<p>Read everything you can about both the Academy and service life. Ask questions of everyone that can give you any insight about either or both. When you think you know everything about both your four years at school and at least five years afterwards, ask yourself if you can enthusiastically be a part of that environment. If so, it is worth the effort. If not, find something else to do. I think enthusiasm and knowing what one is getting into are the two major factors in the decision making process.</p>