i'm not sure if i can speak for the people that volunteer to go to iraq, but i can tell you about a friend's experience. he was part of the army reserve and his term was up a year ago. however, he reinlisted about 3 months ago and they shipped him to iraq. of course, he didn't mind going, but given the choice, he wouldn't have. why did he re-inlisted. well.. he's not going to school... and he was working at a fast food resturant. his rational was that the military pays for his rent even when he's gone and he doesn't have to spend any money on food. they also provide a medical plan which i doubt McDonalds offers. so for him it was purely economical. ask if he believes in the cause and he'll shrug it off in indifference. i pretty certain there's alot of young soldiers out there that truly believe in the cause, and more power to them. but now... if my friend had to die *knock on wood* because he's poor and indifferent about the war, i would be pretty angry. if he didn't die, i'd be happy he made some money off of it. i don't know the odds but this is a heck of a gamble for him though. K
