What would you say if your High School aged son/daughter told you they saw a recruiter in school and they may be interested in enlisting?

2016-05-11T22:22:40-04:00

So you get home and your child tells you they seen a recruiter at lunch today at school. They are inquisitive and might want to learn more. What do you say, and would you support them? When talking to them, what questions would you as a parent be most concerned with in getting answers to.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made May 11 at 2016 10:34 PM

2016-05-11T22:34:13-04:00

I have no issue with my kids wanting to join up. Something I will let them know early on is as long as what they pursue is lawful/legal I will support their job interest.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made May 11 at 2016 11:09 PM

2016-05-11T23:09:59-04:00

First I would be in shock to know I have kids. Besides that, it would have been a discussion they had with me long before they ever got approached by a recruiter, especially if I was still in the military. I think a college degree is getting washed up like a high school education, therefor having on the job experience is much better in my opinion. As long as my son or daughter is looking at joining a career field that has job potential after the military I would fully support his or her decision. There is nothing against CMF that don't offer anything outside the military, the Army needs them but not from my family.

Response by SN Greg Wright made May 12 at 2016 12:22 AM

2016-05-12T00:22:15-04:00

I'd be proud and gratified. It would mean that somehow, despite all my shortcomings as a human being and a parent, I somehow instilled in them the knowledge that there is something greater than themselves. Something worth sacrificing for.

Response by SSG Leo Bell made May 12 at 2016 2:10 AM

2016-05-12T02:10:25-04:00

I would tell them to really think about what they want to do, and if they truly want to join to get a job ( mos ) that will give you a great job and carrer when they get out. To also get a job that's not really tough on your body. If they wanted to go back and see the recruiter that you would go with them and ask questions with them. I would also tell them to go in the AF were they could get the most out of it and and they would not be put in direct links be of fire in war.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 12 at 2016 9:04 AM

2016-05-12T09:04:40-04:00

Honestly, if my girls wanted to walk in my footsteps, I would be more than a little proud. Of course before they even got to that point in their life, I would make sure they were more than physically ready so they don't have to worry about struggling with the physical aspect. I wouldn't really have any questions. I'd just try to prepare them for the reality as best as I can.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 9:37 AM

2016-05-12T09:37:00-04:00

I would support them in whatever the decision they made. I would simply encourage them to do lots of research on whatever branch they were interested in and to make sure they knew what MOS/Job they wanted to do. I'd make sure they were set up to not be hoodwinked by a recruiter/MEPS and do my best to explain to them the advantages/disadvantages of the military as I see them. After that I'd let them make their decision and would support them completely.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 12 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-05-12T10:12:41-04:00

With kids, the sure way to get them to do something is to tell them not to. Family dynamics aside, one of my boys tinkered with it for a bit, went to MEPS, and faded from there mostly because of repetitive dithering and call backs. He did ask me and I just told him to check out anything in life that interests him. I would have never guessed that he's doing quite well working in a pawn shop and has a rapidly growing customer base that follows him around. Now he's working out getting a business degree. One of life's many paths.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-05-12T10:20:09-04:00

I have no kids of my own though my younger brother (12 years younger than I am) has gone through this at his school and I admit I was proud of him. There are a few drawbacks and that I would want to ensure he was mentally ready for what he was about to do, he is failing a few courses in school so I would have rather that he set his life straight before enlisting.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 12 at 2016 11:42 AM

2016-05-12T11:42:52-04:00

In my case it would likely be a grandchild or great grandchild, but I'd say, "Let's talk." I'd want to know what they learned from the recruiter and why they believe they might want to enlist. Also, I would ask them what they want to know about my time in the service. If they appear sincere about enlisting based on their post-High School goals, I would encourage them to talk to recruiters from all 5 uniformed services. I want them to get the best deal possible deal in terms of promised (in writing) tech schools, etc. Of course, I would shamelessly nudge them toward the Air Force, but be willing to accept whichever Service they select. I'd also encourage them to talk to other members of the family who are or have served.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 12 at 2016 12:24 PM

2016-05-12T12:24:24-04:00

I have a son who is a senior at a large HS with a senior class of nearly 300. He says only the Marines and National Guard ever show up at lunch. They are set up at the football games too, never see the Army there. If he showed an interest, I would certainly listen and would join him to talk to a recruiter more in depth.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made May 12 at 2016 12:53 PM

2016-05-12T12:53:06-04:00

I would respect my son/daughters inquisition. I would want the recruiter to meet with me and my wife and show us what they have to offer. Ultimately, it would be my so/daughters decision.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 6:06 PM

2016-05-12T18:06:51-04:00

Take me with you when you go to speak to the recruiter.

Response by PO3 Michael James made May 12 at 2016 7:08 PM

2016-05-12T19:08:07-04:00

SSG Yax, Sir; With the present state of our Congress, The abuses neglect of the VA, I would tell them to go to College.. allowing them 4 years to reconsider, after that time.. just maybe the government will correct the scandals and abuses the VA has been issuing to our Honorably Discharged Veterans.. They already had me for 4 years.. come and get me again !!I will be more than happy to reenlist.. Maybe they will do it right the second time around.. just finish me, instead of leaving me and thousands of other Veterans to needlessly Suffer .. With respect to you SSG Yax.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 12 at 2016 8:07 PM

2016-05-12T20:07:54-04:00

Pfffttt, My Kids are way past High School. My Daughter Married a Sailor. Oh Well. Now if my Grandchildren decide to. More Power too them.

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made May 17 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-05-17T10:59:57-04:00

Good. But don't take the so called first page job. Damn guidance counselors