Should I join the US armed forces?

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Should I join the US military?

That depends.

Why do you want to?

I want to fill the void in my life, to become more disciplined, and to make my parents proud of me.

There are many ways of doing that which will do more good and present less of a risk to your health. For example, some people achieve those things by chasing their dreams, doing fulfilling work, or raising a child.

I think if you are not really doing anything with your life it would be great for you. It will give you a career, discipline, and a purpose. Plus they take care of everything you need.

One thing you must remember:

The military is not Aspie-friendly, especially Basic Training.

Research it. Maybe go into a military forum, and see what actual soldiers say.

The military is vastly over-rated as a life building institution. The military won't prepare you how to survive in civillian life when your service is over and you're no longer needed. Its no coincidence that a disproportionate number of homeless people, especially in America are ex-servicemen.

The military does have good medical benefits, though.

While you're in Basic, you could really save some bucks. You don't get to spend much money while you're in Basic.

Like I said, though....the military is not Aspie friendly. There are lots of people who like to bully. Just read what the soldiers say in whatever military forum you read.

I went through basic training, and six more years of service.

The military is Nobody-friendly. We went from a company of 100 on the first day of boot camp, down to only 57 by the day we received our orders and mustered out.

I found the structure and routine oddly comfortable. While there were no video games or cell phones, there was also no loud music, barking dogs, whining girlfriends, or other nuisances of ordinary life.

When I got out, I had an Honorable Discharge, a VA Housing loan, mad skilz in radar and radio, a Ham Radio license, a firearms-user certification ("Marksman"), a clean bill of health, a perfect credit record, and $10,000 to further my education.

You don't get all of that working at a fast-food restaurant!

that doesnt square with why 80 percent or so of homeless americans are ex servicepeople.

If the US army is so generous why are so many ending up on the streets?

also if you are joining as a change-adverse aspie, I would imagine your chances of joining that 80 percent are increased, dramatically.

Because they're stupid. They got involved in drugs and illegal activities, got caught, and received dishonorable discharges. That kind of record means no credit, no hiring, no money, and no housing. A dishonorable discharge also usually means that not even your own family will take you back, especially if drugs or violence was involved.

No, most of those homeless vets essentially did it to themselves. Not the ones who came back with missing limbs and PTSD, but the ones who wilfully and knowingly screwed themselves out of a meaningful future.

I am an American military veteran, and I also do volunteer work at a local homeless shelter, so I know what I am talking about.

How can you possbly know what is in the heads of homeless vets?

If you speak to a homeless vet, you get insights.