Title: Service

Military service is performed by an individual in an army or other military organization as a chosen job or conscription (involuntary draft). There are nations that require a specific amount of military service from each citizen. Conversely, nations with fully volunteer military service do not require mandatory military service from its citizens. However, in all instances military service is obligatory in the event of recruitment crisis in times of war.

 The United States employ conscription intermittently. Active conscription ended in 1973. Now, male U.S. citizens aged 18-21 are registered with the Selective Service System that provides manpower to the armed forces in case of emergency. Until now no one has violated the US Conscription Law since 1986. Women may be enlisted for voluntary service.

Every day thousands of young men devote themselves to maintaining peace, protecting freedoms, and providing relief around the globe. Young Americans benefit from serving owing to honour, training, education, pay and self-discovery, and travel. Although, it is noteworthy that military service is not for everyone since it demands intense physical work, self-discipline and time away from family and friends while protecting the country of service home and abroad.  In each case, the decision to serve the country or not is personal, honourable, and vital. 

The U.S. Military consists of five active duty Services and Guard and Reserve units. Altogether, they provide a wide variety of ways to serve:

1) Army Reserve (Army National Guard)

2) Marine Corps (Marine Corps Reserve)

3) Navy (Navy Reserve)

4) Air Force (Air Force Reserve) Air Guard

5) Coast Guard (Coast Guard Reserve)

The US Marine Corps founded in 1775 is an elite group of men and women that adhere to a strict code of ethics and integrity. Marine Corps are therefore deemed strong warriors and people of exceptional character. All Marine deeds rely on the core values of Honour, Courage and Commitment.

The Marine Corps constitute the smallest branch of the US military, though plays a major role as the first force on the ground to solve most conflicts. Nearly 184,000 Marines are ready to deploy quickly as the need may be. The minimum service commitment for the Marine Corps is 4 years, and there are no retired Marines, only former Marines, according to the well-known saying.

Joining the Marine Corps requires that individual is 18-28 years old (17 year old will need parental consent) and has high school diploma. All Marine Corps undergo 12 weeks of Basic Training at Parris Island, South Carolina, or San Diego, California. The training is intense mental and physical process that encourages recruits to live in accordance with the core Marine Corps values of Honour, Courage, and Commitment. The most elite make it through, qualify and eventually are entitled to wear the uniform.

Overall, the Marine Corps service provides intangible benefits. Marines are paid well and receive healthcare and lifestyle benefits as other service members, though being a Marine is a calling.

Therefore Marines are regarded as the world's most elite fighting force. Marines are warriors skilled in the art of warfare, holding themselves to the highest Corps standards.