Son joining military. Need some advice (1 Viewer)

[Doctor Detroit]

Have him watch full metal jacket a few times. 

It's not that bad if you understand what you're in for, what they're doing to you and that is a game. A serious game but still a game. The object of the game is to see who's a ##### and who isn't. 

They keep the ones that aren't and get rid of the ones that are. Tell your kid don't be a #####

It's not 1966 and they aren't going to Nam.

Watch this instead.  

 

[tdoss]

Thanks for sharing TDoss. Pretty much what I expected. I know after he watch Full Metal Jacket, he had some concerns about the Drill Instructor striking some of the recruits. I told him I didn't think that happens any longer and tried to play it off as it being a movie based on tactics used 40 years ago. Also told him, don't give them a reason to hit you and you'll be ok. 

Simsarge - He's familiar with firearms. He's been hunting since he was 6 or 7 and owns a shotgun and two rifles. He's shot everything from handguns to deer rifles. He and I are going to spend a day together goofing around. One of the things we are going to do is shop for a conceal carry gun for myself. 

Marine Corps has a spotlight on them lately over abuse.  They really don't do much of these things anymore.  Only place to remotely get away with these tactics is 3rd Battalion Parris Island because it's out in the swamps with one road in and out.  Hollywood Marines have way too many civilians and eyes everywhere for anything to happen...so they're worst ordeal will be mental and that hike up Mount MF'er.

 

[Ignoramus]

 Of course the AF has an app for its recruits.

 

[KCitons]

Word of advice. Spend as much time as you can with them before they leave. He ships out in about 2 hours and I'm still not ready. 

 

[Ned]

Word of advice. Spend as much time as you can with them before they leave. He ships out in about 2 hours and I'm still not ready. 

Doubt you'll ever be ready.  Big day for him - one of those he'll never forget.  

 

[Beef Ravioli]

KCitons, I just prayed for you and your son. I am grateful for his willingness to serve our country and my family! 

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Guaranteed. We had two requests when he decided to join. First, he had to wait until he was 19. We wanted him to enjoy being a teenager for a year before any major life changes. Second, he had to choose an MOS before he ships. He'll be in ground ordinance maintenance. 

Sounds like an interesting MOS:

LINK

He's going to meet a bunch of buffoons at receiving station that will think they already know everything and will be telling him all kinds of John Wayne stories..  Those will be the one first off the cattletruck in the pushup position with tears running down their faces.  I laugh everytime i think back to that time.

Tell him keep quiet, do what he's told and he will shine through.  The DI's pickup very quickly who are the leaders and who are the dropouts..

Thanks for his service!

 

[Doctor Detroit]

 Of course the AF has an app for its recruits.

Damn straight, that's why we get all the recruits who can read good. 

 

[KCitons]

My son finished the Crucible this morning. Transforming from a Recruit to a Marine. Incredibly proud. He persevered through pneumonia, viral gastrointestinal infection, and bronchitis. Can't begin to describe the pride I have for him.

Thank you to all that served and the parents of those that served.

 

[Ned]

My son finished the Crucible this morning. Transforming from a Recruit to a Marine. Incredibly proud. He persevered through pneumonia, viral gastrointestinal infection, and bronchitis. Can't begin to describe the pride I have for him.

Thank you to all that served and the parents of those that served.

Outstanding.  Congrats!

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

My son finished the Crucible this morning. Transforming from a Recruit to a Marine. Incredibly proud. He persevered through pneumonia, viral gastrointestinal infection, and bronchitis. Can't begin to describe the pride I have for him.

Thank you to all that served and the parents of those that served.

That's a lot of illness to pack into three months.

Glad he got through it.

 

[=Smackdown=]

My son finished the Crucible this morning. Transforming from a Recruit to a Marine. Incredibly proud. He persevered through pneumonia, viral gastrointestinal infection, and bronchitis. Can't begin to describe the pride I have for him.

Thank you to all that served and the parents of those that served.

Congrats

 

[KCitons]

That's a lot of illness to pack into three months.

Glad he got through it.

Yeah, when he got VGE they quarantined about 60 in his company. We thought he might get delayed. But he fought through.(or as the like to say, "adapt and overcome")

 

[Godsbrother]

Yeah, when he got VGE they quarantined about 60 in his company. We thought he might get delayed. But he fought through.(or as the like to say, "adapt and overcome")

 Congrats

 

[MarvinTScamper]

Marines are badasses.   I survived and thrived in Army basic, but I know Marine boot is wayyyyy worse.   I hope he enjoys his time in service.  Basic training is a life, mind and body changing event.   I went in 5'7" 38R dress green jacket, 145 lbs.   9 weeks later I was 5'10", 42R, and weighed 175lbs.   I was 17.

 

[Beef Ravioli]

Many thanks to your son and your family as well as all of our military past and present.

