I served during a time when I wasn't needed in combat (which was surprising giving that several conflicts were going on). I've always partially regretted getting out of the Marines, something I did because they closed my base and made me into a glorified secretary.

Then I read this

Marine Reservists Involuntarily Recalled

The Marine Corps is recalling 1,800 reservists to active duty, citing a shortage of volunteers to fill some jobs in Iraq.

Members of the branch's Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) will get letters this week notifying them of plans to mobilize them involuntarily for a year, said Lt. Col. Jeff Riehl of Marine manpower and reserve affairs.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates last week approved the action, under which reservists would report for duty in October and deploy to Iraq early next year, Riehl said.

From the 1,800 called, officials hope to get 1,200 Marines for aviation maintenance, logistics support, combat arms and several other skills needed for the early 2008 rotation into Iraq.

Had I stayed in, I'd still be in the IRR and would have friggin' volunteered to go. But alas, my poor wife didn't marry an active Jarhead and I'm not sure they'd want my flabby, medically challanged ass anyway.

Hat tip Tree Hugging Sister who is rightfully concerned herself.