I joined the Navy (US) after I ran out of money for college. I'm definitely on the shy/awkward side when saling with new people especially straight males but even during DADT I never had issues. Don't get me wrong there's a reason they call it the service, but of you can't find a job it can definitely serve as a good first step towards an education and a career. I would also def recommend talking to someone other than a recruiter who's a member of the branch you're trying to join. For instance now is probably not the best time tio join the US Army. With the potential force reductions it's hard to get a spot from what I hear.