The following is a letter I sent to my younger brother (and mother) in light of it being his final year of high school. Financially constrained, he has considered military options to help pay for, or to provide, his education.
These are some accounts of US soldiers who have deserted after serving in the military that I read in the Sunday Times (of London). Geoffrey, I know that you’re starting the college application process and considering your options, one of which is either going to a military institution or to volunteer for military service with the hopes that it will pay for you to attend college afterward. If you’re seriously considering either of these options, it’s important to have an understanding of what life is like for a US soldier, which I hope the following accounts can help with. Another good resource is the documentary “Occupation: Dreamland“, which follows soldiers stationed in Fallujah before the massive uprising that reclaimed the city from the occupying forces. I think it is a very informative, neutral, and fair account of their time in Iraq. If you’d like, I can also contact my good friend stationed in El Paso who will be shipping out to Iraq shortly (if he hasn’t already) and ask him to recount his experiences. Beyond that, it’s important to have an understanding of the foreign policy issues that drive the actions of the military, something which is very difficult, especially by the age you become eligible to serve in the military. I’d be happy to talk about that further at some point, too. Lastly, if you are considering the option of joining the military to fund your education, you really need to read up on the facts about what recruitment really involves. A good starting point is the following:
I know this can be a difficult time and you’re faced with making many big decisions, but I can’t stress enough that no education is worth paying for with your humanity.
Love,
David
“no education is worth paying for with your humanity.”
We need more Big Brothers like you, man.