Youngest son wants to join the Army

[wired]

My youngest (18) son is talking about going into the Army. He's a year into college but to be honest he's not got his heart into it. He and a few of his friends have been talking about joining the Army. I guess if they pick the same MOS they can stay together up to their first duty station. I dont blame him really. I did the same thing right after I turned 19 when I was bored to tears in college. He says he wants to do one tour and get out which I wholeheartedly support. He's a big 6'4" lean muscular kid who is very physical. The veterans benefits are substantial especially the college benefits and VA loan, both of which I have used extensively. He's always been a private kid and getting information out of him is a challenge . I told him if I had it all over to do again I'd skip the technical MOS's and get into combat arms. I'd go Air Cav. His older brothers did the Air Force and Marines and had their college fully paid for after they got out even to the masters level. He's got my support whatever he does . His mothers not so happy but I think this might be a common thing . At the very least he'll learn how to get out of bed on time.

And no, I dont think staying in college and then going in as an officer afterwards is a great idea. A long time ago I was set to go to West Point prep. I had done all the exams , physicals etc and I had one last step to go and that was a interview with my commander. He sat me down for about two hours and instead of interviewing me he spent the whole time telling me how much it sucks being an officer. I will never forget that.

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[Alexx1401]

The benefits that will follow for life are well worth doing the one stint.

 

[Andy54Hawken]

I went into the Army right after High School.
I enjoyed my time in the Army ...mostly..
Like many things...it was filled with both good and bad.
Speaking only for myself here...
I found that for the most part...the more I put into the Army ( so to speak ) the more I got out of it.

I joined as a Infantryman ( 11B ) ...went on to Airborne , Ranger , Air Assault and SERE schools....
Mostly serving in LRRP / LRSD units...and 4 combat tours.
While that did much to shape me into how I am today...and still to a large extent shapes my viewpoint and thinking...
There ain't much call for many of the skills I did well then ...in civilian life / jobs.

That said...
The confidence gained and leadership roles from such experience is used today as well as being priceless.

Would I suggest that someone join today's military...
Maybe.
If they do ...I would suggest they go in with their eyes open , as well as with a flexible mindset.
So as to be alert for opportunities that will serve them both while in the military and afterwards.
As well as understanding that the military ain't nothing like what is seen on TV , in movies , in video games...
And...not like what some family member experienced back when they were in.
Andy

 

[DB is Here]

It's a good avenue to pursue after high school and he'll meet a lot of new folks.

Of the takeaways from my time in the USAF I remember how small it made the world feel after traveling. I got out after 4 years but I'm grateful I had a chance to serve.

If I had boys I'd recommend the Service or the Trades.

Good on ya @wired.

 

[Dozer99]

I joined the Marines right out of High School in 1987.

I finally retired and moved to Oregon (wife is from here) in 2013 to settle down and raise our two kids.

I could tell you about all the deployments and Schools I went too, or I could could also tell you about all the nasty third world hell holes I've left my boot marks on, but instead I like to tell people about all the cool and unusual experiences I enjoyed:

By age 19 I stood in Trafalgar square and helped usher in the new year.
By age 20 I watched the northern lights over Setermoen, Norway.
By age 21 I had visited 16 different European countries and stood on an imaginary line dividing east from west, trading gear with the "enemy".
By age 23 I watched the sun rise over eastern Africa as well as having now swam in 6 of the 7 seas.
By age 25 I had watched snow fall in the Red Square and had visited of 31 different counties.
By age 28 my best friend growing up had finally moved away from our small town in southern Colorado and gotten to visit California.
By age 30 I had climbed Mt Fuji, dined in Hong Kong and spent a week chasing my soul mate through the shopping districts of Soul.

I could go on with more, as I did another 14 years, but at this point, the people I talk too start to get the picture about what 30 days paid vacation a year can really do for you. Especially if your jumping off point is London, Okinawa or Hawaii. I knew a lot of Marines that just wanted to go home on leave and didn't have the same experience's as me, and, my duty station list was a little on the "awesome" side, but the potential for world wide travel is still there. Not to mention a full time retirement at age 44 with life time medical and dental. Not bad for a kid who's high school guidance counselor said he would be lucky to get a job digging ditches for the rest of his life.

So, whether it's Army, Navy, Marines or Air Force, just tell your kids to get off base and don't come home on leave. Go Explore!

