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My friend wants to go to war
Alright so I'm having a serious issue with one of my best friends. Tonight we were having a conversation and started talking about what we wanted to do when we are older. He had no idea but I told him I want to pursue acting and kind of started motivating him I guess. Next thing I know, he's telling me I inspired him to go into the Air Force. I'm so scared because not only is he my best friend, but I've known him since I was 6 and have been in love with him since I was 12(I'm a girl, he's a guy). I'm so scared because he's talking about how he's willing to die for those he loves, but I don't know how I would live with myself knowing it's all my fault. What do I do?
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Step back for just a minute and breathe! Do you really believe your friend would make a serious life decision based on one conversation? If he chooses to join the military I am certain he will put a lot more thought into it before taking that step. I am not sure why however that you automatically equate the military with death! He may never get anywhere near a battle zone. I don't think you are looking at this from the proper perspective. He could be killed doing a civilian job as well! Joining the service is a very noble and brave thing to do but in most cases it really isn't as dangerous as you might imagine. I think perhaps you have both been watching a few too many war movies!Suppose you want to be a nurse but he says "no, you could catch some awful disease from a patient and die." So you decide to be a chef instead, but he says, "no,you could get scalded with hot water and die!" All of these things are very real but do you see how ridiculous it sounds? If you are properly trained there is a very good chance none of these things will ever happen. It is the same with the military. Whatever he chooses just try to be supportive. He will appreciate that the most!
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First of all relax, you were just talking. I don't know how all you two are but the fact that you say; "talking about what we wanted to do when we are older." Tells me there is some time before he actually signs the enlistment papers. I'm sure he may change his mind several times before then.
Even if he doesn't the Air Force, from the standpoint of combat deaths is one of the safer military services. I served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War as a Heavy Aircraft specialist. These planes were the heavy bombers, refueling tankers and cargo aircraft. Few in my specialty were actually stationed in the war zone as these planes were stationed well outside the war zone. Only the Cargo aircraft actually landed there. Even the fighters’ aircraft used during the war only a few in comparison to the many flown were actually stations in the war zone.
As a result of this there were very few combat related deaths for Airman during that war. The same was true in both Iraqi wars. These planes cost millions and millions of dollars to produce. Therefore the Pentagon tries not to put too many directly in harm’s way as they are big targets for the enemy. Since there are relatively few planes in a war zone there are also relatively few Air Force personnel stations with them. Those that were had Marines protecting them and the Marines did a wonderful job.
Air bases are always well protected. Since the Air Force is only slightly better armed than the Boy Scouts the job of protecting the bases, in a war zone generally falls to the Marines or the Army. They are the ones with the heavy artillery.
Actually life in the Air Force pretty good after basic training that is; generally speaking you live in air conditions barracks, and get three good meals a day. On base you have all the services one would expect to find in a small community most of which are even found in a war zone.
The only service that has it any better is the Navy and only because there chow, aboard ship is better. You don't want a mutiny on board a ship because of bad chow. In the other services if the chow in the chow hall is not to your liking there are fast food outlets on base to get food or you can go into town for a meal.
My advice is not to worry. Your friend will most likely change his mind before enlistment time comes along. IF he doesn't the Air Force is a great way to spend four years or even make a career.
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