So, the [i]only[/i] way to help in a war is to be fighting as a soldier? Those scientists that worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII weren't helping in their own way? Why weren't they drafted? And, you know what, for your sake, I guess I wasn't very clear; I would still register for a draft, and I will still register with the selective service when I turn 18, seeing as I am not yet required to, but I would rather help a war effort in my own way, if given the choice. I just think I'd be more help as a scientist or engineer than as a soldier. However, you seem very hostile, so I don't think my explanation is complete enough yet. Besides the fact that being a soldier involves taking the lives of other people, I would not be 100% against it, especially if the USA wasn't the one who attacked unprovoked. However, if military drilling and life in general is as strict as it is made out to be in television and movies and books, then I'd pass. For the very few times I have a reason to call myself proud, that would be one of them. I would rather [i]not[/i] have some officer shout expletives and curses and orders at me or others, and then be punished for defending yourself or otherwise saying anything back. I'd rather not be put down to that level if I don't have to; I'd rather help some other way. I don't want to sound mean to you, but I don't care what you think. If I were to be drafted, then fine. But I will give respect, so I will demand it in return. And if that's too much, then oh well. If the only thing that matters is honor and no thing else, and if the only way to earn honor, if the only way to avoid being called a coward is to fight and kill and bleed on a battlefield, then I guess my first preference would not be to have your "honor".