The U.S. Military as High School Students: An Unconventional View
Imagine the U.S. military branches as high school students. Each has a different personality and struggles, just like teenagers navigating the challenges of life. Let's explore how these military branches would fit into the social hierarchy of a typical high school.
The Army Guy: The C Student
The Army guy is a C student, more interested in hanging out with his buddies during and after school. He is pursuing his own meaningless hobbies and is probably on a few teacher's radar as either a potential dropout or a better student if they gave him more attention. He doesn't know what he wants in life, and may or may not figure it out or succeed. He looks at the Marine and waxes and wanes between being put-off by the Marine's presence or envying him. This dichotomy highlights his struggle to find direction and meaning in life.
The Marine: The Star Player
The Marine is like a quarterback for the varsity squad. He's popular and beloved by fellow students but worries their teachers about what he may become if all the show and talk aren't followed-up with continued diligence and passion. He's more likely than anyone to get into the alpha male culture of competitive social drinking, stupid games, and physical prowess that could lead to alcoholism, social, and legal troubles. The Marine's success in sports mirrors his dedication to the military. However, his potential for trouble highlights the importance of maintaining focus and discipline.
The Navy Guy: The Legacy Heir
The Navy guy is a classically well-adjusted student who comes into high school riding his coattails of successes as the student council president and leader of many club teams. His legacy makes life easier for him than everyone else, thanks to his good genes and a supportive family network. However, he may have an inferiority complex that could blindside him one day. He sees the Marine as a nuisance for being too brash and baser, and he has never noticed the Army guy and likely never will. His continued legacy and support ensure he is the old stalwart capable of great things.
The Air Force Beauty Queen: The Flash
The Air Force beauty queen is the school's flash and color. She comes from even richer parents than the Navy guy, and it's new money. She's a free spirit who plays hard to get, but when she's finally won, the core truth of her personality becomes apparent. She has a complex relationship with the Army, the Marine, and the Navy. She barely notices the Army guy, even though her father and the Army's father go way back to The War. She may be quite infatuated with the Marine, although she wouldn't really know what to do with him if she caught him instead of being caught. Her relationship with the Navy guy is complicated due to his age and experience, which makes any future relationship uncertain.
The Coast Guard Guy: The Lone Diver
The Coast Guard guy is a D student loner who's already smoking weed on the sly and drowning his developing mind in alcoholism. He likely doesn't have many aspirations and will end up in jail, community college, or the military. As the only avenue for him, the military becomes a place of last resort. He can make himself useful but it will go unrecognized due to his reputation. He wishes he could be like the other students, but the effort required seems too great, making it unlikely that he will be part of the scene.
In conclusion, the U.S. military branches behave like teenagers going through unique challenges. The dynamics and traits of each branch highlight their strengths and struggles, making them relatable and easy to understand. These analogies serve as a unique perspective on the military, emphasizing the importance of discipline, focus, and perseverance. Whether they are excelling in sports, leading a school's legacy, enjoying their legacy, or hitting rock bottom, the U.S. military branches are all striving to find their place and make a difference.