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I can't speak for everyone, but I can speak for myself. After high school I chose the military option and never regretted the experience. When I finished high school I quickly learned that my family didn't qualify for aid and my grades didn't warrant a special scholarship. So I was stuck. There were a few companies around that offered higher education programs, but none of these companies wanted to invest in my major - law. I wanted to be a lawyer and was looking at at least 7 more years of education. So when I was approached with the military option ( 3 hots and a cot), plus the GI Education Bill; I jumped at the opportunity. I joined the Army for me and my future. The notion to also serve my country and defend it principles was an added benefit. The Army wasn't a cruel taskmaster during the Cold War. I was simply asked to follow my orders and be the best soldier I could be. In return I would be able to continue my education during service and work with lawyers in the Judge Advocate General's Corp (JAG). Once I completed my basic and advanced training I posted at Ft. Know where I started working as a Civil Law Paraprofessional in the Post Legal Assistance office. There I learned the basic applications of business, civil and family law. During my tenure there I helped to expedite foreign marriages, adoptions and sadly divorces. I was also exposed to administrative and environmental law.

When the Army thought I was ready, I was given other opportunities to actually work military/federal criminal cases with prosecutors and defense attorneys. In this regard I worked with investigators and judges. From them I learned the more "touchy-feeley" aspects of practicing law. I learned first hand about people, conflict and the ethics of law during 7 years of service. When I was transferred to Europe and Japan I was exposed to the intricacies and complications of International law. You can't get this type of experience of a school campus - in fact, you can't buy. Despite receiving several awards, recommendations and citations for exemplary service I decided that I didn't want to be a lawyer after all. I had too much heart and couldn't be an effective advocate for the guilty. So when I "mustered out" of the Army I quickly enrolled in a Teacher's college and became a teacher. Imagine all of the time, effort and money that would have been wasted on my legal pursuits if I had not tested myself within the military.

Learn more about this author, Tony Jones.
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