 

[Indy62]

That's a tough one. I have a step-son in his early twenties and a few years ago he played around with the idea of enlisting. Only one person in his biological family is a veteran. His Grandpa (my wife's father), was an officer in the Army during Vietnam but didn't go in country. He made his career as a college professor. He didn't push my step-son towards joining. He also has a step-uncle who's a firefighter and play's the 'ex-marine' tough guy game pretty good, but in fact washed out after 6 months for 'some reason'. Never went anywhere.

I realized when it came to my own advice, that what I was really doing was thinking to myself..how would I talk to my 18 year old self and what would I suggest? Because it's all subjective. I see a lot of guys that had a very positive experience, even with combat tours, and many who did not.

You never know what dice will roll your way. But if I knew then, at eighteen, what I know now, I wouldn't have joined.

Yeah..got 12K for college (joke), got to see most of Asia. Got to be an anti-surface warfare supervisor in a combat direction center of an aircraft carrier, at 20. Got to spend 7 months in the Gulf of Oman and Persian gulf during Desert Shield.

Also got out after four years just to find no employers were looking for someone to direct F-14's for anti-shipping recon, or operate a Flag Data Display System, or co-ordinate joint bombing missions for time-on-top synchronization. Also got to check myself into a VA hospital and take a two month breather to figure out what the prior four years was all about. Also learned to hate crowds, dis-trust most people, partake in too many beers etc etc.

So..in talking to my step-son...I knew I was just talking to myself..and that wasn't fair to him.

Like the 'motorcycle' talk we had, I tried to be balanced. So far he hasn't bought a motorcycle, or joined up.

 

[gmerkt]

I let our son make up his own mind. I know a little about service life and I wasn't anxious for him to serve. This was during the Iraq war thing. He chose not to serve and went on to do other things in life to make me proud.

My dad was an air force officer. He retired from the USAFR as an LTC. I was an army EM. I did the Vietnam thing for a year and a half of my three year RA enlistment. I also served six years in the Army National Guard, one year at a time I might add. People have to realize that military service involves inherent danger. Veteran benefits earned in the ordnance corps. are cheaper than in the combat arms.

When I joined the army, I ignored my dad's advice. "Why join the army when you can join the air force? Why sleep in a muddy hole when you can sleep on clean bed sheets at night?" It was good advice. Before he was an army air force officer, he started as an enlisted man in the army and he knew.

 

[Indy62]

I let our son make up his own mind. I know a little about service life and I wasn't anxious for him to serve. This was during the Iraq war thing. He chose not to serve and went on to do other things in life to make me proud.

My dad was an air force officer. He retired from the USAFR as an LTC. I was an army EM. I did the Vietnam thing for a year and a half of my three year RA enlistment. I also served six years in the Army National Guard, one year at a time I might add. People have to realize that military service involves inherent danger. Veteran benefits earned in the ordnance corps. are cheaper than in the combat arms.

When I joined the army, I ignored my dad's advice. "Why join the army when you can join the air force? Why sleep in a muddy hole when you can sleep on clean bed sheets at night?" It was good advice. Before he was an army air force officer, he started as an enlisted man in the army and he knew.

My father had his number come up in late '66. His father was a career coast guard master chief and was able to pull some strings to get him in the Navy. Thinking it would get him out of Nam.

During boot camp my Dad mistakenly raised his hand when the cc's asked if anyone had small boat experience, which he did, all his life.

So that fateful admission got him sent to SERE school after boot and ETR a-school, then to a riverine patrol boat unit in Vietnam, where he drove mike and swift boats (67-68). Brown Water Navy..not the best times there.

So anyhow..he didn't have much advice for me. He wasn't that kind of Dad, very stoic..arms length.

I guess a big part of my own decision was to carry on the tradition and make him proud.

Like I said..I wouldn't do it again.

 

[P7M13]

My oldest took the ASVAB and scored well enough that three recruiters were trying to woo her. The army recruiter said she likely had her pick of whatever she wanted to do. She asked me, and the only wisdom I could offer was that she should look at Navy or Air Force because employers here really liked how well they trained the recruits.
Upon reviewing the different materials, she realized that, like me at her age, she has an extremely difficult time with authority figures, so she passed on enlisting. I chuckle, because my assessment of her was that, while smart, she's a do-er, not a thinker. Give her a hard task, and she'll shred it. She's extremely physical too, and would have made an outstanding marine.
My other three had a lot of exposure to soldiers wounded in Iraq through a friend's family. None of them had any desire or inclination to go military.
Several colleagues I know did their stint and remained active reserve. Now they have their full military pensions plus their 401Ks to retire with. I think that's the smartest move.

