Kei already covered the concern aspect so I don't need to go there. Beth covered the being out of the loop aspect should the unthinkable happen. For the actual military choice I have no reservations about it. I can't do something like that myself since I wouldn't qualify but I do think it's a viable and good choice that people can make.

I know there are a lot of reservations about military service and to some extent I think it is undeserved. I think people tend to confuse political agendas and dislikes with actual service to one's country.

Anyway, to be completely frank with you my reaction was composed of two elements. The first being a bit sad since I won't see you online as much. This is already happening on account of changes in my life but this will widen it further.

The second reaction was to feel very pleased with your thought process and determination to take a hold of your bad habits and change them. If I were your parents I'd be feeling very proud of you.

~Crystia

My brain is a bit fried so excuse me if the comment look like fries :p

The first thing that pops into my head when someone says "join navy/army/whatever" is a deep worry they'll end up in the line of fire and I'd lose a wonderful person way too soon. Second is the possibility they'll suffer deep mental trauma (should he/she be placed in combat situations).

Even though you're a solid guy and it's unlikely you'll exit the experience "damaged" it's still there at the back of my mind ^.^;

Also, for me, the words "navy, army" are so strongly linked/associated with "war, calamity" which I disagree with fervently. Me no likey such things and what they bring about :-/

Would you like ketchup with these thoughts? :3

I personally don't have anything against military service. Like I mentioned on AIM I had originally wanted to go into that field myself but couldn't due to health issues. Like Kei though, I do feel the concern that something could happen and I would never know why you stopped responding to e-mails.

Alla, about the news thing. Are you talking about the people saying "This earthquake is retribution for Pearl Harbor.", the unbelievable fear-mongering that is going on with people who live thousands of miles away from Japan getting the munchies on Iodine pills as if they were skittles, both of the above, or something entirely different?

@Allamorph:

^^; I cannot see you doing too much else. Besides, translating and learning different languages is fun!

I'll be completely candid.

Both my parents were in the military (Army, to be specific). My mother was a mail clerk (although she was also an expert-level markswoman) and my father was a mechanic.

In my mind, they got off easy.

They were fortunate enough that they enlisted during a relatively peaceful time. I don't know if it's due to media sensationalism or what, but I'm afraid of my family and friends going into the military because we're in wartime (and it looks like we may be getting into another one with Libya). Two of my cousins (who are not buffoons) are in the military. One of them was shot while touring in Afghanistan. The other one hasn't been injured thus far (thank whoever).

To me, being part of the military means putting yourself in the line of fire. Am I proud of the people that do take that path? Of course. You want to protect our country and there's nothing wrong with that. You should be commended for your bravery.

At the same time, though, you're putting yourself in the line of fire. That means there's a potential for you to die. Yes, I'm aware of the fact that there's a multitude of things out there that can kill you on an everyday basis, but this is a little different, at least, in my mind.

I suppose what it boils down to is that joining the military means you aren't afraid to put you life on the line for your country, which is good, but the military will give you that chance readily, especially given the way things are now. And it scares me that I could lose someone that quickly.

@Japan:

You're a goober, and you make me grin and want to give you a noogie.

I always felt like language was your thing.