Quote Originally Posted by IRONxMortlock
It sounds like you are in the same position as I was once diablodelmar. When I graduated high school I went straight to ADFA (Australia Defence Force Academy) to start my career as an Army officer. It is a pretty tough place (especially in the first year) but I did learn a lot. However I don't believe these kinds of academies make the best officers. I'm now firmly of the opinion that all cadet officers should firstly have to serve some time in the enlisted ranks. But back to you。

We were pushed to extreme limits of physical endurance at the academy and needed to be in great physical shape. I think your asthma may disqualify you but you should really check with the recruiters. Also think of your own safety here. Having an asthma attack when you find yourself isolated on an exercise could be fatal and not being able to breath and collapsing during 20km route-march with full gear isn’t going to much fun either!

The benefits

They pay for your school and you’re guaranteed a job when you graduate.
You get to do some really amazing things.
You become stronger and fitter than you ever thought possible.
You learn how to be strong and to persevere.
You develop great self-discipline and control.

The Downside

You give away your youth to the service. You don’t get a chance to do a lot of the kinds of things civilian students do at your age. This is by far the biggest downside to joining the military during your late teens/early 20’s IMO.
You become a killer. Make no mistake, the military exists for one purpose – to project its nation’s power by killing its enemies and it does a good job of making sure you will not hesitate to kill or to order killings when told.
You may be violently killed.

For me, leaving the army was difficult but it was also the best decision I ever made. The army really restricts what you can and can’t do with your life. Since leaving I have had so many better opportunities and experiences. If I were to live this life again I wouldn’t join the military but I don’t regret my experience there. It is now an important part of the person I am today.

My advice to you is to not join now. Not having to pay for school makes it very tempting but don’t do it! Fund yourself through school even if you have to work 3 jobs to do it. This will develop as much character as anything you do in the army. You will enjoy your youth as you should and if you’re still interested once you graduate, then consider signing up. The chances are you will then be a much better officer.
Wow thanks thats some good info.

A few more questions:

What is the emotional and mental tolls (now that we've decided your body has to be in top shape)?

Being killed - what are the chances? I am not a coward, nor would I be terribly sorry about my life if I were KIA, but its obviously something I would like to avoid.

What are the attitudes like in the army? I once did a few days at Warcop (anyone from the British Army will know what it is - its a huge training ground in Cumbria or Lancashire) with the CCF (combined cadet force - I was with the army cadets at the time) and there seemed to be a lot of pessimism which is what one could expect I guess.