Introduction

I imagine the best way to start this blog would be a proper introduction. My name's Jeff and I'm a college junior that has recently decided to look into a career in the United States military. The first question that might come to one's head would simply be: Why? 

At least one person would like to know

It's a fair question, no doubt, and certainly one that I have to be able to answer before I make any major commitment to any employer, military or otherwise. I guess the best way to answer is simply that I believe in service. Truthfully, I never grew up thinking I'd want to join the military. I grew up in an upper-class, private school environment where military service was something to be appreciated and respected, but it was generally reserved for someone else. We were expected to go to college and put our intellectual talents elsewhere and leave the fighting to some other guys. 

In the midst of my college career, things got rough for myself and my family (and everyone else) - so I moved home and worked for a year and a half. In that time of economic crisis, our country became more divided than ever. I'll generally try to avoid taking too much of a political stand in these writings, but a certain group of Tea Party Activists predicted (early Spring 2010) a time not too far from now that they would have no choice but to stand up in armed revolution against the Federal Government for their transgressions. As an American, I was outraged. The language was filled with hate and undertones of racism, desperation, and political sour grapes. I firmly believe that if you want change politically it's something you voice at the ballot box. That's the system, and advocating hate and armed conflict because you didn't get your way just seems childish and incredibly selfish. 

Law-abiding patriots

I realize that these groups are a very vocal minority (stressing the minority part here). I'm certainly not going to lump the vast majority of reasonable Americans with these crazies, however, my reaction as an outraged American really caused me to re-evaluate the trajectory that my life was following. After a lot of reflection, it dawned on me that I felt strongly about service to the country, especially in times of great crisis. That's when America needs people to step up the most. There's also an obvious financial motive, especially in a recession like the one we've experienced. But financial motivations alone aren't going to get someone through Boot Camp or Officer Candidate School. There has to be a burning desire to serve and that part of me really awakened in the Spring of 2010. 

My entire life and the opportunities I've had have been made possible by generations before choosing service and making a sacrifice on behalf of their country. It's extremely hard to come away from that realization with anything but gratitude, and now I'd really like to repay the favor.