<p>Nine years… yes, that is really something to consider. For a kid who is 17, it is more than 1/3 of his life, if his service ends at age 27 (not counting those add-on years of reserves, or consideration that he may continue for 10, 15 or 20+ years). When I was 17, I couldn’t even imagine BEING 27! And, from the adult perspective looking backward (always an advantage), my life changed 1,000 times in those 10 years. College, dreams fulfilled and dashed, marriage, motherhood… voting! What a commitment these young men and women make.</p>
<p>oh well… just musing.</p>