means you're marching off to death (because politicians don't really care). You'll spend more time protecting someone else's interest then actually doing anything. And if you're trigger happy ...forget it, because most of your time will be spent on lookout or doing menial labor. I have a friend who just came back off duty and apparently it's very much like the movie 'Jarhead' (I haven't seen that movie, so I have no clue what he's referring to)
Join the Air Force or the Navy. The have the most money and the best equipment. For example, the Marines tell an old joke that Air Force puts in the golf course first when they build a base. That way, they can ask for more money to finish the base later on. Try to sign up for any high tech jobs that you qualify for - something in computers or electronics, or aircraft mechanic, etc. This way you get training and experience for a high paying job in the civilian world after you get out. Avoid any clerical jobs like the plague. I don't know about the Army, but I feel that the is no sense in joining the Marines unless you want to be an infantry man. And that's not the healthiest occupation right now. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Great thing to remember; also look into their unit's casualty rates... To the OP, I did my four years. Really look into this, and make sure it's what you want to do; there's no reset button in real life...
That will be very important decision for your life. Just think carefully. I just want to remind you one thing that Bush sent some of the national guard troop to Iraq a few weeks ago.