Would you like fries with that?

Ok so, I've been hearing a lot of soldiers lately saying they are done with the Army. Once they redeploy, they will ABSOLUTELY not re-enlist. There is no way, no how that they will take that oath ever again. Now this is a time of war, so it is understandable that one would feel this way. I am NOT begrudging their choice to exit this life.

However, I'm curious as to what their plan entails.

I've heard: I'm gonna get married! Well, thats fine, but what are you going to do for a paycheck?

I've heard: I miss my wife and family. This is completely understandable. But you're gonna miss them more, when they leave your jobless ass or Social Services comes in and takes them because you can't feed them.

I've heard: I can just get a regular job, other people do it. Well, thats true enough. However in todays economy, college graduates are having a hard time getting so much as a fast food job. So....what kind of a job do you believe you can get?

I've heard: my girlfriend said they'd leave if I didn't get out. This one is my absolute favorite excuse. This is the soldier who should DEFINITELY not stay in the US Army. If you are willing to quit your paying job, because your girlfriend doesn't approve then I really don't want you serving in combat next to my husband.

If all of your MAJOR life decisions hinge on the approval of either:
a stripper that was love at first sight, or a current highschool cheerleader, please do the country a favor and get out of the Army.
FYI: if she threatens to leave you over you having a job, do you really think she's gonna stick around when you don't? Good luck on that one.

Now, like I said, I am not begrudging your choice to leave this life. I am however going to point out a few things that you may have not thought of.....

1. Have a definite job/occupation lined up before you leave. Do NOT drag your wife and child, back to your parents home and expect mommy to take care of everything for you. THAT WILL NOT WORK!!!!!!

2. Healthcare-thank God we have healthcare. If you are a civilian, you are looking at anywhere upto 500 a month to cover a family. Thats from a company that will do anything they can to get out of paying your medical procedures. Thats not including Co-pays and deductibles. God forbid, something were to happen to you or a family member were to fall ill. A child with a broken arm? an ear infection? a wife with pre-term labor? a cardiac bypass perhaps? These are all on you.

3. Housing-we are alloted housing stipends. So....as a civilian that is on you as well. Right now we are on the down side of a housing crisis. So you will either take out a loan you cannot afford and be foreclosed upon, or you will live in a 2 bedroom apartment. Assuming you didn't move back in with mommy.

4. Education-Well you decided you would hold off on going to college, because the Army was the life for you. Turns out you were wrong. But GOOD NEWS, the Army will send you to school! Uh oh, you didn't re-enlist. So you don't get to go to school now unless its out of pocket. Which means....you will work more than full time, and attend classes as funds are available. Don't forget, your girlfriend still needs her face time!!

So as it stands right now, you get out, and you have no job, no home, no medical, no dental, no education and a highschool girlfriend -who will be with you forever no matter what(notice the sarcasm). Sounds like a good plan. I'm sure your life at McDonalds will be much more fulfilling then securing the country.

So you turn in your M-16 for a headset. As long as you can say "would you like fries with that", you're life will be complete!