HELP!!!!! My son says he wants to join the US Military when he turns 17!!!!!!

[Pekka]

Besides, we can ask all who has served, and then make a poll if they thought it was worth it or not. I bet HUGE majority will say they don't have any regrets, and that they are glad that they joined.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by Lancer
Oh well, thought you might have redeeming value there for a sec...

Sorry, but I'm a demon

[Immortal Wombat]

I thought about the army,
Dad said "Son, you're fucking high."
And I thought "Yeah there's a first for everything."
So I took my old man's advice...

Ben Folds Five - Army.

[Pekka]

Also, he's still 15 so it's still 2 years away.. youngsters change their minds all the time. If he still wants to go at 17.. then I guess he's just firm about it and really really wants to go.

[Lancer]

Used to need parental permition at 17. If it's still the case you have the option to say no. Not a good option though...

[Apocalypse]

Originally posted by Rogan Josh
Is it just me, or is the sort of person who nicknames themselves 'Apocalypse' really the sort of person we want as an officer in the US military?

Hey, I named myself that about 1/3 of my life ago (almost 6 years). Back when I first came to this board I was actually communist. I've matured though and hopefully Tass will too.

[Traianvs]

matured??
he has a 15 year old son!

[Apocalypse]

Just because someone has a son doesn't mean they are mature.

[Apocalypse]

Not to mention, we aren't even sure he has a son.

[Sava]

I wouldn't be concerned Tass.

Anyways, even with the war, statistically, I think you are more likely to die in civilian life than in service.

If I were a parent, I wouldn't care if my kid wanted to join the military. I've had many friends and relatives who have done so. It's a good experience and despite the immoral policies of the current president, a very honorable and moral course for one's life.

Tass, if you really want to discourage him (I assume its a him), then inform him that his life is in the hands of Dubya. That's reason enough for me not to join the military.

[GePap]

If he thinks you are dead set against i, peraps that will only push hi further in this path you don;t want him to go through. Right now, just tell him OK. Wait a year. Maybe in that year he will change his mind. Rememebr, as MtG aid, you have until he is 18 to stop him if at the end you think that would be wise, if your son trully wants to join up.

[chequita guevara]

You should remember, that while many people here are ex-military (or even current), only one of them has turned out to be MtG. The military, while it has much to offer, also takes your personality away.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
You should remember, that while many people here are ex-military (or even current), only one of them has turned out to be MtG. The military, while it has much to offer, also takes your personality away.

Are you afraid that he'll turn out to be GP?

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by DinoDoc
Are you afraid that he'll turn out to be GP?

I'm sure Tass is

[Whaleboy]

Two years is a long time for a lad of 15. When I was 15, I wanted to be an astrophysicist, now a few years later I'm a writer!

It wont help to explain how you feel about it, he may well feel the same as the more pro-america, pro-military, right wing people on here. No disrespect intended of course, we do have differing views but both are equally valid.

I guess the best you can do is explain your case to him in a reasoned manner, interfacing with his own assumptions. Someone said that if he's 17, he needs your consent, in which case, get him to present you with a reasoned case for him joining. Its how my parents brought me up, and I consider it to be a good asset of mine.

When he's able to make his choice on his own, then obviously, still present your case, if he still joins, support him. A child has to forge its own decisions when it flies the nest, and make its own mistakes. In that case, the best you can do is be there for the lad and support him.