What do you say in this day and age when your first born son talks about joining

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   Carole Anzollettiposted 12 years ago

   What do you say in this day and age when your first born son talks about joining the marines?

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   Wesley Clarkposted 12 years ago

   I would ask him why it is important to him to join the marines.....and then listen, really listen.
   
   I would tell him I want to support him in what he wants to do in life, that he is of age to make his own decisions and he can understand why I am concerned about his decision, as I would think he would if his son wanted to do so.
   
   I then would ask if he had considered joining other services, like the Air Force?
   Since I was in the Air Force, I would say, while I think the Marines would teach him many things, discipline, pride in one's accomplishments, etc., I would go over the reasons why I thought the Air Force might be better as it was for me.
   
   Then I would support him in whatever his decision was.

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      Carole Anzollettiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Wesley, I really like and appreciate your answer

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   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I would worry but also be very proud of this brave young man. I would listen and support him.  Hopefully we would have long talks about why it was important but ultimately I would support him and love him unconditionally...whatever he wanted to do.

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      Carole Anzollettiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, of course worry is on the top of the list - and we are still talking - thank you for answering!!!

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   glassvisageposted 12 years ago

   I do not have a son, but my boyfriend is a Marine (has been for 8 years) and my co-worker's son is a Marine (has been for 6 years).
   
   My boyfriend wanted to join because he always had a fascination and reverence for the military and wanted the honor of serving his country. He also liked the physical challenges the branch offered to him. His mom was supportive, but told him he needed to go to college first. Once he had an education and could make more of an informed decision, he could join, so he went to a military college and enlisted from there. He is now an Officer (Captain) and loves what he does.
   
   My co-worker did not necessarily support the decision and to this day is not happy that he joined, but loves him dearly and is ecstatic every time he comes home to visit. He was 18 and didn't need permission from his parents. He was interested in joining because of the adventure and it was essentially a job where he could earn a pension after a while. He is a Sergeant who has been to the Middle East several times.
   
   From what I've seen from both of these situations, it is important for parents to be involved in the decision, to make sure they are joining for the right reasons (not to run away from a situation at home, etc.) and understand what the decision entails (how long is the commitment, and so on). If you want to learn more, you may want to talk to someone who is a Marine rather than a recruiter because recruiters will tell you what you want to hear!

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   1. 82

      Carole Anzollettiposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wonderful answer, thank you for taking the time to reply! I sincerely appreciate it

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