Students, and people in general, tend to believe that just because they are not overly good at anything that they should just go into the military.

I am here to tell you that is a stupid thing to assume. The military does not want someone who has no skill set, no common sense, or no education. That is one of my biggest pet peeves.

The military wants people who are smart, know engineering, know about military history, and are not going to mess things up for them.

The military is significantly respected in my family.

My grandfather on my father’s side was in the Merchant Marines, where he would serve on merchant ships, and on cargo ships that shipped goods overseas.

My grandfather on my mother’s side was in the Army Corps of Engineers, where he designed dams, bridges, and campgrounds for soldiers to use.

Finally, my dad was an Army Ranger, where he would help when it was needed. In World War II the Rangers came in and put an end to the war.

I would like to go into the military; I just do not think that that would go over very well with my family since I am the youngest kid. Plus I do not like to be told what to do, so that would not really work.

The point that I am trying to make, no disrespect toward my family, or anyone else, is that you do not necessarily have to be a straight A, 4.0 student. However, the military is not just a backup plan, or a fallback in case you decide that putting in the time and effort is too hard.

It is a privilege to be accepted into the military, not a right.