here in germany we have compulsory military service, but you can also do social work if you want to.
but i wanted to join the army for the 11 months, because here in germany its the only opportunity for the common people to shoot real guns legally
,
(psst, i didnt say that when they asked me why i wanted to join
)
the strongest memory i have is that of a night assault excercise, me sitting in a trench, inhalating the smell of a just fired g3, the smell of a rainshower in contrast.
that was awesome.
BUT actually i had to dig the trench, my clothes were totally wet afterwards, sand was stuck in places i didnt knew i had them, and after exercise was over... again, my clothes were wet and i was freezing like hell. and some stupid ass, younger than me, dumber as well, was ordering me around.
after 10 months i found that negativ experiences were superior.
i have had enough of that crap. so i didnt extend.