years of his life for his country as well as his hearing but you will never here him say that he regrets serving his country. I am very proud of every family member who stepped up and defended their beliefs and their country. If for some reason you choose not to serve that is ok too, I just hope that those who do not serve will honor and support those who do. I thank all men and women who have fought in our military at one time or another to keep those of us safe that stayed at home.I had an Uncle who served in Vetnam, and cousins and uncle's who served in Korea. Now that we are in afganistan and iraq I also have family there. I watch the new all the time. Being in the military is a calling and an honor. Serving your country just to get an education is no reason to serve, it is an added bonus. I feel shame for the people who got a good education on Uncle Sam's tab and when the war broke out decided that they did not want to serve any more. They got their education and now they wanted to run and hide. I support our troops to the fullest. They go where they are told and they do the best they can. I would never try to convince a person to join the military or not to join. I would only support any choice that they freely made.