<p>Fencersmom, You can’t look at it as 9 yrs. Just take each year as it comes. My husband ,USNA grad. did his 20. The first five after graduation. It really did go fast. Decided to do reserves for the rest of the time. Now we have all the benifits for later in life plus he has gone on to a wonderful career as an Attorney. Just think of each year as a step towards a wonderful and fulling opportunity. And also let him know that you are not committed till you enter your Junior year. He can always change his mind. But what an opportunity and education he will recieve!!!</p>