How do I come out as Army to my Marine father?

2016-12-21T09:37:53-05:00

I've been with the Army ROTC for two semesters now in college and its time to finally take my relationship with it to the next level. My father, a Marine of 30+ years, thought it would just be a brief fling but I truly love what I'm doing. How do I tell him that I'm joining the Army without him disowning me from the family?

Update: Well he took it way better than I thought he would have. He was highly skeptical at first and grilled me about every aspect to make sure I knew what I was doing and hadn't just been swindled into signing my life away. Then after he was satisfied he asked why I wasn't joining the Coast Guard as I've been an auxiliarist with them for a while now. After I gave him the explanation to that he told me to wait on the couch and went into one of our side rooms and came back with some papers. Said papers were my grandfathers DD-214, while they weren't as detailed as the ones that come out now they showed that my grandfather had served in the Army and Air Force and had retired from the latter. I had never met my grandpa as he died before I was born and for some reason he'd never come up in conversation beyond the fact that he had been in the military. I'd always assumed he had also been in the Marines. So overall it went well and I learned a bit more about my family tree. Thank you to everyone for their advice and kind words. I actually used a good bit of that advice over the course of the conversation.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Dec 21 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-12-21T09:44:32-05:00

The important thing is Your serving Your country in the Armed Forces. My Dad was Navy, I went into the Air Force, He had no problem with that. He kept telling Me how proud He was of Me. I doubt Your Dad will disown You. I'm sure both of You will kid the other about Your choice of service branch though, My Dad and I did.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Dec 21 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-12-21T09:44:53-05:00

It's OK. Just tell him you were born this way.

;-)

Response by SPC Charlie LaFave made Dec 21 at 2016 9:56 AM

2016-12-21T09:56:19-05:00

Service is service ..we all give each other a hard time ..but in the end we protect and fight for each and every one of our brothers and sisters that put a uniform on..he will understand and be proud..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 9:57 AM

2016-12-21T09:57:52-05:00

Sit him down. Look him straight in the eye and say "Dad, I'm Army. I was born this way. I'll die this way. We can still have a great Father/Son relationship. Just because I'm too smart for the Marines doesn't make me any less your son."

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 21 at 2016 10:02 AM

2016-12-21T10:02:09-05:00

My dad was a Marine, after the Chosin he switched to the Air Force.
I heard the stories as a lad and said I get sea sick and chose the Army.
He passed away proud of me.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 21 at 2016 10:04 AM

2016-12-21T10:04:30-05:00

Well I understand this is meant to be humorous, but on a serious note, you have to do what makes you happy. Either way he should be proud that you are serving your country even if you aren't following exactly in his own footsteps. Remember, you are your own person and have to set your own path. Even if he did disown you from the family, you're about to join a new family.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 21 at 2016 10:04 AM

2016-12-21T10:04:58-05:00

Tell him the truth and don't back down to any rants.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Dec 21 at 2016 10:11 AM

2016-12-21T10:11:47-05:00

Private RallyPoint Member Start by leaving a high volume of Air Force and Coast Guard recruiting pamphlets around.* There is a great Air Force recruiting pamphlet that has a Marine on the back cover, with the caption "See we didn't even issue you a pack" Then when you tell him you are joining the Army, he will be grateful.

*This is meant as humor, in no way do I have any less respect for our brothers and sisters in those two branches of the service.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 21 at 2016 10:12 AM

2016-12-21T10:12:39-05:00

Private RallyPoint Member I tried to make a funny response to your question. It just seemed like I was being a smart ass. So I will just go with this. I work with a retired Marine. On the Marines birthday I got him a little cake with the Globe and Anchor that said "Happy Birthday USMC". He thought it was great. On the Army's birthday I had a cake box sitting on my desk from my coworker. When I opened up the box it had a cake that said, "Fuck the Army". I think that says it all.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 10:13 AM

2016-12-21T10:13:17-05:00

All you have to tell him is dad I Aint Ready to be a Marine Yet.. He will understand.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Dec 21 at 2016 10:14 AM

2016-12-21T10:14:04-05:00

Tell him that you will slow the pace on the PT runs and miss a few targets on the rifle range to honor his service. :)

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 10:19 AM

2016-12-21T10:19:59-05:00

Private RallyPoint Member Are you "joining the Army", or are you continuing your education and taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the ROTC unit to enhance your knowledge of things military? He will be proud of a son who is serving. Good luck!

