Real shit, other than Akazies opinion since its understandable, don;t even listen to these other fools saying all this bullshit about nothing they know about. If you join, its what you make out of it that matters. I served for 4 years, got out in 2008 and am getting paid a nice monthly amount just to go to college. I could use the VA home loan when I want, and you can still go to the exchange stores and shit tax free. Take my word for it, if your planning on joining, don't expect that you will be in for more than 4 years cause it's not made for anyone, so I would advise you to pick a good ass MOS that can lead to a good civilian job when you get out...my dumbass picked the logistical side, but its all good, its pretty much how I got my job now. And if you smoke weed or whatever, you better knock that shit out once you join, cause no matter what unit you get into, expect random ass piss tests every now and then.