Military Service (1 Viewer)

[Chadstroma]

WTF...is that a real story or some movie I missed?   I never said a word in BMT.  I'm pretty sure they never knew my name. 

Seems to me to have been the intelligent choice at the time. Then again, I am pretty sure that my smartass self would have said something at some point that would have got me in trouble like @ProstheticRGK Actually, one of the reasons I knew that I needed to go in as an officer or else be in big trouble.

I flirted with going into the military two times- once around the 18 years of age. I didn't because no degree meant no chance at being an officer. The second time around was much older and with a degree but pretty confident my bad knee and bad back wouldn't hold up under any service.

I have always been interested in the military and know much more than your typical civilian does about the military. Now, almost 40 I wonder if I really should have. I actually think there are areas I would have really been interested in and done well with like an all-source intelligence officer or counter intelligence officer or civil affair officer, etc. But that ship has sailed.

 

[igbomb]

The military can be a great option. Wasn't for me but I have two brothers who served. But having said that, it's only a good choice if it's something they actually want to do. Going into the military because you're aimless is not a good choice.

Some kids just take more time to mature, especially boys. Try to steer him out of permanent life-altering bad decisions (pregnant girlfriends, jail time) and let him sort it out. Doesn't mean you can't give him a nice push out the door through raised expectations, but just know sometimes kids need some time. If he gets his crap together at 21 instead of 18, but he actually finds that thing that drives him in the process, no harm done.

 

[Kanil]

WTF...is that a real story or some movie I missed?   I never said a word in BMT.  I'm pretty sure they never knew my name. 

Same here... I was in week 4 and the main drill sgt for my flight asked who the F I was as he didn't remember ever seeing me.  Told me I must be a genius and then made me do pushups because he couldn't pronounce my long, but phonetic, last name.

 

[sbonomo]

can you zero out my mortgage

I wish.....I work for the large corporate divisions.  I only deal with publicly (and large private) companies.

 

[DallasDMac]

I've been looking at this option for my son (finishing his jr year of HS).  In addition to tuition AND books AND housing, they also receive a modest stipend for living expenses. 

Unless things have changed (and I'm pretty sure they have not), this is only true for those that are awarded a full scholarship. Must do not get these benefits until they start their junior year. That is when they sign their military contract and commit to serve after graduation. However, you can earn a ROTC scholarship earlier, and the benefits (and signature guarenteeing service) start then.

 

[Captain Cranks]

My 17 year old is enlisting in the air force.  He is much like your son; smart, and has ambitious goals, but too lazy and undisciplined to achieve them.  I saw this issue years ago and planted the seeds that he go into the armed forces before college.  Otherwise, school would be a big waste of time.  

Last year, he went to a three week military camp for troubled kids; the kind where they kick the bad out of them.  He came back hating it.  Not because of the military experience, but because the other kids didn't want to be there and didn't take it seriously.  It was then that he knew he wanted to go into the military.  

From what I've read and heard from friends, air force is the way to go if they'll take you.  As someone mentioned, it's closer to civilian life and the living conditions are nicer.  

Just make sure your son understands the pros and cons of serving.  Hopefully he'll be like my son and attracted to the discipline the military will teach him.  

 

[bueno]

Your son sounds a lot like my son was in high school. He is now a Chief Petty Officer. He has his AA and is going for a BS. And in six years he will retire at full pension.

 

[MaxThreshold]

Army because even Marines need hero's. 

You're right, we do need heroes and we have them - They're called Marines.