Down-range retention is really high: Afghan War, deployments still boost recruiting

Now that's interesting. What it says is that people are still ready to step up for a "real mission"

SFC Pete Kain LCDR (Join to see) SGT James Murphy Sgt (Join to see) SGT Mark Anderson SFC(P) Palmer Utley SSG Donald H "Don" Bates SGT Steve McFarland Maj Kim Patterson SPC Michael Oles SR

For me, probably the most meaningful experience was my deployment to Afghanistan. I think most vets weren't looking for easy, but rather more meaningful experience. When in the box we often experience what life ought to be. I had my buddies, they had me, our individual contributions mattered, and we looked out for each other. I have not found that anywhere in civilian life.