Now that you have served, are you likely to recommend your children serve? Same branch?

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:14:45 -0400

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 23 at 2015 8:44 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:44:56 -0400

I would never sway my son away from Service. However, which branch would depend on his goals. Each branch offers different things, in different ways.

Ignoring individual personality, just for a moment, if he were going enlisted, I would recommend Marines or Air Force over Army or Navy. This isn't to say Army or Navy is bad, just that "initial" starting focus is very "different" between the branches, and you get a very quick "bang for your buck" with the the USMC (Leadership Development) and USAF (Technical Skills) starting at E1. The USN & Army offer those are well, but like a spectrum, they kind of the get the "best of both worlds" (on the enlisted side), which really makes it tricky when you are betting 4 years of your life. When you add in personality, that can definitely change the equation though.

If he were going officer, the choices change again. The Army has their Warrant program, and great opportunities for Commissioned Officers as well. The Navy has A LOT of great programs, especially in medical & flight. This isn't to say the USMC & USAF don't have great officer programs, but the "communities" and promotion opportunities are so much smaller and more tailored.

It's about long term goals. Most of us really didn't know what we'd like to be when we grew up, but keeping as many doors open is always a great goal. Some branches and career paths just sort of shut doors more than others.

Response by PO2 Robert Blohm made Aug 23 at 2015 8:46 PM

PO2 Robert Blohm — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:46:53 -0400

I will always recommend any branch of the services. Of course keeping in line with service pride, I would encourage my children to at least explore the service that I was in.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 8:51 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:51:08 -0400

SMSgt Tony Barnes, I sure will, but I will highly recommend college first and then coming in as a Officer.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Aug 23 at 2015 8:51 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 20:51:40 -0400

I told my children that it would be good for them to serve and learn respect for other people and other cultures and get a chance to see the world. I'm really proud my oldest son did four years in the Navy now my youngest son wants the Army. I'm proud of my boys.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 9:07 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:07:25 -0400

It's an interesting question and it depends on my kids. I wouldn't try to pressure them for sure and of course I'd be proud of them serving in the Navy. I would be proud of them serving in any branch and of course proud even if they don't serve.

I love the idea of them following in my footsteps but if their paths are different I don't have a problem with that either.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Aug 23 at 2015 9:14 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:14:03 -0400

Her choice. I'll answer any question she asks honestly.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 23 at 2015 9:14 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:14:04 -0400

Yes, my step-son did a one time enlistment into the USMC, he spent his whole time in Hawaii.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Aug 23 at 2015 9:15 PM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:15:02 -0400

I allowed my to make there own decisions and did not push them toward or against.
My son joined the national guard

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Aug 23 at 2015 9:16 PM

SFC Walt Littleton — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:16:28 -0400

Both of my sons served! 82nd with Wings and 101st with Wings. Me 101st and my father 82nd

Response by SGT Lou Meza made Aug 23 at 2015 9:23 PM

SGT Lou Meza — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:23:44 -0400

I didn't recommend that my son serve , but he wanted to serve in the U.S. Army and he did ! He spent all his time in Berlin , two and a half years ! This was back in 1989-90 .

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 23 at 2015 9:25 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:25:21 -0400

I would suggest they look into it, but I wouldn't recommend that they serve. The call to serve and the reason behind that call is different for every one, and I want to ensure that if they do, I will support them, and if they choose not to, I will still support them. I don't want them to serve because I did, or because they think it's what I expected, as that, to me, is not a valid reason to serve. I will admit that it used to bug me when I would ask a young troop why they chose to serve, and the answer would be a proud "family history" of serving, but there were quite a few where that was the only answer they had. I'm not saying it's got to be an all American patriotic answer, but that answer should begin with "Because I..." not "Because my..." I do feel a little sad that my direct military family line ends with me, but with a brother and sister who served Army, and a brother who served Navy, we still have a shot or two! LOL!

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 23 at 2015 9:37 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:37:39 -0400

I would encourage my youngest son to join. He needs direction in his life and YES I would suggest the Air Force to him

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 23 at 2015 10:10 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:10:56 -0400

I would be proud to have a child serve in any branch of service they chose.

Response by Cpl Micah Wing made Aug 23 at 2015 10:12 PM

Cpl Micah Wing — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:12:30 -0400

I would absolutely suggest it to my children, whenever I have some. As to the branch, if they joined the same as me I would be thrilled. Butni would be just as thrilled with any branch because they are willing to sign and protect this country and the true Americans.

Response by PO1 Matthew Murdock made Aug 23 at 2015 10:17 PM

PO1 Matthew Murdock — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:17:59 -0400

Will not pressure kids to serve but will show the ups and downs and let them make their own choices.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 23 at 2015 10:44 PM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:44:46 -0400

If my kid was looking at serving. . I would tell them to go to an Academy, major in something they could use when they got out and have a minimum of 10 years planned.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 10:46 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:46:21 -0400

Good question my experience recently joining the corps, I'd have to say if i thought they would do the corps proud then i would guide them to it, enless my kids dont want to.

