I asked my Navy friend to answer me honestly on why he joined the Navy. He said for the opportunity to learn to fly. Then I asked about love of country. He said that was one reason but not the primary reason. I asked him why he remains in the reserves to this day. He said for the specialized training and the retirement. I asked why he thought people enlist in the military. He said for the job opportunity and the training. Did he feel that enlisting is in itself an act of heroism? No.
