I mean that I personally cant imagine being a close friend of anyone who would willingly join the military. I have had clients who were soldiers and were lovely. However I suspect that if I had got to know them as friends sooner or later we would have discovered a massive difference in our politics/philosophy/ethics/whatever and been unable to sustain a friendship. I guess the "point" for me is the point where they have to kill someone "for their country" I would rather go to prison than be conscripted and have to do that.

I realise that such killing is viewed in many ways, including self defence and the defence of others. I just dont trust politicians and governments enough to let them decide for me who is the enemy. Sometimes the issues are relatively clear. I would have fought in a war against fascism for example, but times are very different now.

I also realise that for some the military is a way out of poverty and ignorance but quite honestly if that or crime were my only options I would choose crime.