Enlisting in the military Isa Khalak
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Most teenagers are encouraged to go to college after high school. Some students will pursue the goal of college, thinking that this is their only option. In reality, there are many paths one can take after graduation. One rarely sought-after option can be just as appealing — enlisting in the military. “It is a natural intuition to go towards whatever you want to do most,” said Trevor Koto, a senior who will enlist in the Marines. “If an artist wants to be an artist, they’re going to try to become an artist. For some people, you just want to go to the military.” There are many reasons why members enlist. The military’s rigid structure teaches discipline, leadership, teamwork and exposes members to new experiences. The numerous tasks that one performs in the military can help teach skills to teenagers who are stepping into adulthood. In addition, some high schoolers use the military as a means to subsidize a college education. Due to the Post 9/11 GI bill, military service can help pay for tuition and fund college careers. The cost of going to college can be very high, and many struggles to pay off their debt for years—however, those who serve to receive funding that ultimately negates the cost of college. These beneficial experiences may explain the economic disparity between veterans and non-veterans. According to an article published on Pew Research in 2019, economically, veterans have economically stable households. “When you’re entering the job market, you sort of have a foot up on everyone else,” said Sean Liuli, a senior who will enlist after graduating. “Because all those [other] kids are college graduates, they have no work experience, but you’ve spent four years in the military.” However, enlisting in the military has its drawbacks as well. Students may be reluctant to enlist because, throughout history, the army has been represented in violent connotations. Being a soldier is often associated with war and all the baggage that comes with that. However, the military has a different meaning to some. “It’s not all about killing and stuff,” Koto said. “It’s helping people in need and defending those you can.” Yet, some jobs can be hazardous and demand members to put their lives at risk. Both reserves and active military members can be called in for combat in certain circumstances. This is one key reason why parents may discourage their children from enlisting. Additionally, about six in ten veterans are deployed for overseas combat operations. Upon their return, some may suffer from post-
traumatic stress disorder or other mental difficulties. In one 2016 study, NBCI found that about 13.5% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD. However, the rates can vary depending on what role the veteran played in the armed forces. However, deployment isn’t necessarily the experience of everyone in service. There are also many other jobs in the military, and only some will see combat. Many times joining the military doesn’t equate to fighting. “There are 300 plus jobs, and out of those like, 10 or 20 of them actually see combat,” Liuli said. “Given the situation right now, we don’t have any military assets that are deployed currently in combat zones.” Even in non-combat roles, service members must be prepared to put in work. When a person enlists, they must undergo physical training and programs. In addition, the lifestyle is different from what most people are used to. The military uses a system of discipline and commitment that most high schoolers have not experienced. Those who join must be prepared to dedicate much of their time to the military as well. Not everybody is ready to give eight years of their life after high school to serve their country. “It’s a pretty big commitment. Four years of active duty and then four years of reserves after; that’s basically the minimum you can do,” said Jack Peasley, a senior who will join the military after graduating. For some high schoolers, the commitment isn’t a dealbreaker. The military is a job like any other, and some students are dedicated to it. It is a way for them to make an impact. “Ever since I knew what a soldier and Marine was, I wanted to be one of them,” Koto said. “I didn’t know that I was going to be a Marine for the longest time, but I always knew I wanted to be in the military.”
DECEMBER 2021 HIGHLANDER 39
