As the War in Iraq may finally come to an end, under the new democratic leadership, students should seriously consider joining the United States Army, if they lack motivation, inspiration or the discipline that college requires.

I joined the U.S. Army in August of 2001 – in fact 12 days before the attacks of 9/11. It was a different time, one in which America was not in any major military conflicts.

My original reason for joining was that I had been kicked out of my parents’ home after graduation. I had very little money, I hated school, and I needed to do something quickly to solve my financial dilemma. I also had an overall love for America, one that I still have today.

The Army had it all: a 3-year enlistment where I couldn’t be fired, a regular salary, 30 days of paid annual vacation, a big college bonus, and all general expenses paid.

I was sold.

I joined as a combat engineer, or more commonly referred to as a minesweeper in civilian terms, and did my basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

Combat engineers are trained to work with demolition, with land mines, and setting up wire obstacles. Perhaps not the ideal civilian job, but any job within the military carries the bonding experience that one will have with fellow soldiers.

After basic training I was relocated to Germany, and lived in the barracks. It was similar to a dorm-style environment. At the end of most days, soldiers would play loud music, drink and go out, an agenda that I would frequently follow.

In February of 2003, my unit – the 54th Engineer Battalion – was ordered to serve in Kuwait for what was originally supposed to be a 6-month tour. About a month later we were moved to the Iraq-Kuwait border, and attached to the 3rd Infantry Division. This was the division primarily responsible for the invasion of Iraq.

Our unit moved into Iraq as a team, and we did many missions, some of which were very difficult to us mentally and physically.

I’ve had friends that have killed people, and others that have been wounded – some are even dead.

I had one of the most dangerous jobs in the army. Why do I recommend it?

Because if you love America: it’s the right thing to do.

Serving in the U.S. military has been one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had, and an honor that I’d recommend others to also have as well.

People that have either served or are serving now have a completely different respect for one another, one never seen in the civilian sector.

I frequently ask many non-serving citizens why they’ve never served, and nearly every answer is the same. They blame it on a technicality, or that their recruiter lied to them, or that something else happened in their life that prevented them from joining. Another common excuse is that they don’t take orders well.

In many cases, these are simply excuses. Most of the time it’s because they never had the courage that it takes to lay their life on the line in the defense of their fellow man.

And that’s understandable. Not everyone can take the mental and physical challenges that comes with joining the Army.

It takes a tremendous amount of will to serve, but the rewards are great. As the War in Iraq may be coming to an end, the military should be a viable option for students with little motivation for school, or in similar financial problems that I had before I joined.

The Army is currently taking mentally fit applicants, with a proof of residency, and between the ages of 17 and 41. If you fit the basic requirements, and you haven’t done your duty to this nation yet, call the Army. It will change your life for the better.