I am 16 and I want to join the army. My mum wants me to stay back for a year or 2 to "grow up" and have a civilian job. I think she wants me to do that is because if I settle down and get a girlfriend etc, I won't join. They also said I will miss out on 18th birthdays parties and going out to clubs. I have shown that I have done lots of research into the army to my parents so I know what I am getting into.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of joining right out of high school?

Thanks