 

[Stomper]

I got 8yrs in the Army under my belt, I won't espouse the "ra-ra" patriotic stuff, except I'll just point out the bigger picture that (especially in combat arms) you'll be used by power-mad, greedy, evil old men & women in DC to take (or break) the sheite of other power-mad, greedy, evil old men & women who send the sons of other mothers to do the same thing that you'll have to kill, as well as justify feeding even more funds to the Industrial Military Complex…. and should you survive, only given "lip-service gratitude" for your service.


HUAH…… fresh meat for the grinder.

 

[Loc]

Mostly serving in LRRP / LRSD units...and 4 combat tours.

My older brother was in a LRSD unit for quite awhile with the 25th ID. Had some funny stories to tell, including about a supply sergeant trying to pawn off some tripwire to him...

 

[Quirt Evans]

I'm an old guy and my service in the Army was decades ago, and I'm sure many things have changed.
That said, I quickly learned a few things that made the day-to-day life a lot easier.
1, That the Army was better than an "equal opportunity" employer, just showing a willingness to do a little extra paid off big time.
The NCOs always knew who the "slackers" were, and the slackers were the ones who invariably ended-up with the sh***y assignments/details.
2, Don't do stupid things with stupid people, if you keep your nose clean and do your job in a better-than-expected manner you earn the respect of the NCOs and officers above you, and that really pays off when eligibility for promotion comes around.

 

[MTpockets]

Wishing the best for You and your Son.
Whatever he chooses, I hope he is able to safely fill the years of a long and satisfying lifetime.

 

[Yarome]

His mothers not so happy but I think this might be a common thing .

I would agree. I have 2 sons that chose a military path and there was initially a lot of friction from mom's side over their decisions, but I will say that in time it was recognized that the change in them was for the positive and eventually came around to at least accept that they made the right decision... for them.

#1 son did his first MSO in the JGSDF (Japan Army) a year out of HS, took a couple years break and ultimately re-enlisted after deciding there was too much BS in the private sector. Perceptions matter, I guess. He hadn't planned on it at all at first, but is now planning to go career.

#4 son worked hard to graduate early from HS specifically so he could enlist as soon as possible. Which he did into the USArmy at 17. That was a pretty hard sell with his Mom, but she's since recognized his decision was great for him.

He recognized early on that book learnin "really" wasn't his thing. He certainly struggled considerably more than any of his other brothers or sister, but is extremely good at hands on learning, was self aware enough to recognize his shortcomings, knew he wanted a stable career in his future and came up with a plan to get'er done.

His entire plan was mostly driven by the long term military benefits and enlistment bonus. He's certainly patriotic, and felt a desire to serve, but... he wasn't fooling me. He was in it for the money/benefits. He didn't re-enlist but has makes great use of the veteran's benefits and time in service. Saved his pay, banked his $32k enlistment bonus... owned his own home at a young age... and transitioned his MOS into the private sector in a job he really enjoys.

I never pushed or encouraged military service, but I certainly support it so long as my kids were making a well thought out decision and not acting on impulse.

About the only advice I really gave either of them was two-fold.

#1. Don't go into the military expecting it to turn you into the man you want to become. It's simply a tool, and becoming the man you want to be rest solely on their own shoulders.

Or as Andy put it... the more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it. I know that to be true.

#2. The military has to tear you down before it can rebuild you into what they need you to be. Fighting it simply prolongs the process and makes it more painful than it needs to be. Make a conscious decision to let it happen and your experience will be all the better for it.

 

[gmerkt]

was a career coast guard master chief and was able to pull some strings to get him in the Navy. Thinking it would get him out of Nam.

Right after I came back from Vietnam, I did casual labor for a while just for something to do. I met a guy who'd been there a few years ahead of me. He'd gotten his draft call-up letter, decided to enlist in the US Coast Guard, they didn't do "Nam, right? Wrong. He was sent over to snoop around on small boats in the brown waters of the Mekong delta. Came back with foot fungus but otherwise intact.

