To those who haven't a clue about what they want to do with their life. Four and out (if they have gotten a clue). Give them time to mature, get some job training, experience a different way of life, maybe different culture and a chance to pick up some college credits and a chunk of change to pay for college.

But not for those who have their life planned.

I went cuz I had to go. Draft number came up, student deferment was revoked (didn't want to be a student...), so it was either enlist for 3 with an option of duty and training OR be drafted for 2 and go to 'Nam. Took the 3. Ended up in Germany. Found computers. Ended up in charge of computer operations for the Finance Center in Europe. But when the Army decided that after 10 years, a Finance NCO (E6) should be in charge of the finance records and not the computers, I decided my time was up, got out and finished in the Reserves as a 1SG/MSG.

It's not the life for everyone, but I'd recommend it. And I have suggested to my oldest daughter that she consider it. She has no idea of what she wants to do. So instead of wasting time in college now, do some military time, grow up and then go to college and enjoy life.