Surditas,
i apologise, the implication i made is unjust. the thought process in my head was evaluating potential vs actual risk - whilst there are plenty of people trying to kill you, the chances of survival, at least statistically-wise aren't that unfavourable. and to quote you- "most people <..> have had a good time". that's what i was referring to mostly, and once again, i'm truly sorry if i offend.
and my reference to "real" war was fuelled by grandparents' actual experiences in WW2, in former Soviet Union, as compared to stories of fun and occassional afgani encounters of previously mentioned friend. NOT diminishing the loss of life in Iraq and the A-Stan.
i sure hope my mum DOESN'T realise that!! i wouldn't want to deal with that any earlier than i had to!! (if i had to)
CAN you refuse? i was under the impression that it is a condition of entry, that you understand and agree to serve, if required.