Weekends filled with Marines

Aaron is out today with his second Marine outing in as many weeks. He is actually doing double duty right now as he is enlisted in the Reserves, but wants to go for Officer. So, he has to go to "pooly" events on both sides. Last weekend was the officer side and it was a nice family picnic with recent Officer Candidate School graduates sharing stories. Today, Aaron is hanging out with the enlisted. All I know is he was to wear black shorts and a black shirt.
I will have to say, though this would probably not have been my first choice for Aaron's occupation, I can't help but notice what the challenge has done for him already. His body has really undergone some changes as he has been working toward a 1st class PFT score. Mentally, he is on top of things, keeping track of what he needs to do and where he needs to be. He is also in better spirits. The Marines present a challenge, a commeradory, and a sense of purpose. And, it gets him out of his parent's basement.
I don't want to see Aaron go to war, but I understand that it is his duty if he is called. He is joining to protect and serve a country he very much believes in. He is not joining the Marines to murder people or fight in a war with intensions he does not necessarily fully back. He is joining to defend not only his nation, but many others that benefit from the United States military.