In Peru, military service is required of all people of age. I am thankful that I am exempt from partaking in my duty to "home" and country, as I have very conflicted feelings on the subject, not only for the reasons you mention and those brough to light by recent global affairs, but also because of the state of complete and utter chaos in South American politics and military affairs.

My uncle was in the air force and died quite tragically on a mission for reasons that are to this day undisclosed. My grandmother, whose bother and father died in the revolution always asks whether his and many deaths of that time were necessary. I used to find the sentiment sad and feel very affected by it, but sometimes when I read the papers about matters in those parts, I cannot help but ask myself the same thing.

Conflict indeed.