[legion]

My best friend's little brother joined the Marines about 2 years ago for a 4-year stint.

He is a stereotypical book nerd. Ultra-smart with no common sense. And completely unlike his big brother (my best friend), he is a hardcore liberal.

He tested into the language program. He was assigned to learn Arabic, but fought for (and was granted) Chinese. He was to spend two years in San Diego learning Chinese, then two years doing intelligence-related translation.

About a year into it, it dawned on him that the military kills people and he might (very unlikely) have to do combat. He starts complain about an old shoulder injury, he gets an honorable discharge.

First thing he wants to do is to go to China to teach English. We convince him that this is a bad idea. (Former marine learning Chinese is discharged and goes to China--his brother and I felt he would be watched and with his total lack of common sense, probably arrested.)

His next idea is to hike the Appalachian trail. He buys himself flip flops, leather pants, and a plane ticket out east. He had no plans for provisions or shelts. Two days later he calls his parents collect asking them to wire him money for the plane ride home.

My point: it's very, very easy to get discharged if one is so inclined.