My nephew signed up, or volunteered or whatever you want to call it, with the US Army. He was obligated to a three year term, as are our recruits. He was general infantry. His first 12 months were spent in Bosnia. From there he went directly to Germany for another 14 moths (a pretty good go by any stretch of the imagination). Then he spent his last 8 to 10 months in Iraq. He saw the statue fall so you can imagine where he was before that day. His 3 years were up and he decided that was it, time to come home, so he did.
Similar to our release process there is an option to join a supplementary reserve list which means that you can be called up to serve again. Unfortunately, because of all the benefits that these soldiers are eligible for, this call out list isn't optional, it's mandatory. He's been called back. After the shit he's seen and been through, I can't blame him for not wanting to go back. He has a baby on the way and is trying to get his life back on track. He's only 22 years old and been through more shit than any Canadian soldier has been through by the time they were 22.
To avoid a ridiculous BACK BLAST, I am saying he has been through more shit at the age of 22, not necessarily more than a Canadian Soldier.
He's not a draft dodger. He's done more for his country than most other men his age have done. Friends have died in his arms. He hasn't decided if he wants to go back yet, but it doesn't sound like he has much choice. If he wants to come to Canada with his family to avoid the most unconceivable hardships for them, I can't blame him.
This is a persons life - not an online session of ghost recon. He went, He saw, He kicked their fucking ass, and he doesn't want to do it again.