Thread split...the topic didn't really start concretely, so the opening post is pretty random. Sorry!

There is more to life than any profession...Coders are unfortunately stereotyped as introverted anti-socialites, and it just isn't true. The majority of programmers I know are actually extremely well rounded individuals.

I understand what you are saying Jase - that you, personally, do not want to sit in front of a computer the rest of your life. That is fine, but you can't judge people who do sit in front of the computer for their profession. (People in the military have technology jobs sitting behind computers, y'know!)

As for myself - I went into college almost 100% sure that I'd major in Computer Science - but I immediately knew that it wasn't for me. I don't want a degree in Computer Science, I have no interest in how to compress images with efficient algorithms (But that's just me!). I'm majoring in English and Philosophy and I work as a part time PHP programmer because it's a skill I utilize for income and I still enjoy programming as a hobby as well. .

Different strokes for different folks. :)

Yes, I agree Danny and Sir Adrian. Please don't think I am dissing programming as it is very rewarding. It is just not for me as a profression. I do however like creating mods/hacks when I have spare time - it gives me a good feeling of helping users :)
Yup, I was going to do a tech job in there, but then thought I wanted to be in the action :)

I could tell that, since you're English is really good. I'm in the top set at school for English - although it's never been something I've liked. I guess I'm just a really sporty person. :)

From what I've learned in traveling, both the UK and AUS allow for military enlistment at 16.

The US I believe is 18 and +.

Yes, it is 18+ in the US. Although, the British Navy has and will always be better :)

Although it is 18+ over here they've not been very picky about it in times of war. My grandfather was in the service and married long before his 18th birthday.

I considered signing up at one point but decided it was better if I didn't. I just can't see myself fighting wars I don't personally agree with. If a draft comes a long I'll probably end up in prison for refusing to go (because I'm not about to leave my home so leaving the country is not an option ;)).

We'll just have to disagree about your Navy begin the best. :p

Wow - I just watched the Royal Marines on a Navy DVD, and I really do think it is great!!

Boofo, if you were in there - what made you leave ?

I was in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. I was pretty much of a mess when I got back so staying in wasn't a choice for me. And the 'wonderful welcome' we got on our return didn't help matters much either. I got burned out on the military pretty fast after that. But I was like you when I first went in. All gung ho and ready to serve my country. That is why I said give it a year and talk to me about it then.

And Brad, agreeing or not with a war doesn't diminish your responsibility. Do you really believe I thought Nam was legitimate? ;)

But the army is different from the Royal Marines - also from what I've seen, I think I'm going enjoy it! :)

Military is military. You will learn that soon enough. And the part of the Army I was in was worse than anything I hope you ever see or have to go through. ;)