Response by CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner made Aug 23 at 2015 10:49 PM

CH (MAJ) Thomas Conner — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:49:35 -0400

I am proud to say my son joined the Army. My input was for him to get a MOS he could use in the civilian world should he decide to not make it a career. I will admit I was very nervous when he deployed, even though I deployed at the same time. I guess I knew my capabilities, but I wasn't too sure about his!

Response by SPC James Burkett II made Aug 23 at 2015 10:54 PM

SPC James Burkett II — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 22:54:51 -0400

I can't say I would suggest the Army to my son. Now I also have a very jaded view on it being stuck in the same unit for 6 years. I will never try to talk him out of the military but I would want him to try a different branch.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Aug 23 at 2015 11:15 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:15:54 -0400

I guess this question is already answered for me as my youngest son is active duty in the Army. It was his choice after college and he chose the Army. I don't really talk about my time in the service I talk more about service to the nation and to your community and lead by example. They have figured out the rest. My middle son is interested in Jag now that he has finished law school.

Response by PO1 Cameron Rhyne made Aug 23 at 2015 11:43 PM

PO1 Cameron Rhyne — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:43:35 -0400

I don't have kids but if I do have them, I would let them make their own decision on whether they wanted to join the military and which branch. I'd also talk with them and make sure they understood why they wanted to join and accompany them to the recruiting office if they wanted to go.

Both my parents were Navy and while that may have influenced me going navy as well, my parents never pressured me but were happy when I joined the Navy.

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Aug 24 at 2015 12:18 AM

Cpl James Waycasie — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:18:42 -0400

My grandson turned one years old today. I already have him making his "War Face" and growling, lol. I call him lil Jarhead. I would be proud if he served in the U.S.M.C. But I want him to grow and learn to think for himself. My family, except for a Cousin who served in the Seals, was Army. I was the first and only Marine. I would be honored if he served in the Corps and yes I will influence him to do so, but I do not want him to do it unless he feels it is the right choice for him. I tried to influence my daughter to join any branch. She said I wouldn't like the strict discipline of having to follow orders. I replied you always followed mine. Her reply was yeah but I didn't like it, lol.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Aug 24 at 2015 12:35 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:35:31 -0400

Twenty years ago, I would have said yes, without reservation. Ten years ago, I encouraged my youngest son to try to find some direction. The recruiter took him drinking and I ended up picking him up from the courthouse. We had moved recently and said son had no idea where he was or how to get home. Today, watching how thinly spread and unsupported our military is, I would have to say no. As proud as I am for having served, from a family of warriors, and watching the change in tactics and geography, I would like to think our leaders have figured out a way to fight effectively but the lack of leadership at the top and financial support at every level forces me to believe otherwise.

If my child chose to go, I would proudly see him off. As a mother, I would worry. Worry is issued at childbirth.

Response by MSgt Darren VanDerwilt made Aug 24 at 2015 12:48 AM

MSgt Darren VanDerwilt — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:48:33 -0400

I let my kids set their own path. I won't discourage them from military service, what they saw when I was in took care of that. My son was encouraged by one of his friends to check out the Marine Corps. That didn't pan out. My son and daughters show little interest in the military.

Response by TSgt David L. made Aug 24 at 2015 2:42 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 02:42:33 -0400

Yes, both of my sons and I have talked about them joining the USAF. My youngest has wanted to join the AF and be a hard core, EOD Tech like his old man. My oldest wants to go into the Army and be a Ranger or something like that. I'm proud of the young men they have become, and would be proud beyond words if they follow through with their plans.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 24 at 2015 9:08 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:08:11 -0400

If I had kids, I'd tell them to go either Army or Marines. I'd even push them to become 11B or 0311's. I'd want that so they know how it feels to suck, and when their time is up, I'd coach them into reclassing into a technical MOS to either finish out their time or retire from. I'm biased towards my groundpounder branches of course. But if they went to the Navy or AF, I'd have some serious issues, but if they joined the Coast Guard, they're getting disowned (JK!!!)

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Aug 24 at 2015 11:32 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 11:32:09 -0400

When asked this question, I always get visions of Robert Duvall bouncing a basketball off his son's head. Would I recommend the military? Probably not. But, I would have an honest discussion about the career, opportunities, and life-style. It was a great ride for me. Regardless of their career choices, I'll be proud of 'em all.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 24 at 2015 11:38 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 11:38:31 -0400

Yes because someone has to serve.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2015 11:43 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 11:43:44 -0400

While I would be proud to have my children serve and service would benefit them, I have already recommended against them Enlisting right out of high school. Go to college figure your life out. You want to enlist or commission then, awesome. Let's go talk to the recruiter together.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Aug 24 at 2015 2:16 PM

TSgt Melissa Post — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 14:16:34 -0400

If my children desire to join once they are of age to make that decision I will support them in their endeavor. If they choose AF cool, if they choose a different branch cool, as long as it is American...

