As someone who has lived both lives, this discussion is 100% necessary. For the same reasons Hatch wrote that article these ideas must be combatted. Ignoring it will do nothing but widen the divide
And starting arguments with shouts or insults isn't the way to do it, though it's not like I can't understand why this topic stirs emotion. Here's what I know/think I know, and I'd like your input: military gives discipline. You have to get fit, attentive and cease thinking in terms of selfish 'me me me', substituting it with teamwork. Rely on others, have others rely on you. Those are great qualities. Many of my peers (I'm 21, civilian and Polish) could use them, so could I in my striving to be a better person. All those other benefits sound fantastic, but there have to be some darker side to enlisting. It seems like there's only extreme pro and anti propaganda with next to nothing in-between. What would you say be the reasons against enlisting? In what ways military can be detrimental? What's to regret? I'm more interested in hearing about those from someone who served than didn't.