To derekadavis - Because it is a dangerous job is the WRONG reason not to do it. I am sure you know that because you know what is going on in Iraq. I have been there twice and the fact of the matter is is that there is less than a .5% casualty rate - casualties includes deaths and wounded.
If you are looking to gain experience in a technical field, by all means - consider the Air Force or the Navy. Those two branches have a lot more jobs that easily align to the civilian world.
If you are looking to make an impact in peoples' lives, consider the Army. You will deploy more (and not necessarily to combat zones) and interact with real people more.
Whatever your decision is, make sure you are making the right one for you. I myself have been active duty Army for ten years and in the National Guard for the last five years. I make well over six figures (thanks solely to the experience I gained in the Army), but I continue to serve because it is the right thing to do. For me.
Whatever branch you go to, basic training will suck. The intent of basic training is to break you down and an individual and build you back up into a team. Once you understand that, basic training is a piece of cake. But you WILL hit some low points.
The best piece of advice ever given to me regarding basic was told to me from my recruiter: "At some point during basic, you will hate me, you will hate my mother, you will hate the Army and you will want to quit. Remember - it DOES get better. Otherwise, no one would ever re-enlist."
How right he was. I found him after basic and AIT and bought him lunch. I owe my recruiter more than I can ever repay.