As graduation approaches in May, the question on every senior’s mind is what they’re going to do after graduation. Some seniors have decided that joining the military is the best decision for them.  There are several ways of joining such as attending an academy, joining a program, or just enlisting.

                “I’m planning on joining one of the military academies.” senior Cameron Smith said, “I’m currently looking at West Point, the naval academy, and the air force academy. From there I’d like to become an officer and likely help out overseas.”

                “I’ve thought about enlisting right away.” senior Kyle Jernigan said, “I’ve also looked at joining the Green to Gold program, but currently the academies seem the most appealing. The academies let you serve and also give you basically a free college education. I’d like to become a strategic air defense system coordinator, which is basically making sure everything is where it needs to be for defense systems. After I finish my time I’d like to become an aerospace engineer.”

                “ I want to join the Air Force,” Senior Genny Graham said, “specifically by attending the Air Force Academy. The academy is not merely enlisting (although I admire all those who do) it is a top rate school (ranked #10 on Forbes 2012 list of top colleges in the U.S.). After I graduate I will come out an officer in the Air Force and take on a lot of responsibility but I like that.”

                There are a variety of reasons people choose to join the military.

                “For me it’s a respect thing.” Smith said, “I want to give back to my country and serve. I feel I need to appreciate my country and uphold the life my nation gives me.”

                “I feel like I need to defend my country,” Jernigan said, “9/11 had a profound impact on me. Before then, I had known a relatively easy life. I believed we were a great nation. After 9/11 I realized I needed to defend what I hold dear. I concluded that the best way to protect was to join.”

                “I want to join because I value to freedom and ideals of our country” Graham said, “ I desire to keep the American people free and safe.”

                Going to a faraway land, shooting a gun, getting attacked, and possibly dying are all things that scare people away from the military.

                “It’s a job safety issue.” Smith said, “You always had the possibility that you will receive bodily harm. But, if you’re considering the military that’s something you need to forget about. The golden BB may grab you and if it does it does.”

                “Fact is, you will likely get hurt.” Jernigan said, “But if you remember that you’re protecting your nation and loved ones,  you stop being afraid. When I first thought about joining the military the thought of being in a war zone, getting shot at, and ultimately having to shoot back terrified me. But now I’ve realized that I’d rather be out there attacking the enemy than having them come here and attacking us.”

                Considering it is a job where your life is on the line, joining the military is often a difficult thing for family and friends to accept.

                “My dad was filled with horror when I told him I was considering the military.” Jernigan said. “He has been a driving force for me to choose other paths. My grandpa served in the army and would always try to sugar coat the whole experience, which my dad didn’t like. My dad has finally started to except my decision, though he may not agree with it. He’s proud of me for doing something for everyone else, not just me.”

                “My family has actually been very supportive.” Smith said. “My grandfather was in the airforce and my parents are supporting me all the way, which has been quite a blessing. My friends have also been supportive and no one has really discouraged me yet.”

                “I think my family and friends are a little sad,” Graham said, “I’m going out of state so they won’t be able to see them very often but they’re all still super supportive and excited for me.”

                So as graduation approaches, seniors might want to consider looking into the military.

                “Some people are a perfect fit for the military.” Smith said. “But some people just aren’t. You need to realize if you’re willing to keep your family and nation and safe. It shouldn’t be a quick decision.

            “I would encourage them to think about the level commitment required,” Graham said but if they are prepared to give that, then it’s an awesome thing to do.”

                “You need to realize if you’re comfortable with war,” Jernigan said “I personally think war is the greatest sin the world has, yet I still feel that I need to defend my family.  You need to ask yourself if killing is right. If you say yes, the military is not for you. To be a soldier means you value life and the cost of it. You’re not just signing up to have a shiny new uniform with a gun.”