17 years in the Military in the UK.  Thoroughly enjoyed most of my time and experienced far more, ( good and bad) than I ever would have done without it.  I dont agree with National Service though.  You have to want to be in the Military to put to  with the Training and the lifestyle.  An undisciplined child wont be cured in the Military, they wont last that long, Military Prisions are full of undisciplined people.

It served me well. Admittedly I was a child ( well 17 actually) when I joined, but having re-joined the "normal world", last year, I can see for myself that my self discipline and work ethic, far exceeds that of my colleagues who have no Military background.  I guess what I mean is that it does install the basics into a person, but they have to want it or its a waste of everyones time.

Ngourlay - "enthusiastic volunteers who are eager to get killed for their country."

I dont know one person that was eager to get killed.  Thats disrespectful.

You can laugh at me all you like because I have Alzheimers, .......but at least I dont have Alzheimers