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Dec 21 at 2016 10:20 AM

2016-12-21T10:20:32-05:00

Good luck Leon.

M. Morris RVT

Response by SSG Kyle Stromgren made Dec 21 at 2016 10:21 AM

2016-12-21T10:21:55-05:00

Just do it I worked with an army recuiter that had a son join the Navy Tell him you feel that the Army is a better fit for you

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Dec 21 at 2016 10:23 AM

2016-12-21T10:23:39-05:00

Just tell your Dad You have chosen to serve Our Great Nation in the Army...he will be ok with that.

Response by SGT Morrison (Mike) Hogwood made Dec 21 at 2016 10:36 AM

2016-12-21T10:36:12-05:00

My Dad was Air Force,i went into the Army as my desires were different ,my Dad did not get offended by my choice but actually commended me for wanting to serve this great Nation.Be All You can BE,Army,Air Force,Navy,Marines and the Coast Guard.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Dec 21 at 2016 10:47 AM

2016-12-21T10:47:04-05:00

Try, "Dad, the university has an Air Force ROTC unit. Those guys look very cool in their tiger stripe work uniforms and don't really have to learn how to march or that kind of stuff. I didn't join them because I knew you wouldn't respect me. Instead I joined Army ROTC where I'm studying land warfare and small unit tactics--ya'know kinda like the Marines only without the boats."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 10:50 AM

2016-12-21T10:50:13-05:00

Did I miss something? Are we in April Fools Day already? I didn't know serving in the Army was something that needed to be hidden from family like it's a disease or something

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Dec 21 at 2016 10:51 AM

2016-12-21T10:51:53-05:00

Yea, good luck with that. I don't push my kids to join but I told them if they did there is only one choice...My oldest son decided to join. He went in the Marines. I am not sure how I would have taken the Army (or other branch) conversation.

Joining the Marines would allow you to be father and son and bothers all at the same time. The benefit would be all of the things he could teach you everything you experience he can relate to of help you with. My son and I have some good laughs about all things Marine Corps. I can also help him get uniforms ready for the ball or other events too.

Response by MSG Johnathan Mathes made Dec 21 at 2016 10:53 AM

2016-12-21T10:53:37-05:00

Well soon to be lt/sir.. i recommend 1st buying him expensive booze and cigars... and showing him your army tatto after a few drinks hahahahaha

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Dec 21 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-12-21T10:57:16-05:00

Private RallyPoint Member grunt. He probably won't get it because it sounds nothing like oorah.

Response by Cpl Joshua Caldwell made Dec 21 at 2016 11:00 AM

2016-12-21T11:00:27-05:00

Tell him you want to be in Spec Ops and the Army has a bigger budget for that. Tell him the Recruiter can get you into Airborne and Ranger School, then its up to you to go SF and then into Delta that is the only reason your father will accept.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 11:00 AM

2016-12-21T11:00:49-05:00

Private RallyPoint Member Your father will be proud that you want to serve. Good luck, and keep us informed on how this discussion goes.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Dec 21 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-12-21T11:15:08-05:00

Be truthful, honest and tell him how you feel. Family is family sometimes we hit a few speed bumps that causes some turmoil but in the end we are still family.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Dec 21 at 2016 11:15 AM

2016-12-21T11:15:23-05:00

Private RallyPoint Member I served in both Army and Marine Corps.I have 2 sons --one Army and the other Marine Corps---Very proud of both of them--Just be straight forward with him.After all,he is a Marine--What can he do? Kill you?
Semper Fi

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Dec 21 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-12-21T11:35:46-05:00

Look him square in the eyes and say "Dad, I love that I got my fight and stubbornness from you, but intelligence came from Mom. So when you look at me, think a lean mean killing machine with a mind like a NASA computer."

That should get the Christmas spirit fired up!! :-)

Response by COL John McClellan made Dec 21 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-12-21T11:37:24-05:00

Is there an NROTC at your school with the Marine-Corps option? If you have found the program that fits you and you like what you are doing, then tell him that. Be honest. Good luck!

