At least for now, people in my country have the freedom to join the military on their own and not under any form of coercion. However, poverty and intimidation, along with a desire for some level of immunity, have coerced a lot of people into joining the armed forces.
When it comes to joining the armed forces, we are usually left with two simple options: join the full-fledged military forces to support the government in external and very significant internal forces and represent your country in battles; or join the paramilitary forces to enforce law and order within the nation.
Both choices are desirable. But which is more desirable?
If you've followed international news lately or maybe you live in Russia, it's no news that the government is conscripting young, vibrant men into its military service.
While in the eyes of the Russian government, it is a noble course that they will be setting out for, the citizens do not feel the same, and that is why you will easily find headlines such as these in the screenshot below:
The citizens know that one thing is sure; if they are to join the military service, their lives will turn out like a game of cards. Whatever comes their way, they will have to accept their fate; basically, they will be closer to death than everyone else.
What is the point? Joining the military could be very desirable for most people during a time of peace or relative peace. However, in times of conflict, one can easily fall into bouts of regret for being in the military.
The paramilitary is no better either; they confront more unrest than the military, who are usually prepared and organised for bigger issues of national interest. Still, I am more inclined to join the paramilitary than the military.
Being in the paramilitary affords one the opportunity to live at least 50% of their lives for themselves, compared to the military, in which you may have to live more than 70% for the government (mostly where I am from, your mileage may vary).
The paramilitary hardly takes one away from his/her family as much as military service may demand. In my country, most people who serve in the military end up with messed up families compared to those in the paramilitary.
The paramilitary also teaches more human values as opposed to the brutality, ruggedness, and toughness that are usually part of military training. So, even when the military personnel are averse to hitting women, at least in my country, as I have seen, they do not hesitate to dish out the most brutal and/or hamulating treatment to their fellow men.
In the end, I am generally averse to joining any form of armed force, whether the military or its neighbour, the paramilitary. I am not good with the use of force, which both services usually demand. However, if anyone should ask me for advice, I will recommend a form of service that should help him/her be a community person, and contribute to law and order in their community.
