When you join the military service, your backside belongs to Uncle Sam, and he can send you to any remote corner of the world - where the locals might or might not shoot at you! - anytime he so desires. Anyone who does not understand that fact, or is not willing to accept it, should not enlist.

You don't join the service to make money (heaven knows!), and it's not at all like going to work at General Electric or Walmart. Service to country is a calling, not a "job."

I understood all of this back when I was an artillery officer in the US Army. Given the chance I'd do it again - and stay in this time...!