Response by SPC David S. made Dec 21 at 2016 11:46 AM

2016-12-21T11:46:13-05:00

I truly know what you're dealing with. My father is an Air Force aviator 20+ years - me a red leg/CAV Scout Army. I think if you take him out for a beer and you just tell him the Army is the path you've picked I think you might be surprised by your father's reaction. He's going to be proud of you either way - Its not like you went Air Force (jab intended).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 12:08 PM

2016-12-21T12:08:11-05:00

Proudly.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 12:14 PM

2016-12-21T12:14:57-05:00

You have nothing to worry about. Each generation wants their kids to do better than they did. He will be so proud! ;)

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 21 at 2016 12:29 PM

2016-12-21T12:29:13-05:00

Blame it on the Russians and demand a recruiter re-count.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Dec 21 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-12-21T12:50:37-05:00

I made amends by losing a stripe & going through Parris Island... i was forgiven for being a paratrooper first.... AATW & Semper Fi

Response by Cpl Jeff Wilcox made Dec 21 at 2016 1:10 PM

2016-12-21T13:10:23-05:00

Very carefully

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Dec 21 at 2016 1:50 PM

2016-12-21T13:50:43-05:00

From the position of Attention...........

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Dec 21 at 2016 2:43 PM

2016-12-21T14:43:20-05:00

Just tell him your Officer Qualification Test scores were too high for the Marines but acceptable for the Army.

Seriously, I tend to believe that he would be proud of you wherever you serve if he is a veteran of 30+ years...the mere fact that you are willing to serve is huge. Tell him you get in where you fit in and your perfect fit for service is right where you are...in the Army. As a parent I can tell you that all I want for my children is for them to do what they are wanting to do...if they are happy and enjoying it, then I know they will be successful. I want them to have a better life than I did. Now, you can expect some service rivalry jokes so be prepared to sling them back. Soldier up and just tell him, because it is your life and success or failure is on your shoulders.

REMEMBER--The Marines are the moochers of the United States Armed Forces: They Go to Army Schools, They Ride in Navy Equipment, Get their Lunch Money from the Air Force...its that simple...

MARINE--Muscles Are Required Intelligence Not Essential (A little humor Marines...I love Marines because when you ask or direct them to get something done, you can walk away knowing it will get done or they will die in the attempt.)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 3:31 PM

2016-12-21T15:31:24-05:00

I'ma join the Army. Pass the potatoes?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 21 at 2016 3:43 PM

2016-12-21T15:43:53-05:00

I waited till I was on the other side of the country and i was safely inside a secure Army facility ....even then i was not sure of the outcome...lol

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Dec 21 at 2016 4:01 PM

2016-12-21T16:01:13-05:00

Just tell him as a parent he should be happy that you learned from his mistakes and assure him you will live in a better world with more opportunities than he ever did. Thats why you're joining the Army.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 4:43 PM

2016-12-21T16:43:45-05:00

I'd say, "Dad, I love the Marines. I love it that they are willing to get in a thin-sided landing craft, and head towards a beach 2 miles away under gunfire, and then assault prepared positions by charging them head on. It's inspiring. But it's not what I want to do. I think I'd rather hit the enemy with overwhelming force where they aren't looking. I'm joining the Army!"

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 5:12 PM

2016-12-21T17:12:07-05:00

I concur with SSG Livingston. He's your father, he should accept you for whatever branch you are. Except the Coast Guard.....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 5:25 PM

2016-12-21T17:25:27-05:00

exactly we are like siblings fight tooth and nail with each other but we will always have each others back

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Dec 21 at 2016 6:04 PM

2016-12-21T18:04:43-05:00

Don't worry Dad, Sissy is going to be a SEAL. Immediately hand him antacids and a bottle of bourbon.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 6:10 PM

2016-12-21T18:10:33-05:00

Probably best to use small words. If you write him a note, make sure to sharpen the crayons. :P

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Dec 21 at 2016 6:20 PM

2016-12-21T18:20:47-05:00

Say dad I Know you did 30years in marines but I know you might be mad because I joined the army but I hope you can understand it was My choice and I am Sticking to it. So did your Dad judge you for what you did?
SSG MARK FRANZEN
USA VET
PS MY dad was in the army for 8 years and I did 16.5 years
And he said that He was proud of Me for serving My country.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 6:55 PM

2016-12-21T18:55:48-05:00

I'm sure your father will understand I switched over to the Army from the Marines, best decision I ever made. Don't get me wrong I will always be a Marine, but I would never let me children join the Marines.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Dec 21 at 2016 7:05 PM

2016-12-21T19:05:12-05:00

Don't worry, he will accept your decision. Then he'll talk smack about it for the next fifty years in every type of get together and conversation imaginable. That's just the way it has to be.

