I've written about it before, but I served six years in the US Navy, and because of the type of work I qualified for, I received a lot of education and training, so I ended up never going on a ship or into combat the entire 6 years of my service. As others have stated, I also enjoyed some incredible experiences for a young man (I enlisted when I was 17), traveling all over Asia, and for the most part living life large.
I also benefitted from the experience afterwards, having attended college and purchased my house with GI Bill funding (I even get a Veteran's discount at my local cannabis collective, lol). Likewise, the leadership skills, and courage and confidence which military training and living provided me, continues to serve me daily.
Nonetheless, I am inclined to agree with the many in here, that say there are other ways to obtain incredible experiences and training, without risking life and limb (and possibly a part of your humanity), and without having to harm or kill other people.
It is sad but true, that most people in the military (no matter for which country) are pawns, and are used as so much cannon fodder for some very ignoble purposes. If I were to be able to do things over, I would not have joined the military, knowing now what I do now about the world. Nonetheless, it is a personal decision for you, and you are getting a wide range of advice, so I trust that you will think long and hard before making such a life changing decision, and I wish you good luck with whatever you decide.
ADG