As a parent and service member, would you encourage your kids to serve in the military as well? Please explain why or why not?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 10:25:05 -0400

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Oct 4 at 2019 10:38 AM

SSgt Terry P. — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 10:38:08 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I not only would encourage them,i did. They were left to ultimately make their own decision.The extra structure and involvement with their peers and leaders gives them better perception for their future,instead of a closed environment experienced by most.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 4 at 2019 10:38 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 10:38:17 -0400

I'm not going to push for the military, because I think our foreign policy will keep us deploying forever, but if my Son WANT'S to join, I'll be encouraging him to join the Navy.
He's too smart for the Marines, and while the Army has a lot of great programs, it's very much quantity over quality. The Navy has just as much technical schooling and education as the Air Force, and I want my son to see the world, a goal which the Navy VERY much can deliver on...
The Air Force isn't really an option. Yeah, they have the Community College of the Air Force, which is a great idea, but if my son joins the military, I want him to have the character building and experience that comes with enduring and overcoming hardship. I don't want him to spend years in an Air Force uniform getting made fun of for joining the junior varsity and not being taken seriously..

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Oct 4 at 2019 10:48 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 10:48:51 -0400

We all know that not everyone is cut out for being in the military, and we all have our own experiences to draw on as to whether or not we would want to see our kids go through similar experiences. For myself, I would recommend it--and have to a point--if it was something they felt called to do and would be beneficial for them (and the military) to do.

For my son it is not an option to join the military as he has enough hardware in his back to reinforce a destroyer's bulkhead; which is unfortunate, because he excels in his leadership role within JROTC and enjoys the military-lite structure, discipline and purpose. He's a bright, but an otherwise unapplied kid who would have enjoyed and perhaps excelled while serving his country. Once he graduates high school, and JROTC ends, I suspect he will understand it is the end of the line for him for anything close to resembling military service, and he will regret not having the opportunity available to him; but it is what it is. For him, I would never want to encourage a false hope that he could enlist.

My daughter, who just started JROTC at school, is a harder read. She doesn't remember much of my AD time in the Army, but does remember my Reserve time, so she has some exposure to the life, which is something she might think about if she were to decide whether enlisting is right for her. I have told her of the benefits, both tangible and intangible, which I wouldn't have bother to do had she not seemed willing to give the military some consideration, but she's a HS freshman, so time will tell.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 4 at 2019 10:50 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 10:50:21 -0400

I told my son that the choice was his, and his alone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 11:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 11:25:55 -0400

I'm not gonna push my daughter to serve, but she will have my full support.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 4 at 2019 11:32 AM

SPC David S. — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 11:32:26 -0400

I'd have to take into consideration "all" the opportunities available at the time. A lot would depend on my daughter's aspirations and how well they measure up against what the military could offer helping in obtaining her goals. The big "if" would be based on her being a good candidate for military service. I think most will attest that the military is not for everyone.

However if all the boxes were checked, yes I'd support and encourage military service as an officer.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 4 at 2019 1:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 13:11:02 -0400

I would certainly encourage my kids if they were interested. I have discussed it with them before, explained that it would be impossible for me to pay for three kids college tuition, even after transferring my GI Bill.
One of them wants to join, but I don't think he is a good fit because he doesn't handle stress well. One of them would benefit greatly from the education benefits, but she's kind of a hippie. And the third one I just have no idea LOL.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Oct 4 at 2019 2:02 PM

MSG Greg Kelly — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:02:41 -0400

I never said either way, I answered their questions but never told them to join or not to.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 4 at 2019 2:05 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:05:23 -0400

Yes I would recommend joining if joining the military makes sense. This is what I feel if the daughter or son become KIA: Daniel Inouye's father told his son if you must die, realize this is a great nation and it has been good to us.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Oct 4 at 2019 2:08 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:08:35 -0400

While the military isn't for everyone, it isn't for no one, either. When my kids are old enough, if they want to join I won't discourage them as long as they are making an informed decision. I won't push them if they don't want to, though, as it's their choice - mine was made a long time ago.

