I am leaving school forever at the end of this month and as most of you know you have a tough decision to make in terms of your future career.

Over the last few months I have debated on joining the army or not. Its not that college is not an option but I really want to go to the army. Then on the other hand, theres always a risk in getting killed.

I just wanted to get other peoples views on joining the army, the advantages and disadvantages of going and does the advantages over come the disadvantages.

Greatly appreciate if the comments were serious and not negative.

Look there is no shame in defending you country but you must realize what defending the country is like. You may have to shoot or be shot in real life! If you think you can be the quicker shot and possibly survive whatever might come your way the benefits are freaking awesome usally. Not to mention if you have loved ones it should be openly discussed with them. Dont let others pressure yourself into joining either it has to be something you decide

Not that its pride for my country as I'm joining a differents countrys army. Its more to help people.

what country??

Then it depends on which country's army, because if it was the U.S I would suggest no. There are other branches much less dangerous, and if you know anything about the wars going on right now then you can see what horrible things you would have to do. I wouldn't just worry about dieing, I'd worry about killing other human beings as well. I'm married to a Nuke engineer in the Navy who works on submarines. I've talked to many different people in many different branches and the lot of them hate it. It sucks any life you have in you, and if you're going to choose the army, consider all the psychological trauma it may cause you. Could you really kill someone in another country just because they're defending their own land? Ask yourself that.

No matter what country's army you join, just be sure you are doing it for the right reasons (or at least what YOU percieve to be the right reasons). And do not let ANYONE tell you that you are wrong for doing it. Patriotism in any fashion for any country is to be (at least in my mind) in a way saluted.

The Irish army are not recruiting right now and as we dont go to war we have a good reputation and the chances of getting killed are slim.

Thats why I was going to join the Royal Irish. The british army so to speak. I know that it would be a totally different lifestyle but the best thing is the conract is only for 4 years.

Hickey, speaking as an Army brat, i'd say go for it. The life my dad lived in the Army sounds fantastic, all the different countries he went to and lived in during his 23 years in the Army. Obviously though its not all good, you've got a lot of risk right now with the wars going on, especially if you choose to join the Royal Irish. Id say do whats in your heart, if its something you want and your passionate about, speak to your loved ones and see how they feel about it. Despite what I said before about how great my dads life seemed to me, one of the main reasons I havnt joined myself is because of my mum, she begged me not to. So considering she was side by side with my dad that whole time, I listened to her and didnt sign up. A decision I add I havnt regretted, as I then went on to meet my wife in my next job!

Either way, best of luck to you.

If you are worrying about dying, then your mindset is not right for the army already. There is risk of dying every day, you should be focussing on other areas of how the army will change your life. It shouldn't have anything at all to do with the risk of getting killed. You should want to join the army to help your country/help other people. To build bonds with another human being that you would never come close in day to day life.

I've had friends join the army and not come back the same, and not in a good way. But the few that have came back who've had stories to tell where they have been and what they are doing in other countries, you can tell they love what they do. Remember you will be killing other human beings, it isn't a normal job, so don't take your decision lightly.

The comments have been great guys. Thanks Worley and Mess for the great info. I have decided to join after all.

I'm planning on joining the Army shortly after I turn 18. I will sign for a contract of 4 or 6 years then once I have given my tour I will go apply for a position in the Special Forces. I know I have the opportunity of picking my MOS after I finish basic, but I think I will have more of a chance of being prepared for the vigorous training I will undergo with the Special forces. Later in life I plan on being either a cop or a intterogator.

I dont think I'd ever go for the special forces in the Royal Irish. Might go for it in the Irish if they are recruiting. Its would be some hard life man.

My friend in the army finds it hard to come home often, I couldnt imagine what the special forces would be like.

Well for me I will be 18 in 8 months. I'll join up shortly after, I will be starting a contract for 4-6 years, I'll be 22 or 24,  Then apply for special forces, (never know, may not even be able to apply) then spend at least 6-8 years there. Then I plan on being a cop most likely. Plus I am talking about the American armed forces. 

Thats a great plan.  Maybe the American might be easier to get into because of the numbers that apply.

You definetly going?

Hickey, I know you've talked about this for some time and always seemed excited about it when you would speak on it. I don't think the Army has to be an option to college. You can always do both. Good luck in whichever route you take man :)

Thanks Sexybeast. Hopefully it will work out :)

Yeah thats what I'm figuring. If not the Army then possibly the Marines. Ah yes. One of my dreams since I was little. Seems like its where my life needs to be.

Mess most people who I know that join the military do it for the benefits and not for their country

:O

Ya a lot for people do that. I wouldnt really mind about the money, mainly to help people really.

I could give a shit about the benefits. I want to be able to say I protected my country. While others were sitting on their asses collecting checks and doing their day to day jobs. Yes thats needed for a country to function as a whole, not the collection of taxpayers money, but those who go out and bust their asses every day. Your friends who do that have no sense of honor and shouldn't join the military.