Like I said..I wouldn't do it again.

The Million Dollar Experience that many wouldn't do over again for a nickel.

2, Don't do stupid things with stupid people,

This good advice applies to anyone under 21 years old, but especially in high school.

 

[ilostmypswrd]

My youngest (18) son is talking about going into the Army. He's a year into college but to be honest he's not got his heart into it. He and a few of his friends have been talking about joining the Army. I guess if they pick the same MOS they can stay together up to their first duty station. I dont blame him really. I did the same thing right after I turned 19 when I was bored to tears in college. He says he wants to do one tour and get out which I wholeheartedly support. He's a big 6'4" lean muscular kid who is very physical. The veterans benefits are substantial especially the college benefits and VA loan, both of which I have used extensively. He's always been a private kid and getting information out of him is a challenge . I told him if I had it all over to do again I'd skip the technical MOS's and get into combat arms. I'd go Air Cav. His older brothers did the Air Force and Marines and had their college fully paid for after they got out even to the masters level. He's got my support whatever he does . His mothers not so happy but I think this might be a common thing . At the very least he'll learn how to get out of bed on time.

And no, I dont think staying in college and then going in as an officer afterwards is a great idea. A long time ago I was set to go to West Point prep. I had done all the exams , physicals etc and I had one last step to go and that was a interview with my commander. He sat me down for about two hours and instead of interviewing me he spent the whole time telling me how much it sucks being an officer. I will never forget that.

23 yrs in the United States Marine Corps...he should go for it, loved it, hated it.

 

[Ruger Rich]

I was a Vietnam draftee. They had me scheduled To attend Drill Instructor school out of basic. I'm guessing perhaps because I had college behind me.
I freaked and re-enlisted before I got out of basic. I learned a trade that served me well for almost all of my working career. I got to see and experience
things and places that otherwise I would not have done. So there's much I'm thankful for that I was an Army guy. But the thing that now is most important to me about my service time is: I'm just very proud to say "I served". And my kids dig on it too.

 

[ma96782]

Say it this way....
After my son graduated from high school, I more or less gave him three choices. Either one was fine by me (as long as he didn't just lay around and become a bum). So, in no particular order, the choices were :

1) Go to college, full time.
2) Get a full time job.
3) Join the military.

He choose to join the Marines. I once asked him, "Why the Marines?" He told me that it was because, every Marine is a Rifleman (yes, he likes to shoot). That being said....his actual job while a Marine was fixing and maintenance of the AV-8 Harriers.

When he got out. He tried fixing civilian aircraft for awhile. He said that FAA certifications were expensive and a headache. Besides....the pay wasn't worth it. So, he gave that up. Rrrrright.....he said that he had found a better job to do. While still being involved with aircraft. So currently, he is learning to fly. No, the GI Bill does not help with money for his flight schooling. Though, I hear that it might be possible. Oh well, maybe later.

Lucky for me that I only have one. Yup.....flight school is expensive.

Aloha, Mark

 

[wired]

I would do it again but if I did I wouldn't chose the same MOS by any stretch of the imagination. I was a 54B who went to technical escort school but the whole MOS was dumb as hell. If I were to do it again I'd go

Say it this way....
After my son graduated from high school, I more or less gave him three choices. Either one was fine by me (as long as he didn't just lay around and become a bum). So, in no particular order, the choices were :

1) Go to College, full time.
2) Get a full time job.
3) Join the military.

He choose to join the Marines. I once asked him, "Why the Marines?" He told me that it was because, every Marine is a Rifleman (yes, he likes to shoot). That being said....his actual job while a Marine was fixing and maintenance of the AV-8 Harriers.

When he got out. He tried fixing civilian aircraft for awhile. He said that FAA certifications were expensive and a headache. So, he gave that up. Rrrrright.....he said that he had found a better job to do. While still being involved with aircraft. So currently, he is learning to fly. No, the GI Bill does not help with money for his flight schooling. Though, I hear that it might be possible. Oh well, maybe later.

Lucky for me that I only have one. Yup.....flight school is expensive.

Aloha, Mark

Thats why I just told mine to find something fun to do for 4 years , like anyone listens to me, then he can finish up school on their dime when he gets out.
I dont know if they still have them but Id go door gunner in the air cavalry

 

[ma96782]

Perhaps with the NEW Space Force?



Aloha, Mark