Am I being too selfish?

In my opinion its your life to live not anyone else's. I think the military is an awesome route to get an education and life experience. I work with a bunch of men and women out of the navy, air force and marines (sorry no army people). They said if they could go do it all again they would. But this is your own personal choice. Not your parents. As with your father that is something no one is going to be able to predict how he going to take it and if he will or will not hold a grudge. But if your folks are christians then they should forgive you for not doing what they wanted. I'm not sure if his reaction is common but I know my father took my brother straight down to the recruiting office when my brother graduated high school. My brother joined the navy did his 4 years and when he got out he had the skills to jump right into a successful career. My best advice is to try and sit down and have a heart to heart talk with your folks and maturely explain how you feel with out getting emotional. Maybe compromise and go into a branch of the military that isn't so dangerous like the navy or air force? Like I said earlier in the end this is your life and your choice. Good luck. Sorry your folks have to be difficult but at least your trying to make something of your life. And your fathers health isn't your fault. There is nothing you can do to make his health better or worst. In the end that is his decision.