[nashashmi]

Being a soldier is more than just about fighting in war. It’s about handling difficulties. It’s about constantly being on the move even when you are tired. It is about protecting your comrades. It is about containing your anger in difficulty. It is about discipline. It is about management, leadership, camaraderie. It is about being human.

It is about way more stuff than that. And maybe one day someone will share everything it is and more. Or maybe like me you willl just keep wondering and keep learning.

[sureglymop]

I will tell you as someone who had to do mandatory army service that this wasn't my experience at all. Being a soldier is about being a mindless vessel that can take orders, execute them and report back for more orders. If you start to think, think creatively or show too much empathy or compassion you might get punished.

[nashashmi]

Mandatory army service can be like that. It’s like everyone’s miserable to be there. The grunts hate it. Their superiors think they hate it and so treat them like they are worthless. A soul sucking experience if you are unfortunate.