Againsheila
Gold Member
Againsheila, the 8 year obligation isn't fine print. It's explained to everyone who enlists. In fact, in order to enlist for active duty, you have to sign two contracts. The first one puts you in the reserves, and the second one puts you on active duty, and the reason for that is explained to you in detail at the MEPS. Everyone who volunteers knows they're obligated to serve 8 years. Most aren't asked to, but they all know it's a possibility.
From what I've been reading, most are being asked to do even more. Even those just in the reserves. It used to be a weekend job. My how things have changed.