I know a young man that left the island in December. He had one set back after another: injuries, illness, surgery, etc. He was moved back two times and it was in question whether he could finish on time. I am sure there may have been other "issues" he wasn't as forthcoming about but it was recommended that he leave with an honorable release so he could reenlist if he ever desired. He was devastated!

You should be very proud of your boy!

 

[CGRdrJoe]

Marines are badasses.   I survived and thrived in Army basic, but I know Marine boot is wayyyyy worse.   I hope he enjoys his time in service.  Basic training is a life, mind and body changing event.   I went in 5'7" 38R dress green jacket, 145 lbs.   9 weeks later I was 5'10", 42R, and weighed 175lbs.   I was 17.

and still the only recruit with an 8.5 size melon on that 5'7" frame gb.

 

[-OZ-]

My son finished the Crucible this morning. Transforming from a Recruit to a Marine. Incredibly proud. He persevered through pneumonia, viral gastrointestinal infection, and bronchitis. Can't begin to describe the pride I have for him.

Thank you to all that served and the parents of those that served.

:salute: 

Congrats to all of you!  

Ooorah! 

 

[MarvinTScamper]

and still the only recruit with an 8.5 size melon on that 5'7" frame gb.

 LOL - possibly - I remember having to go back to reception station to get an entirely new uniform fitted for graduation.  Couldn't button the coat, the pants were too big and too short.  The only part of the uni that I kept was the shoes.  It was at that point I noticed my BDUs were getting way too tight/short too.

 

[KCitons]

Marines are badasses.   I survived and thrived in Army basic, but I know Marine boot is wayyyyy worse.   I hope he enjoys his time in service.  Basic training is a life, mind and body changing event.   I went in 5'7" 38R dress green jacket, 145 lbs.   9 weeks later I was 5'10", 42R, and weighed 175lbs.   I was 17.

Thank you for your service.

Giving up the luxuries of life to endure the struggles of boot is commendable. Regardless of branch. 

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Congrats!  Thank you for his service!

 

[Tom Servo]

My son finished the Crucible this morning. Transforming from a Recruit to a Marine. Incredibly proud. He persevered through pneumonia, viral gastrointestinal infection, and bronchitis. Can't begin to describe the pride I have for him.

Thank you to all that served and the parents of those that served.

OUT-FREAKING-STANDING!! 

 

[KCitons]

He'll be fine. Quickest way off the island is to graduate with his class. Listen, work hard and don't volunteer for anything. As was said earlier it's all mental. Even the physical aspect is mainly pushing yourself through. Best thing ive ever made myself do. Go to his graduation if you can, you'll be glad you did.

I got nothing @KCitons except support your son and encourage him every step of the way.

When you go to graduation you may need to get bigger shirts since your chest may be puffed out with pride for him. 

This. 1000x this.

Just got back last night. I recommend anyone that has the opportunity to attend a family day or graduation, to do so. The amount of pride you have for all of them is enormous. Sadly, there are Marines that have families that could not attend. We "adopted" one of his Platoon buddies for family day because his fiance couldn't afford the trip and he doesn't have parents. (we bought him food, drinks, whatever he wanted and got to hear his experiences of boot camp). There are quite a few Marines that don't have someone in attendance. Kind of breaks your heart to see them standing and watching the other guys getting hugs and congratulations from parents and friends. I see an opportunity for a non profit to fill a void.

We did have to take our new Marine to the doctor already this morning. He still has Bronchitis and was showing early stages of acute pneumonia. Hopefully the antibiotics will have him well by the time he heads back in a couple of weeks. 

Thanks to all who gave words of encouragement. It's not easy on these young men and women, and can be brutal on parents. (my wife has been on edge for months) But, when you see them cross in front of you in there uniform, you understand that they have a greater purpose.

Thanks again for those of you that served our country.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Good for you  taking his buddy in like that

 

[Ned]

This. 1000x this.

Just got back last night. I recommend anyone that has the opportunity to attend a family day or graduation, to do so. The amount of pride you have for all of them is enormous. Sadly, there are Marines that have families that could not attend. We "adopted" one of his Platoon buddies for family day because his fiance couldn't afford the trip and he doesn't have parents. (we bought him food, drinks, whatever he wanted and got to hear his experiences of boot camp). There are quite a few Marines that don't have someone in attendance. Kind of breaks your heart to see them standing and watching the other guys getting hugs and congratulations from parents and friends. I see an opportunity for a non profit to fill a void.

We did have to take our new Marine to the doctor already this morning. He still has Bronchitis and was showing early stages of acute pneumonia. Hopefully the antibiotics will have him well by the time he heads back in a couple of weeks. 

Thanks to all who gave words of encouragement. It's not easy on these young men and women, and can be brutal on parents. (my wife has been on edge for months) But, when you see them cross in front of you in there uniform, you understand that they have a greater purpose.

Thanks again for those of you that served our country.

I have, and still have, goosebumps from reading this.