1985 was my senior year in high school, I was told in the second semester to either join the army or live on the streets. I chose the army, and at the age of 17, it made a big impression on me, in addition to two AIT's back to back and having to teach myself two others at permanent party in Germany, it was a much longer training period then most which reinforced it further.
Step forward to now, at the age of 53, I am still for all intent of purposes an army soldier, keeping with my military bearing in full and do not consider myself a civilian. The training has served me well throughout life, these skills and what I've picked up will soon be extended to the local civilian population for any that want to opt in that can be properly vetted. Old school military is not the same as the new, mine stemmed back to 1775, the gadgets and gear are not as important as the solid military training and making due with what you have on hand. This would also be good for those looking to join the military so they can get a head start on basic and the rest as well.