Response by SGT James Belcher made Dec 21 at 2016 7:54 PM

2016-12-21T19:54:52-05:00

He will be ok...but I bet the smack talk will never end !

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Dec 21 at 2016 8:26 PM

2016-12-21T20:26:29-05:00

Here's how. Up until about a year ago, my nephew, the son of my retired Marine Corps colonel brother, was in Marine Corps ROTC...until the Marine Corps told him they would not have any slots available for him as a new officer when he graduates. So with his father's support, he switched to Army ROTC. Which made his maternal grandfather, a retired Army colonel very happy. We could not be more proud of him. So chances are the Marines don't have a slot for you anyway.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 21 at 2016 9:06 PM

2016-12-21T21:06:54-05:00

I have a tool shed that I can throw a cot in. You're more than welcome to crash there for a bit.

Response by SFC Michael W. made Dec 22 at 2016 5:18 PM

2016-12-22T17:18:50-05:00

You serve in the branch YOU desire to just like your dad did...

Besides, you will have a lot of fun teasing each other at family reunion between Army and Marines!

If he doesn't accept your decision, that's his problem.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2016 4:39 PM

2016-12-23T16:39:29-05:00

You are going to have to make many difficult decisions as a Officer and leader. This will be a good test of your ability to handle uncomfortable situations. Be frank and honest and tell him what kinds of things led you to make this decision.

Response by LCpl Michael Parker made Dec 27 at 2016 7:39 AM

2016-12-27T07:39:17-05:00

I was in the Marines My Boy opted for the Air Force he loves his job & his crew
I am proud of him and YES we banter over which service is best and all that
but at the end of the day we are Family we will always be family

Response by SGT George Duncan made Dec 27 at 2016 10:33 AM

2016-12-27T10:33:37-05:00

SHOW HIM YOU ARE A MAN/WOMAN TELL HIM IN A NICE WAY THAT YOU FEEL A BETTER FIT WITH THE ARMY.

Response by Cpl Todd Woolverton made Dec 27 at 2016 3:13 PM

2016-12-27T15:13:26-05:00

You still have time to come to your senses.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 5:50 PM

2016-12-27T17:50:49-05:00

I really don't think that your relationship with your dad by joining the Army will get him mad. I think it will have the opposite effect. I enlisted in the Marine Corps while my dad was still in the Army. He was first initially shocked but got over it when he drove me to the airport. My father is a two-time combat veteran. Who served in Korea and South Vietnam.

Response by LCpl Cy Hotchkiss made Dec 27 at 2016 11:35 PM

2016-12-27T23:35:37-05:00

If your Father Loves you and I am sure he does he will accept your going army instead of MARINE.
He will be proud of you eather way

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Dec 28 at 2016 6:28 AM

2016-12-28T06:28:58-05:00

Really? Sounds like your coming out of the closet. Children pick their own path, and as a parent, you're suppose to support it. You may be disappointed, upset, angry but, as a parent you support it. Let him know your truly happy and share the stories. It's the stories of the everyday mundane things as well as the other things that happen that binds us service people together. We may all wear different uniforms, but, we all bleed the same color. My father was a Marine, my brother joined the Army ( he said he couldn't fit his head in the jar) I joined the Marines. So, what. Didn't make my father love my older brother any less, didn't make my father love me more. Stop sweating the small stuff in life. You made a career decision, make the best of it. Your father will understand and support you

Response by CPO William A. Bullard Jr. made Dec 28 at 2016 8:32 AM

2016-12-28T08:32:25-05:00

Just tell him; truth is truth and needs no defense. Truth is you love the Army; that is a good thing. Marines are soldiers too and good soldiers love and respect other good soldiers. Everything will be alright.

