Today’s military is not what it once was. If you’re interested in joining, you should go in with your eyes open and be spiritually fit and firm in your beliefs. The military has become, in many ways, a grand social experiment. There’s a lot of social engineering going on these days, and if you’re not prepared, that kind of environment can throw you off course fast. My advice? If you’re grounded, disciplined, and willing to embrace the hardships, the military can still offer you something valuable. But make no mistake—it’s a different beast from what I joined in the late ‘80s. Here’s what I learned in my time in the Army Rangers, along with some hard-earned advice if you’re thinking about enlisting.

1. Start with Mental Toughness—and a Strong Spiritual Foundation
The military has always required grit, but in today’s military, it’s about more than physical or mental toughness; you’ll need a solid grasp of your values to stay the course. Back in Ranger training, we faced brutal, relentless conditions—weeks in the field, little sleep, no luxuries. We were there to be hardened, and we knew what we were signing up for. Now, you’ll still face those physical and mental tests, but you’ll also have to navigate a different kind of pressure, one that involves balancing your values with what can sometimes feel like arbitrary social experiments.

For young men considering enlisting, my advice is to establish a firm foundation in your faith and your worldview. Programs like the International ALERT Academy can give you a foundation rooted in discipline and biblical values. You don’t want to join only to find yourself swayed by the “social engineering” agenda they’re pushing. Get grounded now; it will help you hold the line later.

2. Consider a Year at ALERT or Backpacking Before You Sign Up
Before diving in, take a year to prepare. I recommend the ALERT Academy or a similar program that will help you build life skills, discipline, and resilience. The ALERT Academy offers a rigorous experience where you’ll learn everything from survival tactics to emergency response—all while growing spiritually. It’s like Jason Bourne training but grounded in faith. You’ll come out of it with skills you can carry into the military and beyond, and more importantly, a solid foundation that will help you stay focused amid whatever challenges the military throws at you.

If ALERT isn’t for you, consider taking a gap year to travel. Seeing the world, learning to adapt to different environments, and getting out of your comfort zone are invaluable experiences that build maturity. Trust me, the military will be waiting, and you’ll be better prepared for it if you’ve taken some time to develop your sense of independence and resilience first.

3. Find the Right Fit: Smaller Units Offer Better Opportunities
In the military, the type of unit you’re in makes a world of difference. Back when I was in, my Ranger unit was like a well-oiled machine—our training was focused, our gear top-notch, and our discipline uncompromising. Large units often come with a lot of red tape and less personalized treatment. In smaller, specialized units, you’re more than just a number. They train you harder, give you better resources, and offer a level of camaraderie that’s hard to find in larger formations.

If you’re headed into the military, aim for a niche role. Intelligence, Explosives Ordinance Disposal, or aviation are excellent choices, not only because of the training but also because these skills translate well to civilian life. My time in the Rangers gave me discipline and endurance, but transitioning to civilian life was tough because of my combat-focused skills. Today, many young men have more options, with military roles that can set them up for high-demand careers after they finish their service. Choose wisely, and look for roles where your skills will serve you beyond your years in the military.

4. Prepare for a Different Social Landscape
The military I joined was more straightforward, more focused on discipline and mission than social issues. Today, you’ll encounter different dynamics around gender, sexuality, and a variety of other topics. These can be challenging if you’re not ready for them. Be prepared to encounter social engineering policies, and make sure you’ve solidified where you stand before you enter. Programs like those at Summit Ministries offer training in apologetics and discussions on how to navigate social challenges from a biblical perspective. It’s worth preparing yourself so you’re not caught off guard by today’s military climate.

5. Embrace Hardship—Don’t Wait for the Military to Do It for You
In Ranger School, we were pushed to our limits. Nights in the cold, marching with heavy packs, and getting minimal sleep. I can honestly say those hardships were the best preparation I ever had—not just for the military but for life. This experience taught me to handle challenges calmly and confidently, even in my work as a war correspondent today.

You don’t have to wait for the military to push you. Seek out hardship now. Go hiking in tough conditions, train hard, and take on challenges that stretch you. When you encounter hardship voluntarily, you build the resilience to handle whatever life throws at you—and believe me, it will. Hardship is the crucible that forges resilience, so don’t wait for boot camp to teach you.

6. Be Wary of Passive Living
This is a big one for today’s generation. We live in a world of distractions, and young men are constantly tempted by the pull of screens—whether it’s video games, social media, or endless streaming. These activities can sap your drive, leaving you stagnant when you could be moving forward. If you’re serious about the military or anything else, start living with that focus now. Dedicate time to training, learning, and developing skills that will serve you in the military or any other endeavor.

This is your time to push forward. Make the most of it by pursuing challenges that matter. The young men who commit early, who push away the distractions, and who focus on building themselves up will be lightyears ahead of those wasting time. If you’re willing to go against the grain and do the hard things, you’ll find that the military—or any path you choose—will be far easier to handle.

7. Think Long-Term: Build Marketable Skills for Civilian Life
The military can give you a lot, but think about what comes next. If you’re in a combat-focused role, the transition to civilian life can be a steep one. Today, the military has opened up roles in cybersecurity, mechanics, and aviation that can provide valuable skills post-service. My son, for instance, became a Black Hawk crew chief, a role that translated into a strong civilian career in aviation after he finished his service.

You can gain a lot from the military’s discipline, courage, and camaraderie, but building skills that will serve you beyond your military years is just as important. Consider your future carefully and choose a role that fits into a larger plan for your life.

Final Thoughts
Joining the military isn’t just a job; it’s a commitment to a lifestyle that will push you physically, mentally, and spiritually. For me, the Ranger training was a crucible that helped shape who I am, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. But go in prepared—understand the environment, be spiritually grounded, and be ready to tackle the unique challenges of today’s military.

Today’s military requires not just grit but a solid foundation in who you are. Seek out challenging experiences now, whether it’s a year at the ALERT Academy, traveling, or simply embracing the hardships that come your way. Those who choose this path with purpose and preparation will emerge stronger, better equipped, and ready to make the most of whatever life throws their way.