Northcountryboy: I was thinking the same as you, I joined up in 68 and had every intention of staying in until age 55, unfortunately they changed the rules and I was the wrong rank at the wrong time and had to go at age 47. I concur with your comments, I have been to some amazing places, worked with fantastic guys of all ranks, been to a real war. I have also worked with the worst types of guys (latter part of my 30 years) but despite the huge changes, cut backs and government/MOD abysmal treatment of the forces these days I would only advise my kids/friends kids etc on the opportunities as I see them and show them where to get the latest advice from and then make their own minds up. I would neither recommend nor put off someone who wanted to join up, to discourage them I think could possibly make the future work load of the current serving personnel harder without new blood coming in.