| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/12/2006 7:35:38 PM | Msgs 4, 13 and 24 (especially good advice on physical fitness) are gold. Stay away from the Marines, they're fodder, as are Army regulars.
I had several guys in my local gym who decided to enlist. I worked with all three of them to get them not only fit (mostly endurance training, since excess muscle will drop off quickly during boot camp) but also *thermally conditioned* (using slowly ramped time in saunas while working out). The latter is unheard of..but the results were excellent, because they ended up being trained in the desert anyway.
I heard from them by email about a year after they disappeared for boot camp and eventual deployment. All fared much better than most of their cohorts in both training and adapting to harsh summer conditions in the ME. All three are also using active stress management techniques and using supplements that help as well (supply taken with them and replenished since). | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/12/2006 11:10:41 PM | magicallaroundme is absolutely dead on. When I joined the Marines, I joined for the brotherhood and for the honor. When you say "Oh I'm in the Army," people are like okay cool...but when you say "I'm a Marine," people are like wow! I heard that the Army made basic training easier and it's just absolutely pathetic. I wouldn't want a bunch of undisciplined soldiers watching my back. If you want the best living conditions, the Air Force is the way to go. However, you said your son scored low on the ASVAB I believe? I don't know about the Air Force but they do ASVAB waivers for the Marines. I couldn't believe that people needed waivers for the ASVAB. But whatever, not my concern.
Marines - If your son needs structure and discipline, the Marines is the way to go. There's an honor in it that people don't understand. To be among the few and the proud...there's nothing else like it. But don't join just for education benefits. The funding for the Marines isn't the greatest. Do expect for him to get shipped to Iraq.
*Every Marine is a basic rifleman. Meaning, it doesn't matter if you're a recruiter or your MOS is Motor T, if they need you to fill in someone's spot in Infantry, you are placed there.
Army - I don't recommend it. Like I said earlier, they are not as disciplined as Marines are. But of course I'm biased.
Navy - You get stuck on a ship. However, this is probably the safest place to be.
Air Force - Best living conditions. I've heard the food is pretty good. I wouldn't know, however. I've heard that this is the best branch to go into if you're looking for education.
Coast Guard - Don't know anything about them.
What I do know is, Marine Corps boot camp sucks. I was at MCRD San Diego. Training consists of 3 phases. The first phase is at MCRD San Diego and you learn Drill, Physical Training, MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program), Academics (Marine Corps History, First Aid, etc) and get introduced and molded into a Marine Corps Recruit. The 2nd phase you get sent to Camp Pendleton, which is 45 minutes north of San Diego. This is where the recruit learns to fire his rifle (M16A2 Service Rifle) and learns basic combat skills. At the end of Phase 2 recruits have to do "The Crucible." Phase 3 is when they get their uniforms and do inspections and pretty much bring everything to a close.
Be very careful of what the recruiter tells you. They have been known to lie. For a lot of recruiters, all it is is a numbers game. Something that a lot of people don't know about the reserves...As messed up as it may be, the Reserves are sent in first so that the Active Duty force isn't killed. Sure it might be 1 weekend a month, 2 weeks in the summer, but you're going to be the first one called up to war if there is one.
If you want to see what Marine Corps boot camp is like, check out these 3 links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGG5KqsWp1Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB41LpBezkU&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2BPjk-E1e4&mode=related&search=
That is EXACTLY what it's like.
I'm glad I joined because it made me a better person. I wouldn't do it again though. | |
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teluk
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Joined: 4/5/2006
Msg: 28 | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 5:10:49 AM | I am in Iraq right now. I am in the army and yes there is a feud between army soldiers and the marines. but in 2003 my artillery unit did fire support for the marines on fallujah. The marines apparently bit off a little more then they could chew or they didnt know how many insurgents where in fallujah but they got swarmed. They called artillery strikes left and right. My unit was so busy we never had time to put the rounds back on the ready rack instead they where shot right off the back door. In about 10 days 8 paladins fired over 1,900 rounds getting the marines out of trouble. the marine general came to our firebase and shook all of our hands. that day seemed like there was no feud between the marines and army.
If your son wishes to join the military make sure he knows what he is getting into, research the jobs and what they do as well as read over the contract carfully. If he picks an MOS that doesnt fit his style we will not be able to change it for about 2 years or untill he renlists. So make sure its a job that he likes.
As what armando said about army soldiers lacking dicipline and training. that is true for reserves or national guard. But active duty units like the 101st, 82nd or the first cavalry division we are some of the most highly trained soldiers in the U.S. military. | |
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Sh0t
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Joined: 9/27/2006
Msg: 30 | |
| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 5:24:43 AM | Vet Marine Infantry here.
