Posted on Sep 19, 2019
What would be the best branch of service for my son?
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I've asked a few questions concerning ASVAB. My son is a senior this year and a good kid that I believe needs a lot of motivation and direction. I have 3 other sons so this isn't my first rodeo with observing and evaluating potential of my kids. My other 3 sons are highly motivated and successful in life. My son talked to an Air Force recruiter this week. My son is not very social and would be considered to be slightly autistic, although I would never anchor my son with a label like that. Now I am rethinking that he might need a much firmer development such as the Marines. I have the day off this morning and he drives his two younger sisters to school each morning. He was still asleep when I knocked on his door to alert him that it was time to get his sisters (and himself) to school. Evidently this is the 2nd time this week according to his sister. He has gotten better since the 8th grade about focusing on getting assignments in school completed but still has times where he gets a bad grade because he forgets a homework or that a quiz is being given. My impression of the Air Force (from two brothers and a nephew that have served) is that it is more laid back and less oversight given to soldiers. I'm wondering if the Marines or even Army would a better fit for my son? I can't force him obviously but I can strongly motivate him in a direction. I'm interested to hear feedback from you that presently serving or have served in each branch on the best fit for my son.
He is smart when applying himself and is currently 3rd academically in his small senior class of 30 kids. The funny thing about what I just wrote is that it almost mirrors myself exactly when I was his age.
He is smart when applying himself and is currently 3rd academically in his small senior class of 30 kids. The funny thing about what I just wrote is that it almost mirrors myself exactly when I was his age.
Posted in these groups: 
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Potential Recruit Recruiting
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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I have not been a Marine, so I can't say definitively, but.... Everything I hear and saw says that when it come to discipline and motivation, the Marines are basically the same as Soldiers - with a volume knob that starts at 5 and goes up to 14. From what you have posted, I believe that either an Army or a USMC career will be a make or break thing for your son. Either he will emerge as a strong, disciplined, focused young man, ready to take on the world, OR he will shuffle out as a shriveled up husk paralyzed with anxiety and even less socially adept. I know the Army is very good at molding young men (and women) and helping them to achieve greatness. From what I have seen, the Marines are very good at this as well. But the bottom line for both services is that the mission comes first. If your son is unable or unwilling to learn and meet the standards - and to do so in a rapid fashion - then the services need to move on and find someone who will.
I am not trying to scare you or anything like that, just trying to be honest. Not knowing your child, I can't say whether either of these services (or any service) would be right for him. With an "average" kid, I'd estimate the ratio to be 95/5 make/break. Maybe even 97/3. You have indicated that your son is facing challenges - this may drop him down to a 75/25. Still not bad. But be wary of what that 25 looks like, especially if your son DOES fall on the autism spectrum.
I am not trying to scare you or anything like that, just trying to be honest. Not knowing your child, I can't say whether either of these services (or any service) would be right for him. With an "average" kid, I'd estimate the ratio to be 95/5 make/break. Maybe even 97/3. You have indicated that your son is facing challenges - this may drop him down to a 75/25. Still not bad. But be wary of what that 25 looks like, especially if your son DOES fall on the autism spectrum.
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Stephen Bracken
He's ambivalent right now to any direction in life. Thus my motivation to get him motivated. He just doesn't know what he wants to do.
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Stephen Bracken
TSgt Joshua Duplin - Well, if it doesn't kill him then he will emerge stronger. Life isn't easy and he might as well learn it sooner rather than later.
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It would depend on what he's looking to do, what he's interested in, what his particular strengths/weaknesses are, what he's looking to get out of it/invest in it, etc. This is the information age. I'm sure you can get access to almost all of the info that you need....short of a literal walk through. You can speak to soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, etc. You can watch videos, read blogs, speak to recruiters, etc.
You know your son better than most. If his strengths are more on the technical/intelligence-based side....I'd say the USAF is more of a good look. If his strength is more so on the physical labor/mechanic/"get your hands dirty" side of things....perhaps the USMC/Army is more of a good look for him.
Take your time, get all of the insight that you can & talk it over with him and others involved....and I'm sure you can arrive at a sensible resolve.
You know your son better than most. If his strengths are more on the technical/intelligence-based side....I'd say the USAF is more of a good look. If his strength is more so on the physical labor/mechanic/"get your hands dirty" side of things....perhaps the USMC/Army is more of a good look for him.
Take your time, get all of the insight that you can & talk it over with him and others involved....and I'm sure you can arrive at a sensible resolve.
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