Parents, With the way our military has changed and is changing, would you recommend your child to be in the Military?

Why not? If you think your kids shouldn't work in an environment like you described, you better not let them into the civilian world either, then. There, gays and transgenders live and work openly, women do all sorts of jobs, and no one gets a 20 year retirement. It seems to me your issues aren't really with how the military has changed, but rather how society has changed. The military always ends up reflecting society. Most likely by the time a young kid today gets to military age, they will think nothing of the topics that are such an issue to some today. As ancient predjudices fade away, a larger portion of our society will be able to live and work together, which will be a plus for our country and our military.

SFC (Join to see) great question, I am asking my children to join all the time. Anyone who performs DUTY HONOR COUNTRY I have the utmost respect for. America still must be defended, and I am forever grateful to ALL whom defends this NATION.

As veterans and parents, my wife and I, both, have reflected on this very question. My son (10) says he wants to be a Marine. My second daughter (15) has her sights set on the Air Force Academy. This afternoon, my oldest (17) is interviewing for an Army ROTC scholarship. We've had long, heart-to-heart conversations --with the girls especially. We're guarded in these choices --because we've "been there/done that." Women in combat, transgender people, blacks, whites, gays, straights, Democrats, Republican... Really? Who gives a flying red rat's backside?! By the end of high school, today's teens are quantum years beyond us old fogies who sit and swear at the television news. Especially for women, the military offers an equal footing to start one's journey into adulthood. The experience that lies before them is unparalleled. Would I deny them that? No. Do I WANT my kids to join the military? Well, not really. But, I would support them 100%.