by Bradley Streeter

Created on: May 21, 2008

As a former United States Marine, I disagree with the unqualified statement that military service is the best option for starting a work career. This is not to say I'm not proud of my service or that I didn't receive training and skills that have enabled me to be successful in my post-military life. On the contrary, I think I am far better at my current profession because of lessons I learned in the military.

Military service is a very good option, perhaps the best option, for certain people. For those who lack direction, it provides discipline. For those who are considering a technical trade, it provides both training and real-world experience in the field (sometimes under a considerable bit more pressure than in the civilian context). And even some people who do have direction towards certain goals recognize the military as a good starting point in their career.

Military service is not for everyone, however. In fact, it's probably not for most people. There are a countless number of career paths that have very little to do with military training. To argue that the military is a good first step in the careers of people who have a realistic goal in mind that doesn't include the military is simplistic, perhaps even jingoistic. And if the state were to try to compel such an approach, it would become a downright dangerous idea.

The United States of America maintains an all-volunteer force that is considered exceptional. While on active duty, I ran across many fellow Marines who felt they were duped by their recruiter. However, most that I keep up with are ultimately proud of their service and feel well-served by the skills they acquired while on active duty. Many of these Marines volunteered for patriotic reasons, but quite a few volunteered solely for the job training. I don't feel either motivation makes a better Marine. However, I am certain that many of my non-military friends are doing just fine despite their decision not to serve would have made resentful Marines had they believed it to be their best option.

The military provides great opportunity for many young adults, opportunity that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. I just don't tend to believe that the fact that a certain path has advantages means that all other paths are inferior. I would never discourage a friend or relative from military service. There have been numerous times that I have actively encouraged it. But I wouldn't be naive enough to believe it to be everyone's best option, nor presumptuous enough to try to convince somebody that my way is best for them.

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