The only way to find that out for yourself, is to join the military, serve for 20 years or so, then retire. No one can "answer for" you, on a question of that nature. +5

Perhaps if everyone on earth decided not to join and there were no countries using compulsory service, it would be a good thing for mankind. But such is not the case. There are plenty of countries where such a thought would never enter into the minds of the populace. I would suggest that in a world with such countries, unilaterally disarming would NOT make your life more enjoyable for very long unless you have always yearned to be somebody's slave.

For some no, for some very much so. Until the idea of killing another human being and one country trying to take over another or one group imposing it's will on another becomes a non sequitur we need armies to protect ourselves.

A waste of who's life? A literal waste of life, or a waste in terms of the way the life is spent? There can be many interpretations of that question - the way I choose to take it: It can be. A life is wasted (in my opinon) if a person does not make the most of it and follow his dreams and ambitions - whether these be education; to spend as much time as possible with family; to travel the world. If a person aims to spend as much time as possible with family - and this is what makes him tick and wants to do with his life then yes, joining the military may be a waste of his life. If a person wants all the benefits that may come with joining the military, and this is how he wants to spend his life, however short it may turn out to be, then no.

No, I do not think so. In our world of uncertain international relations it is needful to have the military to protect our nations in the events of external aggressions. Even in time of peace there is still a need to prepare for war.

Generally they like to waste other folks' lives.

Depends where you join them. If in Russia, then you can consider yoursefd already dead, but if in America, then you can consider yourself as a man with a salary of country's budget.

Only if there is a war on! Joining the military can allow u to travel the world (for free) If you joing for a full term you can retire literally at the age of 40 on a full military pension.. not many people can do that i have also never spoken to a soldier that didnt agree that it was the best choice they ever made (however i haven't met many! and im sure many would disagree)

Not at all.They have their duties too.

Enlisting in the Marine Corps was one of the best things that I ever did. Not only the opportunity to serve my country that gives me so much, but a rich personal experience. I have friends that I made that I am closer to than my own brother. It was well worth it to me.

Quite the contrary. We hear "Get a life" often and the military can give you that life. Respect, responsibility, self esteem, confidence, knowledge, power. i would say joining the military can create life. Congrats on your first anniversary as an ABer!

I have been in 34 plus years, it has been very good to me

I'm not really sure, but they few people I know who have went say its the best. Free food, free everything.

I hope its a chance to serve the nation. Should be proud of it! Coz not everybody will get a chance.

It wasn't a waste for me. I've been in the Navy for 30+ years and never regreted it. I was talking to a high school friend of mine a couple of years back. He told me that he and his wife finally managed to save enough for a European vacation. It turned out that every place on their itinerary, I had already visited (some of them more than once). Before I was married, I spent a weeks leave in London, England and had some adventures that my wife would not appreciate me talking about. Later, I meet my wife at the marriage of a shipmate of mine and thanks to the military, our Honeymoon was in Sydney, Australia. Also when my son was older (18 years old) I got the military to foot the bill to fly him down to Australia to meet my ship, I took leave and we bonded on a bar-hopping tour of Queensland and New South Wales. The navy taught me how to fix electronics, program computers, handle a weapon responsibly, steer a warship and (of course) do endless amounts of paperwork. I know how to follow orders, but I also know when to take charge and give those orders. I've been on three peace-keeping missions, helped build a school on an undeveloped carribean island, fixed the plumbing in an orphanage in Thailand, handed out ice-cream bars to kids that had never tasted ice-cream and talked rock-n-roll with an aging hippie in Amsterdam. This winter I'll probably be taking charge of a security detail at the 2010 Olympics. Because of the Navy I'm a more attentive husband, a more appreciative father and a better man than I would have been without its influence. The military life is not for everyone, but now (and for the next two years) it is for me. Hope this helps.

This question can not be answered with a Yes or No. People are quite different and everybody has its own view. For many people joining the military is a waste of life. For others it is just the contrary. So everybody has decide for its own. I can not speak for other but I think it was a waste as well as it was an advantage. But I think in most professions you will have the same feelings.

Looking at some people who have been in the military I would say it was more than a waste of time. For many others it was a fine occasion to a first class start in their life. But one thing is true: The best soldiers leave after a certain time because they are extremely demanded in civilian life by the industry in regard of their first class education and those who are not demanded by the industry usually are happy when they can stay in the army for the rest of their life.

after I went two years to college I dropped out much to the dimay of my wonderful parents I just joined the Air Force~~ and I spent two months in Texas for basic and advanced traing~~ but I was stationed premanent party in Saulte Ste. Marie, Michigan it was for 3 years~~ as I got an early out I took advantage of the free schooling and I was only 400 miles from home~~ I lived on base in the Barricks and I could get hammred cheaply if I wanted to but their was libraries, gyms, movie house, hospital all within walking distance and also a great NCO club But I spent a lot of time in canada and soo michigan No~ I was single with no job experience~~but I always liked the years I spent in the USAF

What makes your life a waste is doing nothing with it.

fuck no. im in right now and enjoying it Pvt. Ploense USMC

If you enjoy it, and make a career of it, and are successful at it, then no, not at all. If you join but hate it, and don't learn anything, then it's a waste. I would have liked to join the military, if I was fully able-bodied. Probably the Navy. Seafaring is a family tradition.

No...but it will change you life - some of it for the good - and some of it for the bad..., ( just like any other career/life decision you make,). My dad loved the service for example - even though he had horrible disturbing nightmares throughout his life about his days in combat. I frankly hated my service days - yet I learned a great deal about people and made many friends. It's a mixed bag really...it's not for everyone.