Don't let him do it.
This war has cost me 5 unit mates dead, a good dozen SHATTERED beyond belief. I've seen the horrific look in the eyes of former girlfriends and they see their (now)ex-boyfriend dismembered and disabled.
"Ah yes Johnny...we're breaking up not because you got hurt...but because...i'm just not ready for a relationship"
The pay is crap too.
The "benefits" are tremendously overrated, all that character building stuff is for the birds. Working in a butcher's shop will do the same thing. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 6:45:59 AM | Bucs,
You know how I feel about both the military, and this war.
I have far too much respect for those who serve, and for what they do, to stop anyone from joining. One of my great regrets was never having served.
Your son has to want to join for the right reasons. If he's looking for an opportunity to enter the service, and join that unique club, and to serve his country - he's on the right track. You seem to indicate that he knows what he is entering into, and that's important too. If he's doing it for money, or to impress people - he's off to a bad start. I doubt that's the case here.
Once he enters, one thing will be an absolute certainty. He will be a changed man, and that change will be a large one. Even without seeing combat, the mentality/discipline/code of the military will either draw him in , or repel him. He'll get to do things that few of us can imagine, and have a discipline that few of us will ever have, if he accepts that.
He will join a group of men and women who will, like him, consider themselves brothers and sisters beyond anything else that exists on this planet. That bond will last a lifetime. If he was the type of kid who played sports, and loved that teamwork aspect of it, he'll probably be quite happy.
He will also have to be used to ( at least at the start) that "macho" male culture that so often finds itself displayed in young men in uniform. Again, someone who excelled at male team sports should find the change easier.
Should he see combat, and the death and destruction that always accompanies that, he will find that this too is forever a part of his life. Especially if he is the sensitive type, that may dramatically affect him for decades to come. One cannot tell what their reaction will be to that until it happens, and by then it is too late to really change the result.
As for the chance of death and injury, that can happen anywhere at anytime. The odds may increase slightly in the service - but young people die every day for many other reasons.
I think the best thing to do would be to find someone impartial, who isn't a recruiter ( they typically are the WORST people to talk to about such things  ) , and to let them talk to your son. He'll be able to tell him far better about the "real" story of his branch of service, and to give him the information he needs to make a good decision.
If that's what he wants to do, after all that, then you should wish him well and be very proud of his decision to serve. Any army needs good intelligent soldiers, and given my knowledge of who you are, he probably was raised very well. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 7:02:22 AM | Bucsgirl,
I know that my mom felt the same way when I joined (at 17) and I'm not sure how I feel about my son joining (he's talking about it). I was enlisted, then later, became an officer so I can talk about both sides. Worked with the Marines a lot. I am on a ship deployed right now. If you would like to talk a bit, or have your son talk to me, I would be happy to help. Drop me a line. | |
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Sh0t
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Joined: 9/27/2006
Msg: 33 | |
| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 7:08:34 AM | Montreal guy: You said you never joined. That's why you have that romantic view of it.
You don't know what you're talking about.
You can find brotherhood anywhere, not just the military. It is filled with pettiness, nosy neighbors on base, all kinds of crap. In other words, no different from a 9-5 outside of the dangerous bits(which exist in some other occupations). | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 8:06:55 AM | nevertheless sh0t montrealguy is pretty acurrate. While there can be pretty loud neighbors on post around the barracks. Some things you will not be able to stand and others you will love. The first time Iv seen death I was amazed how well I handled it. The sense that sticks in my mind is the smell of death not realy the image of death.
Just because you didnt like the marine corps doesnt mean he wont. but at the same time he should do some research to see if he will like the service before he signs the contract. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 8:42:05 AM | My only son is in the Army as well and stationed in Afghanistan. I worry about him since I lost my best friend years ago in Nam.
However, as a veteran myself, I can tell you MOST military personnel aren't in harms way or stationed in war zones.
