Decisions to join or not join the military

[Five-Star]

I was driving to my unit the other day and as I look at cars that drive by I think to myself if that person had served in the military. This of course made me wonder why someone would decide not to choose this way of life. I know but that sounds odd since joining the military seems more of a less persued decision.

I can say for certain that I've known I've wanted to serve in the military since I was in 7th or 8th grade. I've always wanted to serve my country and do my duty. The last person in my family to serve were both of my grandfathers who did in World War II for the US Army and the Canadian Navy.

What were your reasons for deciding to be in the military or not? Are you from a military family and it was expected? Are you against weapons? Etc. I'm very interested in hearing the decisions not to join (let me clarify: there is nothing wrong with not joining, I'd like to hear other thoughts)