Not questioning your decision at all, but I'm curious, you say you're "all the better for it".
How?
Better because of the experience of paying off your debt?
Better because of your experience in the military?
Both? Something else?
I mean, I've certainly paid off my fair share of debt in my lifetime (fortunately, where I live, tuition isn't nearly so astronomical, so my student debts were modest and everything subsequent to that has been manageable consumer debt), but I'd never have considered debt repayment a personal growth opportunity.
I didn't join the Army for the sole purpose of having my loans repaid; it was just icing on the cake. I also received a sizable signing bonus, and was able to convert my degree into an automatic promotion to E4 (Specialist instead of Private).
The Army gave me the discipline I needed to convert my passion into business opportunity, and allowed my family and I to build a solid foundation for the future.
Sooo... you have zero sympathy because they didn't decide to join the military like you did?
No offense, but to assume all people should make the same life decisions you did, and to hold no sympathy for those who don't, is pretty myopic. Believe it or not, not everyone can or should join the army to solve their financial or personal problems.
You're being ridiculous and taking my words out of context.
I'm not suggesting everyone join the Army; I'm suggesting that they do the right thing and pay their debt, regardless of what it takes. For me that meant joining the Army. For others it could mean something entirely different.
How?
Better because of the experience of paying off your debt?
Better because of your experience in the military?
Both? Something else?
I mean, I've certainly paid off my fair share of debt in my lifetime (fortunately, where I live, tuition isn't nearly so astronomical, so my student debts were modest and everything subsequent to that has been manageable consumer debt), but I'd never have considered debt repayment a personal growth opportunity.