Response by GySgt William Hardy made Dec 29 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-12-29T09:29:06-05:00

I started life out as a Marine. Spent 11 1/2 years as "One of the Few." Both of my sons joined the Army. They both say my daily life and had a good idea of what to expect if they joined the Corps. They are both now retired from the Army/Army National Guard. Did it bother me? Not one bit. Each person has to do what they feel is best for them. You have a chance to become an officer in the Army and had I had the opportunity, I would have taken the opportunity to advance into the officer ranks. When I was in Germany on my last hitch with the Corps, I was at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart. I had the opportunity to become a Warrant Officer in the Army. I looked into it and arrangements were going to be made for me to stay at Patch and receive a direct promotion. When a class started, I was going to be sent back to the states and then back to Patch. I almost took it. Had I not had my fill of the military at that point, I would have. You have to remember that at that point in my life, I had live on military bases from birth to 29 years old. I needed a break. Rules were different for commissioning back then. You had to be 29 1/2 or younger on the commissioning date to be eligible. As it turned out, by the time I got my BS I was 32. I started college when I was 29 1/2! So much for that. When they changed the rules, I was serving in the Army National Guard. I could have applied, but I was my 20 year point and was waiting for my retirement package.

I say go for it and take a commission in the Army. Do what makes you happy. It's your life and not his. The only tradition my family has it serving. From WWII on, my father served (Navy and then Air Force), I served (Marines and then Army), both of my sons served in the Army, and my grandson served in the Army National Guard. All of us have served in combat zones. The branch did not matter.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2016 4:26 PM

2016-12-29T16:26:54-05:00

Update. My brother has told me that he's thinking of joining the Air Force and is going to talk with our father about it tomorrow. It should give me a fairly accurate depiction of how he'll react. I'm currently planning to wait until after the Winter Break so that he can ask my programs cadre any questions he might have. He previously told me when I first joined that they would try to trick me into joining and I want to reassure him that isn't whats going on.(To be fair his warning did save me from joining the National Guard when they came recruiting. Nothing wrong with the guard but they certainly weren't completely honest with us when they came to recruit.)

Response by Cpl John Mathews made Dec 30 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-12-30T10:57:23-05:00

Funny. My dad is retired Air Force and I had four years of AFJROTC in hgh school and a year in CAP. I think mostly from his experiences in Nam he teared up a bit and my mom cried and asked why the Marines. I told her I just couldn't live my life in a blue suit somewhere in the rear if there was figting going on (400 days into the Iran hostage crisis with President Reagan about to take office). I ended up in the rear anyway as an air traffic controller, doing much the same thing on duty as if I had joined the Air Force.

Tell him that "Army uniforms have so much more bling that it might help me attract a decent looking wife."

Response by SSG Ken Gilder made Dec 30 at 2016 1:57 PM

2016-12-30T13:57:57-05:00

Most fathers are supportive of their children and their career choices, as long as the career choice isn't a criminal activity. Just say it flat out: "This is what I am, this is what I want to do, and I want to make you proud."

Response by SPC Michael Myers made Dec 30 at 2016 2:00 PM

2016-12-30T14:00:37-05:00

I was a soldier in the Army. Damn proud of it. My daughter just Joined Air Force. I'm proud she's serving her country in a way that best suits her. Army would have been easier to define her career path, but won't elevate her post military career as much as the Air Force will (Astrophysics & Aerospace).

Response by PO3 Timothy Moore made Dec 30 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-12-30T14:36:51-05:00

My father was Army in W.W.II, I went Navy Vietnam, it doesn't matter which branch you go into he should be proud that you will follow his lead by serving our Country. We are all part of the brotherhood of Veterans. Talk to him honestly and straight forward, I think he will surprise you. Good luck with your future in the Army, be proud.

Response by PO3 Timothy Moore made Dec 30 at 2016 2:42 PM

2016-12-30T14:42:07-05:00

Have a straight forward talk with your father he may surprise you. My father was W.W.II Army, I was Vietnam Navy, my father was proud of me as I think your father will be proud of you. When all is said and done we are all part of the brotherhood and sisterhood of U.S. Veterans. Good luck in your future with the Army.

