My son enlisted in the Army Reserve and left for Basic Training (14 weeks) 3 days after his HS graduation, prior to starting college in the September semester. He graduated from AIT in October, 2004, and is now in school, full time, about to commit to ROTC. His SAT scores are in the low 1400's. His cumulative grades were around 3.1 (low 80's) in high school. The Army took this bright, athletic, unfocused glob of potential and turned it into a disciplined, structured, dynamo who knows the cost of accomplishment, at the age of 21. His best friend has been deployed and works today at Abu Graib. Is the Army for everyone? Certainly not. It's tough, and arduous. Ben lost 25 pounds at basic. From 175 lbs, at 6 feet tall, he didn't look the least bit heavy. But, the most stark difference is in his eyes. His self-confidence is obvious from the moment you hear him speak. His old, brash cockiness is gone. He measures his words and speaks sparingly now. He wants to learn Arabic and serve his active in Army Intelligence, and he doesn't just think he can do it. He knows he can. Young people considering the military should consider this. If you enlist, do so knowing that you'll be tested, beyond anything you've even thought possible so far. Resolve to succeed, no matter what. Endure and persevere. On 3 occasions, Ben wanted to quit. Don't kid yourself, it's tough. But when you step on that stage to graduate, you have accomplished something that the vast majority of your generation can only imagine. It's not for everyone.