Recently in Japan, the number of jobs has exceeded the number of people looking for work. Restaurants and construction sites are particularly understaffed, and some enterprises are not able to continue doing business. Many of the positions available are unstable part-time posts. On the other hand, increasing numbers of young people want to join the self-defense force, and competition for positions is becoming more intense. The other day I had an opportunity to talk with a high school student who wants to enter the SDF (self-defense force). I said, “The SDF also has a strong public image of being a disaster relief force, so do you want to do such work?” He said, “It is one of the reasons, but the main reason is that as SDF members are government employees, I’ll have a stable lifestyle and in addition I do not have to worry about bankruptcy even in a bad economy.” I heard their salary is quite low…,” I said. “That’s only if you compare them to leading private companies, in fact, they give out bonuses three times a year in addition to various allowances and assistance for acquiring many kinds of skills.” “But, I heard that the retirement age is mid-50s. Doesn’t that worry you?” “SDF members complete their term of service every two or three years, and because each time they receive severance pay, if you save this up it will be enough to make up for a retirement fund.” I became a little worried whether these young people, who enlisted not out of patriotic feelings, but because they had been charmed by the good treatment on offer, could really protect their country. I asked him, “You don’t have any doubts?” Then he replied,” Of course I have. It will be very painful not seeing my girlfriend much.” I questioned him further, “Due to the current situation in Asia, it’s likely that there will be military conflict in the near future. Aren’t you afraid to fight?” He had this to say, “No, not at all. If the situation arises, I will definitely quit.”