Wow, holy shit man! What a read! You make good points here, I'm not gonna argue with you on that. You will feel better conveying the stories you decide to tell when you have, indeed, endured hardships yourself. Serving the army in the Marine Corp. gives you a unique opportunity to do just that.
I wish you all well in your new endeavor! The best of luck to you! And please, don't get killed out there :)
ShyGuyWolf
good luck, and hope you be safe out there.
aggimajera
I'll be fine. Peacetime :/