Just remember no matter what contract you sign, you are signing an 8 year federal contract that you MUST complete. So say you sign up for 3 years in active duty, you either have to re-enlist for the other 5 or serve it in the reserves or inactive reserves. Any way you pull they have you for 8 years. Get a good recruiter, take a current military member with you to make sure the recruiter doesn't try and F with you or your contract. Take into consideration that there are 2 wars going on and the likely hood of you going over there SEVERAL times is a real possibility. My person opinion is if you can get money, scholarships, grants or whatever for college go that route. It is EXTREMLY hard, depending on your MOS to do college on active duty. If you can't go to college and the military is still on your mind, sit down and talk with someone that’s in or has been in, that the recruiter doesn't set up. Talk to several people that have been in, that way you get lots of different opinions. Find a combat vet and have them give you there experience, what they are willing to share, and see if the military is still something you want to pursue. I loved my time in the Army, wouldn't trade it for anything. But it has changed my life forever. There are something’s that I missed out on, but also experienced some things that only 1% of Americas will ever experience. If you chose to go, good for you, I wish you all the best. If not, good for you, there are lots of ways to serve your country without joining the military, there are lots of DOD and Home-land security jobs out there. If you have any questions fell free to ask me. I can only give my experience though 7 years active duty and 1 year reserve. I’d be happy to help any way I can. Good luck.