You will not learn anger management and how to treat a lady in the army!
LOCKPORT, New York (AP) -- A judge offered a 20-year-old man facing sentencing an unusual choice: Enlist in the Army or go to jail for up to a year.
Michael Guerra, 20, had pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal contempt, a misdemeanor, after he was accused of violating an order of protection.
At a hearing last week, his attorney told Judge Sara Sheldon Sperrazza that Guerra wanted to join the Army but couldn't if he was on probation.
The judge offered Guerra the chance to follow through, but warned that if he didn't enlist within 30 days he would be arrested and sentenced to jail.
Prosecutor Caroline Wojtaszek was doubtful Guerra would actually enlist but said, "maybe they're the only ones who can whip him into shape."
A judge can't order someone to join the Army, but she can decline to impose a sentence if conditions are met, said Guerra's attorney, Matthew P. Pynn. "We do that with misdemeanors all the time," he said.
Guerra had been accused of shoving his girlfriend's friend against a wall and kneeing her in the stomach. Authorities said he was trying to assault his girlfriend and her friend tried to shield her.
Guerra could not be reached for comment. His attorney said he does not have a telephone.
I agree with the judge on this one. The guy probably was just using that as an excuse, and now he has to join. He'll probably get kneed in the stomach himself at some point. And he'll go through enough hell in boot camp that it'll be worth it. But, I don't think the judge went far enough. The guy should have to serve his full time in the army or else he gets thrown in jail. I could see him enlisting and then getting himself thrown out.
I could see him enlisting , growing up and recieving the Conressional Medal of Honor for bravery above and beyond the call of duty , 2 Purple Hearts , 1 Silver Star and 1 Bronze Star with clusters.
enlisting in the army is hardly an easy way out of a misdemenor charge. the guy must have a clean record or this option wouldn't even be available , so ask yourself this - what do most people get for a sentence when its a misdemenor charge and they have a clean record ? answer -
a small fine and 6 months probation.
next question- whats worse ? a midemenor record that no one cares about or a bad conduct discharge that follows you for life ?
While I do agree that a few years of military service can straighten some people right out, I also know that there are several wife beaters in the military. Unfortunately, the pendulum is probably starting to swing back the way of the military has to take who they can get as opposed to having the luxury of excluding problemed individuals.
In this guy's case, it will come down to character. The fact that he is in the predicament that he is in does not indicate well for him. I think at a minimum before he goes anywhere, the girlfriend's battered friend should have the option to knee this dude in the stomach. If she can't do it effectively, then she should be allowed to designate a suitable man to do the job for her. I have absolutely no sympathy for abusive people.
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MM
That which does not kill me postpones the inevitable.
I aint afraid of ya . bring the other girls too, it'll take the lot of ya to get me down , tie me up and have your way with me ! 