Response by SPC Juanita Anderson made Dec 31 at 2016 2:09 PM

2016-12-31T14:09:53-05:00

Just simply talk to him like if was a friend. Tell he served the marines but your calling is in the army. Tell him all about the army and show how excited it makes you.

Response by SGT Criss M. made Jan 10 at 2017 6:24 AM

2017-01-10T06:24:04-05:00

Now, that's right there's funny. I don't care who you are, that tight there is funny!

Response by SGT Linda Moss made Jan 10 at 2017 8:44 AM

2017-01-10T08:44:26-05:00

I went in the National Guard.. my dad was a South Pacific WWII Marine.. he use to introduce me as his dog face daughter.. I told him I would have become a BAM but the Marines did not have medical corp. I Was a medic.. I use to call him a seagoing bellhop.. which was a old nickname the navy gave the marines because of their dress blues.. He was proud of me because I served ..

Response by SSG Del Ray made Feb 8 at 2017 9:08 AM

2017-02-08T09:08:41-05:00

I am retired Army Infantry. My daughter joined Marine Corps. I gave her a hard time about it, but I was as proud as I could be

Response by PO2 Thomas Dougherty made Feb 23 at 2017 9:30 AM

2017-02-23T09:30:46-05:00

The same way I told my 23+ years Army Father and 20+ years Mother that I was going into the Nuclear Navy. Just tell them and deal with the non-communication for 3 months!!

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Feb 23 at 2017 11:33 AM

2017-02-23T11:33:46-05:00

Excellent, the roadblocks are in the mind. In actuality it was not that difficult! See yourself as a winner in all circumstances, and keep climbing that mountain!

Response by MAJ John Kirkbride made Feb 23 at 2017 2:53 PM

2017-02-23T14:53:16-05:00

My father, is a WWII-Korea-Vietnam USMC Veteran and me, a Retired US Army Officer via the ROTC program. When I came back from basic ROTC training I was hooked and he knew it. For the first time in his life he then asked me to consider the USMC. I grew up on Marine Bases and would have been proud to follow in his footsteps, but in truth the USMC commissioning programs were not as robust as the Army. In the end, I had my last two years of college paid for by the Army, received $100 a month from the ROTC program and about $200 from the US Army Reserves under the SMP program. By the time I had earned my RA commission from ROTC, I had also earned my Air Assault and Airborne badges.

You should have seen the pride in my father's eyes the day I was commissioned. He pinned my bars on and it is a memory I will always cherish.

Response by SSG Fred Dugena made Feb 24 at 2017 11:36 AM

2017-02-24T11:36:04-05:00

You tell him you're joining the Army because even Marines need heroes.
SSG Dugena.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2017 3:59 PM

2017-02-28T15:59:29-05:00

You could have said a couple of things. The first being that you wanted to look at US ARMY in the mirror and say to yourself, 'Yes My Retarded *ss Signed Up.' Or you could have said, 'Dad, I want to live by another motto other than Muscles Are Required Intelligence Not Expected.' All jokes aside, I'm sure he was happy that you made a decision that you felt was right for you. I'm Army, my father was Air Force, and I have Grandfathers and Uncles who were Marines and Soldiers as well. Family history doesn't have to have a single lane of influence. And your father's knowledge and experience can be passed onto you in a manner that you can use it to be successful in the Army. Good luck to you and your endeavors.

Response by MGySgt Gerry Sweeten made Mar 7 at 2017 8:50 AM

2017-03-07T08:50:11-05:00

Let know what's in your heart. He'll be nothing but proud of you.

Response by HN Kathleen M Peck made Mar 7 at 2017 6:32 PM

2017-03-07T18:32:50-05:00

Sounds like you have a good relationship with your father.....whatever you do it has to come from your heart, otherwise you won't be happy.

Response by SSgt Dale Darrough made Mar 8 at 2017 10:39 AM

2017-03-08T10:39:10-05:00

Hey, Its your life, not his. You father got to choose his path, now its your turn. Don't ever let anyone, (including your father) try to impose their life on yours. If you love what you are doing, stand up and let your father know, and don't be humble, contrite or conciliatory!! Be Proud. He'll understand and respect your for it!!