Columnist Dennis Norwood speaks of the recent enlistment of his son, Ben, and recounts some of the advice he gave:

Choose your friends wisely. Running with the wrong crowd in the military carries the same consequences as it does in the civilian world — only the penalties can be much harsher…

Take your training seriously. One day it may save your life. It may seem silly now to have to fold your T-shirts just so or to keep your toothpaste dispenser clean. But it’s the discipline you will need if you ever fold a parachute or maintain a fuel line on an F-16…

And the final:

For one last piece of advice, always lean on the Jesus Christ who has loved and saved you. You can be a Christian and serve in the military. It won’t be easy, but you were brought up to know what is expected of a Christian man and you can do it. I know you can.

Read his full advice to those who enter the US military service.