>I am surprised you are saying it. IMHO when someone goes into the military service, even though he/she may be paid for it, he/she gives A LOT to the country.
>
>It is not surprising that I agree with you here. I thought that Nicholas's response whas disgusting and offensive and insulting to anyone who has ever served in the military (which he obviously has not ever done).

IMO there is a lot of variance due to country and time involved here.
In the late 70's - think A-bombs and cold war - being in the military in germany might even enhance
chances of surviving actual war scenario for a few H back then. Did at least in the branch I was stuffed in.
Most of the country (Frankurt being rather high for not direct front line)
was estimated to be mushroom country very fast in case of conflict.

Chances of being sent elsewhere to fight: nil, that practice started after fall of wall in germany,
so actual risc of soldiers same with population in general (back off Dragan!) back then.
In that scenario choice of ***career*** in military WAS more for pay/security compared to service in the US or GB.

Other countries (read developing) have the military as career option sometimes fleecing own populaltion.

For me the choice to serve minimally longer for relatively large increase in pay was decided not on risc,
but on personal preference, as more pay was not worth keeping my mouth shut and fists behind my back
when adressed by an idiot with bigger shoulder insignia for a few month more.

YMMV a lot

thomas