If one MUST be in, Navy or Coast Guard would seem a safer choice during these desert conflicts. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 9:31:49 AM | | Hi i am new to this site but came across your question I have a son he is 20 now, i left my ex when he was 6 months and we have been by our selves since. I am very proud of him and he has grown into a wonderfull young man. He wanted to join the para's but has put it on hold at the moment I was blessed in having him and he is all i have but i would not stop him as i have lived my life and now it is time for him to live his,the way he feels he should.All we can do is guide them and give good reasons for and against. If you make enquiries they do a long weekend, to see firstly how your son gets on and if he likes it ( my son has done 2 of these down in Colchester England)Also they do 12 weeks first before signing up for 3 years. Hope this helps you Good luck to you both. | |
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dannol
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Joined: 9/29/2006
Msg: 37 | |
| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 2:17:39 PM | I can only talk about my personal experience in the Canadian Military. I was in Germany for 4 years and I have served in Croatia, Bosnia, Central African, Isreal and Afghanistan and while the canadian tours are for the most part 6 months tours and the US Forces are deployed much longer in the end we are all doing for the most part service for our country and for the experience.
I have served now 26 years and lost a brother in the military and I wouldn't change a thing. He my brother died what he loved to do which was fly choppers. I love my job as Supply but in the end as long as we are happy with what ever career path in or out of the military thats all that counts. I am able to sleep with a clear concience and know that I have done my little part in trying to make this world a better place, whether it is issuing out ammo to that soldier on the front line or giving a displaced child a toy, pencil or food. The smile in the end makes it all worthwhile.
Let him do what he wants as life is always a growing learning experience. We can only advice our children when they become adults.
I have no idea in the US military if you can pick your trade or if it is picked for you but the best you can do is try to convince him into a Technical trade where he as options and work experience to apply outside the military such as Mechanic or Aircraft Technician or police, firefighter etc...
Good Luck to you and him. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 2:42:21 PM | Military is good for a year or two, doing the basic training, going through all that crap can help an immature young man mature a bit, and build character. Depends on his upbringing of course.
If he doesn't know any better, he can start doing drugs, or hang around with the wrong people. He may also crack and feel suicidal. (it happens to some people)
I've been to military for a year. And i think of it as a horrible experience with positive effect on my life. Helped me realize what society is all about. And burst the bubble I've been living, inside my warm comfy parent's house.
But i wouldn't suggest it as a career. A man can do better things in his life than being stuck in the armed forces. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/16/2006 3:03:33 PM | Thanks for all the input. I'll certainly let him read all this, I told him I did this and I also got a few emails. All I am asking of him is to get all the information he can, it's not like a job where you can walk out the door. I won't stop being a mom, I love him to bits and we're very close and he knows he has my full support in whatever he does, whether it's something I like or not. All of you have been kind to take your time and I want to thank you again from the depths of my heart and for my son.  | |
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| honor integrity passion compassion guts common sense
Posted: 11/18/2006 9:00:13 AM | rick here
the navy or the air force would be my choice if ihad to do it again
four yrs then you have a choice to go to college on the military's varied programs
get out of college get his commision as an officer in the active or the reserves
get into the tech fields in each the world is totally a tech place now.
i was an army combat engineer, bridge builder company, mechanical support platoon
during the vietnam
"'police action"
my take on your predicament,
he wants to be a patriot let him be a patriot but don't let him cut his chances when he gets out to a thin thread of choices, technology is key, college is key, coming home is key!
enough for now , good luck, you must be very proud.
maverick49 | |
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Bolink
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Joined: 10/12/2006
Msg: 41 | |
| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/18/2006 5:40:50 PM | Well first off, I am 20 years old, I am my mothers youngest child, and yes I am in the military (albeit the Navy).
Honestly you say hes been thinking about this a long time, all these people talking about Iraq and he shouldnt go because he will get sent to Iraq...you are all morons.
No one considers joining the active duty military during a time when we are occupying a foreign country and waging a global war on terrorism and think that they will not have to go.
Im sure the kid has figured out by now that he will end up over there, so obviously he has included that in his thought process. Although we may be young, the public school system IS better than you think, we are not idiots. So basicly that is a null point.
The original question is what can YOU do?
Well my mom always voiced her concerns, but always followed it by but I will support you no matter what you decide and I love you. Needless to say I joined up, and havnt regretted it since. I know that if I had gone to college I would have pissed away thousands of dollars on tuition to just drink and fail out. I was unmotivated and not ready for that.
Even now, I am probably going to be sent to Iraq. BTW YES the navy is on the GROUND in Iraq, actually, about 10k of us if I remember correctly and they are sending more. Is my mom worried? Of course, thats natural but its the risk I accepted. And its not even really a risk. It was the duty that I accepted. I took an oath to protect this country and follow orders handed to me. Allthough I may not agree with whats going on at all thats not the point. Im serving my country and that is something to be proud of no matter what.
