My country is one of the few left that still has mandatory conscription at age 18. I was declared eligible for service at that time, but had it in my head that I wanted to pursue a university degree instead. Luckily for me I pulled a high number (20022 to be exact) and that pretty much guaranteed I wouldn't be called upon. A few years down the line after struggling with my studies I eventually found myself without any kind of driven purpose or goal and mildly depressed for that reason. I quit university and signed up for the military. After about six months wait time I started basic and I've been with the army ever since.