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Oct 4 at 2019 2:29 PM

TSgt George Rodriguez — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:29:52 -0400

My children grew up on military bases as I was a career airman. My wife also was in the Air Force. Upon completion of their high school education the daughter joined the Navy of her own free will as she made her choice without my input. My oldest son went with the Marines as his choice, he had the opportunity and had all the signatures and education level to enter the Air Force Academy. My other 2 sons enlisted in the Air Force again the choice was theirs. They grew up in an environment where they witnessed the patriotism of volunteers as the Air Force is predominately a volunteer force. As a family living on a SAC "Strategic Air Command" Base during the Viet Nam war and attending the base schools, they witnessed the tragedy of some of their fellow students when their fathers were killed or lost while in B-52 bombing missions over Viet Nam. They considered it a duty to serve our God, Family and Country. Although I'm their father and husband, they are my brothers and sisters under arms. They like myself will and do stand and salute the flag. The will kneel only before the cross. God Bless you and God Bless the USA.

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Oct 4 at 2019 3:15 PM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 15:15:56 -0400

I would encourage it only during peacetime, not as a combatant in an armed conflict. I conduct clinical research on the persisting trauma of combatants dating back to Korea. I have published articles in this regard. Combatants are haunted by ghosts of squad members killed and persons they killed, especially children, women, and the aged. This occurred repeatedly during Vietnam. And it occurs to a lesser degree in post 911 conflicts.

On my maternal side over 3 generations, 9 of 11 of us served.
Rich

Response by 1SG Thomas Jasak made Oct 4 at 2019 4:24 PM

1SG Thomas Jasak — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 16:24:49 -0400

I told my 5 adopted kids all I could about the military while I was in for 22 years the good and the not so good and did not push them either way and let them make their own decisions. My oldest son joined the Marines and was in 5 years before being medically retired but he enjoyed it and learned good skills for his future in the civilian world. I don't have any positive or negative feelings if my children joined the military or not but I was damn proud of joining at 28 and serving 22 years.

Response by PO1 Lyndon Thomas made Oct 4 at 2019 4:55 PM

PO1 Lyndon Thomas — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 16:55:40 -0400

I would not encourage joining the military. As most of us who've served fully understand the military is a calling and not everyone is mentally physically or spiritually prepared or equipped to answer that call. . It would have to be my child's decision. If they chose a military career I would love and support them in that decision. I would make sure they have a full and complete understanding of what they are choosing to do, but support them all the way. I have two (2) daughters from first marriage one (1) adopted daughter and four (4) stepchildren two (2) boys two (2) girls. Only one showed and interest and he blew out his knee in boot camp and was medical discharge. They've all grown to be some of the finest human beings I know!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 4 at 2019 5:18 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 17:18:30 -0400

I would be proud either way, but they have to choose it for themselves. It can’t be out of misplaced loyalty to me. I encourage whatever positive direction they choose. Soldiering isn’t for everyone.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Oct 4 at 2019 5:19 PM

SGT Chris Stephens — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 17:19:27 -0400

If mine wanted to, I would encourage them, but I wouldn't force it on them. I wasn't ready for college, nor could my parents afford to send me to college. With the GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill 12-month extension, I got my bachelors and masters. It definitely set me up for success in life to where my family isn't going to struggle in the same ways my parents struggled.

Response by SFC Thomas Lindsey made Oct 4 at 2019 5:55 PM

SFC Thomas Lindsey — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 17:55:15 -0400

I would allow my kids to go in, but to choose wisely and get a job that would provide some sort of practical benefits and growth opportunities to transfer and apply to the civilian market. Primarily, I would tell them to ignore 90% of what recruiters tell them.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Oct 4 at 2019 7:31 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 19:31:48 -0400

Yes, if my kid was interested, I would encourage it

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Oct 4 at 2019 9:32 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 21:32:19 -0400

No I would not. The modern army doesn’t take care of it’s people like they used and the modern retirement system is not a good deal either.

Response by PO3 Adam Stoflet made Oct 4 at 2019 9:46 PM

PO3 Adam Stoflet — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 21:46:31 -0400

I don’t feel qualified to answer this because I am in no way a parent, but I wouldn’t mind if I had kids if they wanted to join the military and I definitely would encourage them, but at the end of the day it would be their decision first and foremost.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 4 at 2019 11:30 PM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 23:30:35 -0400

I would to the best of my abilities lay out my version of the pros and cons, then support what ever decision they make and help as much as they want me to help.

