Posted on May 17, 2016
If you became a single parent with sole or primary custody, would you continue to serve or hang up your boots for a civilian job?
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Responses: 8
It would depend on the MOS I had. If I were a single parent with sole/primary custody and had a combat MOS, I would probably think about reclassing first. If that were not an option, then I would more than likely hang up the spurs.
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SPC Todd Rhoades
MSG (Join to see)
That is an important consideration. Although I feel the issue of long term deployment is far greater. I left a lengthy response and comment on it. It is difficult for someone who has not been a single parent to consider all the issues this question entails. Please add your honest thoughts. I look forward to the discussion.
That is an important consideration. Although I feel the issue of long term deployment is far greater. I left a lengthy response and comment on it. It is difficult for someone who has not been a single parent to consider all the issues this question entails. Please add your honest thoughts. I look forward to the discussion.
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SPC Todd Rhoades
@ SSG Thomas MSG (Join to see)
I am very thick skinned, Sappers tend to be, so fire at will. The importance of this topic deserves no less.
I am very thick skinned, Sappers tend to be, so fire at will. The importance of this topic deserves no less.
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MSG (Join to see)
SPC Todd Rhoades - Fire away? Well, let me get my MICLIC and Bangalore tubes ready. Just kidding. I was mainly speaking of my time as a 12B while stationed at FT Irwin. As we were in the field every month, and long ass hours in the motorpool when we weren't in the field....looking back I don't think that would have been good for me as a single parent. I'm sure that there were those that made it work, but for me it would not have been good. Being a married father of two daughters, I can't stand missing something that the girls are wanting/needing me to be there....
Bearing in mind that deployments happen and plans have to be in place being a single parent, I give total props to those that can work it out.
Bearing in mind that deployments happen and plans have to be in place being a single parent, I give total props to those that can work it out.
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SPC Todd Rhoades
MSG (Join to see)
Bridge builders and tank killers, sappers lead the way.
I am glad you have experience in a combat MOS. You have the experience to see where my opinion comes from. I fully understand not wanting to miss events in children's lives. Worked many an early morning or late night to have time during the day for those activities. The time we have to enjoy their childhood grows shorter by the minute. My three are the best thing that ever happened in my life. Can't imagine not being there when they need me.
Bridge builders and tank killers, sappers lead the way.
I am glad you have experience in a combat MOS. You have the experience to see where my opinion comes from. I fully understand not wanting to miss events in children's lives. Worked many an early morning or late night to have time during the day for those activities. The time we have to enjoy their childhood grows shorter by the minute. My three are the best thing that ever happened in my life. Can't imagine not being there when they need me.
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I could not have served being a single parent, I realize that if I am lost in combat that my child would be left largely alone in the world. That is not to say I think ill of those that are able to deal with it.
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As a hypothetical answer.....First, if you decide to stay in you would need to get a Family Care Plan. If you did not have many skills to get a job to earn enough to support yourself and your child, then I would stay. If you had marketable skills to earn enough to care for your Family, then it is an option to transition to a Civilian job. If you did choose to leave Active Duty, it would be productive to join the Reserve or Guard to continue serving.
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SFC (Join to see)
CSM, I agree 100%. My train of thought was more along the lines of thinking that if something happens to SM in question then the child(ren) are left alone or caring for a disabled parent. I feel like to some, that fear may be enough to scare someone into hanging up their boots for good.
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SPC Todd Rhoades
Hypotheticals are fine, but actually walking the mile of a single parent brings to light things you have not considered.
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