What are you willing to die for?

The first day of class we discussed the major points about war and crafted questions regarding it. The question that stuck most with me was "What are you willing to die for?". This question serves as a reminder to the things we hold most dear in life and the things that we are willing to protect. Most likely, although unfortunately, the only time someone will think about what they would die for is when they are at war. War brings out some of the most brutal characteristics in a person but at the same time, can make them cherish life more than they did before. Only when a your life is threatened will you show your true personality. The idea of death is extremely scary for anyone and to me it is quite ridiculous if someone tells you they are not afraid to die. Although you may believe that you are willing to die for your country, your freedom, your family, and your friends, how will you act when your life is actually threatened? Will you still believe that sacrificing your own life will protect the lives of others? This question lingers in my mind because I plan on joining the Air Force after college. The idea of war and the military has always been of the utmost interest to me and has made me question what meaning and what purpose my life has. To me, the only way I can make a major impact on the people around me is joining the Air Force. I know that by joining I will be making a difference in this world while at the same time protecting my family and the country that I love. This class has helped reignite my growing interest in the military and has helped me question not only why war is waged, but who is willing to fight it.