Self discipline for 22 year old male besides the military

The martial arts (karate, judo and etc.) are a source of self-discipline instruction that don't require joining the military.  Professional counseling to learn why he doesn't have self-discipline now is another option.

The military teaches discipline, that is true, but it is not really "self" discipline, it is imposed from without.  As soon as your son left the military, he may not have any more self discipline than he went in with.

If he wants to learn self discipline, there are many other, much safer ways to go about it.  I'm sure there are classes and counselors that specialize in it, plus innumerable self help books on the subject.

I favor the martial arts though in your son's case.  His mind already has military in it, and being flung through the air or knocked to the ground in practice has a way of bringing light to a person's mind.  Plus the classes are all about self discipline, the exercises, the movements, the practices,

If he insists on the leaving home part, suggest the Peace Corps.  It's as bad conditions as the army but without the guns. 

You're welcome.  Yes, counseling is probably the answer, since the military seems an extreme jump in logic from Pharmacy School.

I agree with you; the military is not the type of self-discipline needed for intensive study necessary for pharmacy. It emphasizes taking orders unquestioning and leaves little room for creative thinking. I would rather see him take up Tai Tchi that combines self-discipline with the martial arts. Since he already has a high grade in karate it should not be difficult to adapt quickly to Tai Chi. Either read up about it or visit a studio where it is taught.