I’ve heard many ridiculous misconceptions about our military. One is people join the military because they cannot make it anywhere else. This is fictional.

If anything, it’s more difficult to succeed in the military, because of its strict rules and dedication requirements. I know many people who enlisted, and attend college later, and make more than enough to live. I enlisted, and can make enough to live happily.

Another misconception is high school dropouts comprise the majority of our military. This is fiction, considering every branch recommends a high school diploma for enlistment.

A serious misconception is the military brainwashes enlistees to sign their life away. The military does not fill heads with whatever it wants. Many fellow enlistees say they feel more complete in the military.

Many people join because the civilian world is not difficult enough, and they need more challenge. Many misconceptions come from errors in earlier times. It has changed, for the better.

The military is strict, yes, but it is not a bad career; it is a good idea if one needs money for college. Studies show a high percentage of people who entered the military attend college, and have better chances to become successful.

The military is a good place to learn discipline and self-respect. It’s tough, but only because being a soldier means wrong decisions could endanger your country, and yourself. With this weight on your shoulders, you want to make the right decisions.

Rumors start with one bad apple.

Adam May, Oxford