Now, let's talk about my hopes. The military life was great for me. My family benefited too. But I think it cost them more than it cost me. For my grandkids, I hope they take the time to become highly skilled at something they want to do. I don't care if it is plumbing, brain surgery, classical Spanish guitar, or baking pies. Then I pray that they do that, as their own boss, and never work a day in their adult life as someone's employee.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2019 1:23 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 01:23:20 -0400

To an extent. The Army has been great for me and my family, it got my dad out of a violent home and helped him create a life for himself at 17 years old. There are so many key things that you learn through the military that are important in life such as resilience and discipline and because of that alone, I would encourage it. With that being said though, I would be there every step to ensure the recruiter doesn't screw my kid over and I would assist in looking for an MOS that would suite my kid and would be beneficial after the military is over; something that would carry over to the civilian work force. I would first push for college though and if after that they still want to join, then they can join as an officer instead of enlisted. So i guess, college first and foremost, then military.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 5 at 2019 2:18 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 02:18:33 -0400

Actually it would be a tough love moment for me. I would ask myself, would I want them in my unit? Hmm. If everyone else didn't work that question, then it's a reflection of the heart, but not necessarily logic. Or maybe I was more than tired of cleaning up after other people's messes over a 32 year period in uniform. As it turned out, neither toyed with the idea seriously, so I didn't have to do much of that drill.

Response by SFC Don Vance made Oct 5 at 2019 9:59 AM

SFC Don Vance — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 09:59:59 -0400

Both of my children were raised to make their own decisions. My daughter served 13 years as an Air Force medic and my son is an Airborne Field Artillery Officer

Response by SGT David Petree made Oct 5 at 2019 12:35 PM

SGT David Petree — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 12:35:39 -0400

they asked, & I gave them all the information . one is working cairns ,the other is working at what ever he can . ya I backed there diction . it is there life .

Response by CWO4 Roberto Obong made Oct 5 at 2019 8:05 PM

CWO4 Roberto Obong — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 20:05:31 -0400

You can plant the seed and advise them of the pros and cons, but they should make a decision for themselves. I am quite sure if it is a positive influence, 98 % at the time more than likely they will join.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Oct 5 at 2019 8:10 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 20:10:17 -0400

I would not encourage my daughter to join but that is because of who my daughter is and not because of what the service is. She has too many mental and social issues to be able to succeed or even survive (figuratively) an enlistment.

Were me daughter well adjusted, or even close, I would absolutely endorse a military stint or career, however I would never pressure.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2019 9:23 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 21:23:53 -0400

Nope. Next question.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2019 11:46 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 23:46:15 -0400

I am not a parent, but I was not that encouraging of my brother to join. Not because of combat or this or that. It was because at that time in his life he would just end up in trouble. My brother when he was younger did not achieve much in highschool. He seemed to gravitate to the kids who you would associate with losers. My brother was a follower so he would go along with someone else's stupid ideas. My concern was that he would gravitate those kids in the service. The ones at a minimum who get article 15's or summary court martials.
Long story short, he did go in the Navy but was medically discharged shortly after. I suppose that was probably a good thing.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Oct 6 at 2019 3:36 PM

SPC Steven Nihipali — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 15:36:25 -0400

He'll yeah I want nu kids to serve... however, the choice is theirs. I keep telling then they better shape up or im signing them away for 8 years the day before they turn 18. That's what choices ar for

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 6 at 2019 4:26 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 16:26:15 -0400

I was more in the camp of "Would I want him in my unit?" Neither son showed any real interest so I didn't have to weigh in either way. At the time, I felt there were other paths that would net more gain given their situations. However, since they are Millennials, it took longer for the path to pound its way into their brains.

Response by Gary Yandell made Oct 7 at 2019 12:20 AM

Gary Yandell — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 00:20:30 -0400

Absolutely! It is a great way to start your own way in this world. It gives you structure and benefits that will last your whole life. I wish I would have been directed to the military out of high school. I was not ready for college.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Oct 7 at 2019 12:55 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 12:55:38 -0400

My oldest son Joined as retired

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2019 4:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Oct 2019 16:39:12 -0400

No definitely not. I enjoy the military to certain extent but I just want better for my children.

Response by SP5 Joseph Ascanio made Oct 11 at 2019 6:56 AM

SP5 Joseph Ascanio — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:56:33 -0400

Yes I would believe it or not the military will take care of you I retired in Jan 31 2016 after 41 years. You get so many benefits it's crazy like you and your wife fly free any were you want.

