Currently there are heated debates in my country, about whether civil service should be reinstated or not.

What I have noticed is that the majority of discussions is filled with strong misconceptions about the military. It gives the impression that the EU has grown stupid - as in how Bonhoeffer coined the term - after almost a century of peace.

Joining the military is not about joining the forces to kill - or worse - to die.

It is about learning how to take and take arms - so you do not have to use arms.

It is not about preparing for war and conquer.
It is not about learning to kill or not to get killed.
It is not about learning how to obey orders to die an honourable death.

In a world where there are other people, organisations and nations which do not hold back in attacking sovereignities to increase their power and influence, we need more than ever a solid method for deterrence.

Change through trade has failed us, as it was constantly sabotaged by U.S. foreign politics who did not understand how it works. Even more so those dictatorial - almost imperial - rulerships do not care about external influences.

Joining and serving the military is not joining to kill.

It is to show that we have our hands ready to fight back if we should be attacked.
It is to make those who wants to conquer think twice before attacking - making them rather not so.

The atomic stalemate has failed us, as it will never work against those in power who do not care about the wellbeing of their people.

That is why the need for conventional forces - or rather - the combat readiness is important.

You do not take arms to kill.
You do take arms to protect. To prevent.

You do not go to kill.
You do not go to die.

You do not want to die for your government? Then do not.

But what about your family? Your mother? Your sister? Your children?

You stay strong not just for yourself when you are in the military.
You stay strong for all the people who cannot. You are the defender of the weak.

It is not about the government if you join the military. It never was. It is always about the people you care about.

You do not even need to serve with a weapon. There are so many jobs which can also help, from being a chef all way to be a data analyst.

What is important is to know and understand how to defend yourself. And how to defend those you love.

Those discussions in my country all seem to forget about that. They keep thinking "military = killing machines without souls".

But every solider is human. Every soldiers is like you and me, having something to lose, something they want to protect. They stay strong for those who cannot.

If the enemy is at your doorstep and busting through your door - who is going to defend you?

That is why we always pay respect.
That is why we always honour.

In gratitude we know: all this lasting peace we were enjoying is not because we did not have any military. It is because we have military which deter our would-be-enemies and opportunists.

Whether in wartime. Or in peacetimes.
If you join the military, you do it with your loved ones in mind.