Semi-Obligatory Military Service - Should I do it?
I'm currently completing my engineering BASc, thus I have been allowed to post-pone my obligatory 1 year Brazilian military service. However, I will be graduating soon, and must choose "YES" or "NO" to the voluntary conscription. In Brazil you may request not to go, but they might still forcefully take you. The conscript system is primarily a means of providing basic military training to a sizable group of young men who then return to civilian life and are retained on the reserve rolls until age forty-five. About 75% of those registering receive deferments, but there are also several inexpensive manners to dodge the conscription.
My father was also an engineer and served as a Lieutenant. Those with secondary education usually become officers, as opposed to foot soldiers. He thinks I should do it because it instills discipline. I don't object to this, however every single other family member thinks I shouldn't waste one year with such a frivolous exercise.
My question to you monkeys is, have any of you served for a short period in the military (you weren't trying to make a career out of it)? What did you learn? How useful was the experience to your professional lives? How was it viewed by others? ...
All I know is that in the US, if you serve, you basically get into Harvard for free, and GS will s your d.
Is it really an advantage in the US even if you've only served for several months? The military service in Switzerland is obligatory for every male citizen. But you just serve for 21 weeks with several repetition courses each year...
It's different in the US versus other places.
I wouldn't do it, you're putting your career on hold for a year. However, if you do think you have some issues with discipline or this would be beneficial to you in the long run, by all means, DO IT. You don't want to look back and wish you had done it 5-10 years out. On the flip side, if you don't do it you can't be called up for reserve duty...
I would definitely not serve in the US simply because I know the US has an active history of warfare, and I would not like to be sent to a warzone. Brazil on the other hand haven't been in any major war since WWII. You're right though, they could call me up for reserve duty at any moment, although as a Canadian citizen the classic northern draft dodge is possible.
No discipine issues, but I was interested in other valuable military skills frequently used in the business world. I agree with you though, I'd be putting off my career for a year, where I'd have a high probability of learning those skills anyways.
Honestly, it is short sighted, but I also feel it would be an interesting and unique experience. A chance to learn to handle weapons and survive in hostile environments, visit new places, meet people from all walks of life, etc. I'll be spending most of my life in an office anyways.
Thanks all!
Damn, is there noone who has served in the military here? I was hoping to receive descriptions of people's experience, learning, changes in attitude, etc.
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