Alright, everyone here's the scoop. I've applied for a couple of apprenticeships. I don't know why I didn't think about that before. Seriously big
D'oh! there.
But, there's a couple of week's wait before the Navy (I applied for a civilian job, building and fixing ships) gets back to me. So,
Tocade,
I'm sorry I gave the impression that I didn't want Trouble to enlist in the Army. We both agree that it's the best thing that's happened to him. Before he enlisted his days consisted of daytime drama and World of Warcraft. Pathetic.
Now, if I were to enlist, yeah that's an eight-year contract: typically five of active duty, and the remaining three years are non-training, non-paid "individual reserve". Also, by enlisting I'd put myself in the very first category to be conscripted: the military sometimes requires solders to continue past the end of their enlistment.
But, let me tell you something about conscription. For the next seven years and a few months, until my twenty-sixth birthday, I am legally required to notify the Federal government within ten days of changing address. Failing to do so is technically a felony, even though the SSA hasn't been real strict about enforcing the law. If the US needs soldiers, I'm going whether I want to or not.
It's a good thing I'm mostly a fan of the US military.