I joined decades ago. I was 20 years old, living on my own, putting myself through college, and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I joined the navy to get an education and experience which I did and parlayed into a lifetime career (not in the navy). I was only in for 6 years. I did not join out of some ideal of serving my country. However, that being said, I have since come to the firm conclusion that all individuals need to give a few years of service. I learned a lot more than just a trade. I learned honor, self-reliance as well as working as part of a team, I learned better how to interface with people from different backgrounds and beliefs, and I learned a lot about what was good and bad with our government. Example: the socialized medicine that all military personnel enjoy is a mixed blessing. It is nice that you can go to the doctor whenever you want, but the quality of that care was spotty at best. Another example: The navy had (at least at the time) an open wallet and had no problem wasting money. I was not raised that way and it always rubbed me the wrong way. But the root of that problem is that there is no accountability, really, throughout our federal government. I was very glad I joined and very happy with my decision to not re-enlist.