Response by SP5 Joseph Ascanio made Oct 11 at 2019 6:57 AM

SP5 Joseph Ascanio — Fri, 11 Oct 2019 06:57:08 -0400

I would recommend the Air Force cleaner life

Response by MSgt James Slawson made Oct 16 at 2019 3:38 PM

MSgt James Slawson — Wed, 16 Oct 2019 15:38:32 -0400

Encourage, no. Suggest and educate, yes. The military is not for everybody although I feel everyone should serve. If they are interested then they will pursue it and if not we always need civilians to support us.

Response by SPC Scott Currens made Nov 22 at 2019 11:36 AM

SPC Scott Currens — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 11:36:33 -0500

I explained all the good bad and ugly about military service to my children. I am currently disabled from military service and they all witnessed how I was treated, both by the Army and the VA. Still had 2 interested, my daughter got pregnant and decided to not enter, but my son enlisted and ETSd from the Army and is currently in Reserves.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2019 1:06 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 13:06:43 -0500

I would only support their choice to serve if the service was part of a plan to benefit themselves in the future and they understood that their paid service to the government doesn't make society better or protect individual freedoms.
I believed the hype when I joined.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 14 at 2019 1:48 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 13:48:42 -0500

Their decision not mine. I’ll support them 100% whatever their choice be. Although I would love them to get the GI Bill.

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Dec 16 at 2019 1:39 AM

MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 01:39:03 -0500

In 1969, after graduating from high school, I decided to enlist rather than go to college. I asked my brother, who'd served as a photographer's mate on the carrier USS Lexington from 1960-62 what he thought of the navy and he said it was great for him. I approached a brother-in-law who had served in the USAFR what he thought of the air force and he said he loved it. My dad, who had been a hospital SGM in the Cook Islands in early 1944 before being medically evacuated to the States and discharged because he caught a nasty mosquito-borne disease called filariasis, which really screwed him up, said the army was okay. Finally, I asked an uncle who was a Marine GySgt. about the Corps and he said I was a bright young man and there was no way he thought I would like the Corps. In the end, I enlisted in the infantry and volunteered for service in Vietnam. By 1995, I was a retired armor officer who'd spent the last three years I was on active duty teaching military history at West Point. One of my sons, who had lived with me while I was teaching there, got bit by the "I-want-to-be-a-cadet bug" and came to me for help. I first made sure it was what HE wanted and not what he thought I wanted, and once satisfied it was, I did everything within my power to help him secure an appointment. He wound up graduating in the Class of 2000 and is presently a serving lieutenant colonel. The military isn't for everyone, but I always advise young people that it is a place where, if you put forth 100% effort, you will be rewarded accordingly.

Response by MSgt Joseph Holness made Dec 19 at 2019 10:47 AM

MSgt Joseph Holness — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 10:47:28 -0500

Yes and No; both myself and my wife served in the Military and believe it does offer much in the way of discipline, structure, priorities and achievement. But I'm afraid that today's military is more interested in teaching / cramming down recruit's throats "political-correctness, diversity and sensitivity" than it is teaching & training what it is to be a Warrior / The Profession of Arms, Real War Fighting Skills and Teamwork. Ultimately it is of course your kid's decision, but considering the way the 21st Century US military has degraded itself and lowered it's standards, if I was a youngster looking to join the military, I'd join the French Foreign Legion (No-Joke).

Response by SSG Ken Steinhoff made Dec 22 at 2019 12:03 PM

SSG Ken Steinhoff — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 12:03:50 -0500

Let’s face it most kids don’t know what they want to be They might think they know. I ask my kids what they would like to do and told them they can do that in the Military They will send them to school and give them experience in that field. And at the end of that contract. If it is not for you, then you can change your MOS job and try something new or just get out. I have one in the Navy as a nuclear engineer. I know I did not have the money to send him to school for that and he would have had a lot of school loans pay on them the rest of his life. Now he is an E6 and just got back from Hawaii and now in San Diego. He has gotten a few job offers paying a lot more but want to say in and do his 20 years. Then make the big bucks with all that. Experience

I have a 2nd one that went Ranger airborne infantry And got out after 13 years and is working as a Contractor down range and as you they they have more fun and makes a lot more money

I have a 3 son that went in the computer field and got out and is working for FEMA

My 4 son went is as Nutritionist and got pick up by West Point and now he is an officer down range

And I have two other son trying to figure out what they want to do working for Minimum wage

And last last I have one daughter that is a manager at Wal Disney. Under the college internships and doing well

You don’t have to do 30 years try the fewest year with the job you like and if it is not for you then get out and you will have a better head on your shoulder