Response by PO3 Robert Resch made Aug 24 at 2015 5:23 PM

PO3 Robert Resch — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 17:23:58 -0400

dont have children, but I do recommend others to enlist! I also recommend them to seek college through all branches of military as in the academy's or college in a specialty field such as nursing!

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 24 at 2015 6:39 PM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 18:39:09 -0400

I would, but only as an option, and only if they expressed interest. They spent all of their life until this past December in the military, mostly overseas so they saw all the opportunities for travel and living among another culture. If they decided to join, I would definitely say Air Force but I wouldn't object to them joining any branch, as long as they were sure of what they wanted and had weighed all their options and pros/cons.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Aug 25 at 2015 1:09 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 13:09:34 -0400

No. I talked to my kids about serving and told them that its up to them but since they grew up seeing how deployments affect the family they have a better view of the ups and downs of military life.
Nothing wrong with serving but its a choice that has to be made because its what someone wants to do, not because of what we want our kids to do.
We guide them as best we can and always want them to make the best decisions.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2015 2:46 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:46:16 -0400

My brother wanted to join the CG and I told him exactly what it was like good and bad how I feel the recruiting offices should

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Aug 26 at 2015 1:09 AM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 01:09:47 -0400

If my children want to serve I will support them, whichever branch they'd serve in. I was afforded the opportunity and they will be given the same on as I was. I couldn't speak about the other branches, but I would let them know my experiences in the Navy. They'd then have to choose which route they want to make. Personally I think they should become officers though.

Response by SSgt Bob Mobbs made Aug 26 at 2015 11:09 PM

SSgt Bob Mobbs — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 23:09:25 -0400

My Great Grand Father, Grand Father and Father were all Navy. None of my generation followed suit. There were 3 soldiers, 2 airmen and an Marine.

Response by PO2 Allen Roberts made Aug 27 at 2015 4:04 PM

PO2 Allen Roberts — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 16:04:52 -0400

No. I come from a family of Marines...several generations, from what I was told before my dad died. I went Navy because I wanted to be a doc for the Corps that my dad & geandfathers loved so dearly...and my niece just graduated Hospital Corps School & is at her 1st duty station (Pearl Harbor; honor graduate & got to pick) because I was a Corpsman...while my nephews have served in the Army & my son will or will not serve by his own choice. I answer questions & help with certain things to think about, but that's a decision that a young man or woman needs to make for himself/herself. There's just too much riding on what branch& MOS a young recruit chooses for them to be pressured one way or another. I just believe that whatever decision a young person makes; to serve or not, and if so what branch...they should be given 100% support & help achieving their dreams.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Aug 27 at 2015 4:16 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 16:16:05 -0400

My preference is the Navy for my little man...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 27 at 2015 8:54 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 20:54:55 -0400

I've had the opportunity to serve in two very different services and deployed with the Army last year so I think I can give them honest advise. I would recommend the Coast Guard, it has been an incredible experience for me

Response by SN Bryan King made Aug 28 at 2015 9:21 AM

SN Bryan King — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 09:21:24 -0400

I feel that to have served is a honor, I would not force my kids to serve but yes I would recommend.

Response by SMSgt Daniel Yoder made Aug 28 at 2015 1:21 PM

SMSgt Daniel Yoder — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:21:55 -0400

I did not have to recommedn it to my sone, he decidied when he was in junior high school that is what he wanted to do. he now has been in the Air Force for 10 years, in Intelligence and although the ops tempo is ruff at times he plans on staying in. He is trying to keep up with me and I am proud of him.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2015 1:41 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Aug 2015 13:41:06 -0400

If my son decides he wants to follow in the footsteps of this father and both grandfathers to serve his country...I'll understandably have mixed emotions. On the one hand, I'd be proud of him for having the courage and character to do so. At the same time, however, I would be concerned about whether or not the military was the best choice for him. As Mr. Mulcahey stated, it's so important not to "push" them one way or the other based on our experiences. As to service branch, with two Army NCOs for grandpa's, a squid-o for a dad, and a great grandfather who served in the Air Force...I think he'll have his pick :_)

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 12:48 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:48:23 -0400

My oldest son served as a Marine. My youngest probably will not, but that is his decision.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 1:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:03:52 -0400

Absolutely not.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2015 4:53 AM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Sep 2015 04:53:49 -0400

I don't care what my son does in the future, but I will never encourage him to join the Armed Forces. Reason being is because I'm a father first. I'm not going to encourage a way of life that could make you give the ultimate sacrifice. This may seem hypocritical, but that is just me. Do as I say, not as I do.