Comment: I'm in the same boat.

Although maybe not fully agreeing with you on the "fully support the troops" part I do find myself in the same predicament. I'll be graduating next year and am still deciding on what to do with my life. I'd like to attend college but I would also like to do my duty to my country as well.

I looked at the different branches but honestly I feel that I could be easily shipped off somewhere to do things I do not think are right. The thing I have found most favorable is the Air National Guard. The reserves are supposed to be exactly that, reserves for the regular branches.

The guard (although still working at a federal level) works more on the state level addressing the governor of that state. I don't know the magical formula of when the gov't deploys guard units vs. reserves but I have a feeling it is probably less often. I would love to be able to help out people in my state with the guard while still being able to help at the federal level if need be.

Not saying this is what you should do but might want to check it out and research it a little. Never know.