Is it OK for Christians to serve in the military?

[Kofi]

My friend wanted to join the military but he later changed his mind because he thought joining the military isn't right for a Christian. When I asked him why, he said killing in any form is a sin and that he doesn't want to kill so he withdrew his application. My question therefore is, is it right for a Christian to join the military? Take for example the war against Iraq. Most people are against this war but if you are a Christian in the military, you have no other choice than to fight and kill people.

What do you think? Is it bad for a Christian to serve in the military? What does the Bible say?

There is nothing wrong with a Christian joining the military. If your purpose for Joining the military is to fight oppression and to help save lives by eliminating the enemy then there is nothing un-christian about that but if your purpose of joining the army is just to get army benefits then you better think twice because in many situations people are forced to do what they don't want to do. A soldier told his story on youtube and according to the soldier there was a time in Iraq he felt so bad for the local people that he felt guilty chasing them out of their homes in search for the enemy but there was nothing he could do about it because he was under command and he couldn't say no although he felt very bad doing what he was told to do. In short what I want to say is that soldiers are not sinners and it is not against Christianity to join the army. However, before you join the army make sure your purpose isn't just about army benefits but about saving lives and helping people in need. Saddam Hussein was abusing his power and American troops rushed in to save the people and there was nothing evil about that except in situations where American troops overstepped their bounds.

God says my Kingdom is not apart of this world. And he condemns murder. It is up to each individuals conscience and their own personal Bible study but I myself will be a Conscientious Objector if faced between abstaining from killing my neighbor and Going to War. I'd rather go to Prison.