Combines factual details and practical advice with humor and stories from young people on active duty. Looks at four different phases of the journey from civilian life into the military: making the decision to join, boot camp and the first years in uniform, the military as a long-term job, and veteran's benefits. Includes appendices on rank insignia, medals, specific military jobs and their civilian equivalents, military life in the movies, and short histories of the services. The author is a spokesman for the American Legion, a reporter on military affairs, and the author of a book on military benefits. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)