Military Service

I know a guy in the Coast Guard. He seems to be doing well... sorry I really can't help, but best of luck to you!

Can't you still practice guitar while in the military?

I'm not sure where you're serving, but military service is longer than a year. Military contracts are generally 8 years. You may be active for 1 but then you're IRR for 7, and being in the reserves means they can grab your name out of a hat and call you up anytime, no matter if you're about to take your finals to graduate from college.

My SO was an Army recruiter after he came home from Iraq. If you'd like to talk to him I'd be happy to put you in contact. He'll be completely honest, especially since he's retired now.

****Ah, I see you're in Sweden. I'd think serving in one country is far different than serving in another.

I don't know how it works where you are, but if you join the military here in New Zealand, they will pay for your education.

My Uncle was head of the NZ Army several years back and he spent ages trying to convince my cousin to join so she could get her medical degree for free.
Join the army, train as a doctor through them for free, do a couple of years and then you're out with no student debt.

Not a bad deal, considering the limited troops we send to overseas conflicts...

Honestly, Loken, the decision as to whether or not to enter the military is not something that's best handled on a message board. My advice would be for you and your family to talk about it--to consider the positives and negatives. Make your decision based on what is best for you and your family, not what others think.