Since I have been in the 6th grade one of my dreams and ambitions is to become the Gunnery Sergant in the Marines. I know in Buddhist religion that we should not act on voilence. But would this be wrong of me to want to become something so honorable? I know war is something that most people are against, but at times we are fighting for our freedom. I don't know what I should do religiously. Any advice?

Hi there and welcome to the board! 

It's true that Buddhism is diametrically opposed violence in a general sense.  This is because we are samsaric beings, and most of our actions are motivated by Ignorance, Desire, and Anger (the Root Afflictions).

Buddhism doesn't talk about this in terms of absolutes; it is quite possible that any act could potentially be motivated by Compassion or Loving-kindness, but even then the Compassion might be diluted by any of the Afflictions (like Ignorance, the fundamental misunderstanding of reality).  That's why, I think, it is dangerous to try to reason out or justify killing.  Our actions might be well thought out, but they may cause ripples of effects in ways we didn't anticipate. 

Take the current conflict in Iraq, for example.  The civilian government (or at least, a few influential members of it) believed that we could simply impose a way of life and political ideology on a region of the world with simple miltiary action, without thinking through the possible consequences. They persuaded the American populace that we were in imminent danger, which proved to be false. Now we seem to have widened gaping wounds in the region and sent many brave young people to their deaths. 

Personally, I believe that the military of developed countries like the US and the UK are capable of immense help to humanity.  Most of my friends are in the military.  For myself, it is an option that I have considered and decided against; my principles tell me that, if I were in the military now, while I might be able to help bring some positive change in the world, my person would become a tool for the agenda of a misguided civilian government. I also strongly disagree with the military's recruitment tactics; men and women are 18 years of age, I think, are less capable of making wise decisions, and should at least be allowed to finish college before serving their time. 

You may do well to question what it is that you want to achieve by joining the military, and if there are other ways of serving your country and the rest of the world that may be preferable.  Peace Corps, for example, is something you may want to look into. 

In any case, best of luck, and welcome to the board.

LozangK
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