In summary: Support him, offer your wisdom and thoughts, but do not guilt trip him into not doing what he wants to do. Know that if he joins, allthough he will always be YOUR baby, he will be grown up. He will become a full fledged adult in a matter of months. He will change, but for the better. And no matter what...most importantly always be proud of him, brag about him, and let him know it.
Nothing makes me swell up more than hearing my mom brag about me, knowing that I made her proud makes me the happiest kid in the world.
Sorry I know that was sorta cluttered and uncentered but hopefully you got the idea. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/18/2006 7:56:35 PM | | BUCSGIRL.my son went in the Navy 4 months ago, was shipped to the great lakes for basic training. He had several testing requirements,,and is now working on the uss kennedy, which is about to be de- commissioned. My son loves it, great food, benefits, etc. The pay starting out is not that great about 1400.00 per month to start..but a pay raise is due soon. The concern however is with me every day that he will be shipped off the coast of Iraq somewhere. That will always be a concern as long as he's in. My best to you and your son. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/19/2006 12:16:28 AM | | I was in the army as infrantry, and then changed to a FO. there are many pro's and cons of being in the milatary. you will meet and make friends with people you would have never even have talk to as a civi. become a stronger person both in mind and spirit. you will look at the world a little differntly then you did before. yes there is benifits but you dont join for that, just like you dont become a teacher for the pay. its something you want to do, to prove to yourself. to be part of something bigger . like some of the other have said talk to the recruiters, only sign up if he gets what he wants, and the most important thing is make sure everything they promise is in writting. Good luck and God bless | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/19/2006 2:59:02 AM | Ok we have had some opinions about politics but you need to keep one thing in mind the military is not political they serve. The military helps in a vast amount of ways. They help in protection of our people and allies also people in need.
Stop thinkin about your own political views and think of what your son wants. Yes he is young but many many people make both good and bad choices that follow them for the rest of thier life on purpose at that age.
Find out what his reasoning is behind his decisions. And don't get into a debate that will only make him defencive and upset. Also, whatever his move that he makes back his play not only in word but indeed. Say he chooses not to and your doing cartwheels. Have that same energy if he says yes. If you don't it will show your opinions of what he does real quick.
This is a very dangerous job he is getting into but thats no reason to exclude it as a viable career option. The first responders also have a dangerous job aswell would you discourage anyone from becoming a firemen?
harvey | |
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Bolink
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Joined: 10/12/2006
Msg: 46 | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/19/2006 7:26:53 AM | | Bolink: Becker, Brian is his name...The Navy is I believe to be one of the safer choices at this moment in time, if he's going to enlist. My uncle is retired warrant officer Navy, and prior to my son enlisting received alot of info on projections of the fleets, etc. However the above poster that indicated to get every promise (and there will be many) in writing was really good advice. My best. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/19/2006 7:48:54 AM | | Plainly put, Bush is damned near insane, along with being one of the most dangerous men on the planet and about as bright as a defective 2 watt bulb that man is also the C-in-C of ALLLLLLL branches of service. If your son is comfortable entrusting decisions that will affect both his personal well being, and the safety of his entire country in the hands of a man that hid behind daddy's influence during the vietnam conflict but has no qualms about making poorly informed decisions to send other peoples fathers/sons/brothers into hot zones...... By all means encourage him to enlist, otherwise advise him to wait a few years, maybe try college first to broaden his horizons and views before he commits himself to this. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/19/2006 3:09:15 PM | If your son thinks "war is cool," then perhaps he doesn't understand that people involved in wars can get injured, lose limbs, or even die.
How Kool is That?!
I'm 56 years old, and went into the National Guard to avoid being drafted and sent to Vietnam.
I look back at US History, and have to say there wasn't a good reason for our country to be involved in a war since WWII.
Korea and Vietnam were just plain wrong.
The most recent Iraqi war is a mistake, and it didn't happen right after "9/11." It was like some sick, delayed reaction by a President who finally felt the need to stop appearing incompetent.
I say we should end the Iraqi war, immediately.
In the meantime, anyone joining the military should know they're liable to die. | |
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| Looking for advice. Youngest son is considering joining the military.
Posted: 11/19/2006 3:18:29 PM | My son is a pretty typical 19 year old. He's a gamer so most of the video games have guns and all, like doom I think it is. Also, can't think of a name, but all the war movies that have come out, he wanted to see them, we rented and watched them together.
I won't share here about our personal experiences, let's just say we've seen violent death up close and personal. I'd never want to be exposed to that again.
I really don't think that seeing all the violence on TV, in games and in movies gives the realization that in reality it is something tragic and hard to forget. | |
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