I'm more nervous about my son possibly joining the service than I ever was over twenty years ago....crazy?

2017-02-24T23:41:57-05:00

My son is currently a Junior and is seriously contemplating joining either the Army or the Marines. I come from a long line of men who served. Both Grandfathers, Father, myself, and both brothers all served active duty. However, it's a little different feeling when it's your son possible joining the military with so much going on in the world today.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 12:58 AM

2017-02-25T00:58:59-05:00

There's a lot going on in the world but there is a lot going on at home too. There are no guarantees in the world. I would tell your kid as I hope I would tell mine, do what's going to make you happy, do what's going to make you feel good about yourself, and do what's good for your future.

I chose JAG... I have days where I regret not choosing combat arms. I tell myself damn I could be out there with my brothers instead of at this desk staring down at paperwork and being around stars, eagles, and stripes all day. I also have days where I love my job where I know what I do is good and I know it created another path for me down the road to a new career.

There are options, just make sure he's aware of them and what he is capable of. We all know it's not easy but how many of us would go back and undo it?

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Feb 25 at 2017 1:04 AM

2017-02-25T01:04:06-05:00

SPC Darin Day My wife and I discussed the same thing about our son but, he is only 6 yrs at right now. I honestly think that some day I will be feeling the same when he gets older. We shall see. He will first go to College so that I know he is ready to make the commitment if he chooses to.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Feb 25 at 2017 1:25 AM

2017-02-25T01:25:00-05:00

My father, a WWII vet, just told me to keep my head down and my pants up and I would come home O.K.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Feb 25 at 2017 1:25 AM

2017-02-25T01:25:21-05:00

Not crazy at all. We as parents are more protective of our kids, then we were of ourselves. I know my military folks, who feel the same way.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Feb 25 at 2017 2:07 AM

2017-02-25T02:07:44-05:00

That connection that he feels with you and the others? That's -important-. Encourage him to make his own choices, teach him to evaluate what's best for himself, but...if he chooses the path that you and your forefathers did...applaud and support him.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 2:12 AM

2017-02-25T02:12:25-05:00

SPC Darin Day You are not crazy. You are a parent. My father served in the Air Force. Both of my parents died before I graduated from high school. My sister did not want me to enlist, but I did anyway. Just love your son and try to answer his questions about military service. If he does enlist, you will be a proud father. Good luck.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 25 at 2017 2:20 AM

2017-02-25T02:20:59-05:00

SPC Darin Day Keep your son informed about his possible choices. Many young people are not suited/prepared for a military career. That does not mean that many unprepared/goal-not identified young people wold not really benefit from a 'hitch' in the military as they develop and grow into citizens ready to commit to a choice of careers.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Feb 25 at 2017 7:49 AM

2017-02-25T07:49:58-05:00

I worry about my kids going out for drinks let alone war. I think its just something that never stops.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2017 10:02 AM

2017-02-25T10:02:38-05:00

It's a pretty normal feeling, I believe. My dad, both his brothers, as well as both my grandfathers served in Army, Navy, or Air Force. I didn't find one relative who encouraged me to enlist.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Feb 25 at 2017 11:42 AM

2017-02-25T11:42:57-05:00

Don't sweat it - it's just experienced wisdom vs youthful exuberance

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Mar 1 at 2017 9:03 AM

2017-03-01T09:03:39-05:00

It is normal to worry about your children in every aspect of their life...That worry never goes away. You will always wonder if they have enough money, food, gas, clothes, etc. Now compound that with what we know about military service. The world as we know it really isn't much different, we just see it different that it has been in the past. Terrorism has always been there. The only real difference is 20-30 plus years ago we knew our enemy...we could put a face to them and knew where and when the potential wars would start. Now, our enemy could be our neighbor and we wouldn't even know it. And we wouldn't know where or when it would start. We all had the same thoughts that your son is having about serving. Our parents had the same reservations about us serving...I remember having the conversation on the corner of my parents bed one night because I had to have their signature since I was 17 at the time. They were reluctant but I knew what I had to do and they let me do it. However, when you are the "protector" it is not as easy. My daughter will be in nursing school this coming year and has stated she might entertain coming in as a nurse. My heart sank but I knew that she would do her level headed best to take care of our guys and gals in uniform with compassion so we talked about it and it is on the table...for a couple more years at least but still on the table. Bottom line...you are not crazy for feeling this way...it is absolutely normal. I would worry about you more if you weren't nervous or worried a little. He comes from along line of patriots and when or if he serves, I guarantee you will strut like a proud peacock when you first see him in uniform.