"Army Strong": The Army Will Tear You Down, It's Up to You to Build Yourself Back Up! I joined the United States Army Reserves when I was seventeen years old. I did not join because I wanted to be a soldier; I joined because I wanted to earn money to go to college. The effect that this endeavor MADE upon my life has changed who I am forever.

[Actually,] I had so many reasons for wanting to do this. The first was for money. The military was willing to train me, feed me, house me, and when I was back home give me cash for college, "up to" forty thousand dollars. At that time I thought that was an incredible deal. Where else in the world could I find an OPPORTUNITY like this one? [Yet t]he price I WOULD pay wouldn't be worth "up to" forty thousand. Another great reason for joining the Army was to get in shape. I had visions about this ultra lean and strong body I would get from RUNNING five miles a day. I was also looking forward to the overall experience of inner strength, confidence, and pride in my country. As much as I was excited about doing something different and brave, I was also full of fear.

I remember the day that I left for boot camp. I was terrified. My stomach was queasy, my head was cloudy, and every time I imagined what was about to happen to me, I started to cry. It was an incredible leap I was about to take. The mental preparation was the most difficult part. I had no idea what to expect. I had heard many horror stories about the things that occur in Boot Cam...

... middle of paper ...

... up, I would not have done it in the first place.

My second response is, I don't know. Looking back I see a disparate, scared, young woman who was looking for self-improvement

....if you WANT to be a soldier then I think that it'll helpful for you otherwise I am sorry if you don't like this then again sorry