What should I tell my granddaughter about her upcoming military service?

TSgt David Whitmore — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 21:01:50 -0500

My granddaughter graduated High School last year and was in JrROTC for her last four years of school; the Army was the branch that supported her school. And she had really wanted to enlist in the Army. I am retired Air Force, and her other grandfather was in the Navy and Army, retiring from the Army Reserve.
We both want her to be successful, and we both talk about our experiences with her.
I want her to know even more; more history, more traditions, that kind of stuff. But my wife is telling me that I should just leave me be, that the Navy will teach her what she needs to know. I want to tell her stuff that might come in handy at some unpredictable time. Who knows when, but it might be good to know.

What should I do?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 28 at 2019 9:45 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 21:45:42 -0500

The Truth, always the truth.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 28 at 2019 11:33 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 28 Dec 2019 23:33:14 -0500

TSgt David Whitmore Let Her Choose Her Own Way. If You're Interested in Travel. The Navy is Pretty Good. If You Want to Maintain a Good Quality of Life Air Force is Better. If Physical Fitness is Your Thing Marines are Great and Soldiers are Pretty Good All Around Folks. Is She Joining the Navy. If So What Rate (Job) is She Applying for. There are Pages on this Forum for Just about every Rate in the Navy and She Can check them out for More Information. If She wants to be a Navy Spook (Cryptologic Technician) I would be More than Happy to Answer Her Questions.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Dec 29 at 2019 5:16 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 05:16:34 -0500

My admonition to the young starting out in the military is pay extremely close attention to everything you are taught, because you never know which little tidbit just might save your life someday. Never think of it as BS, harassment or unimportant-- even when you can't imagine ever needing it.

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2019 10:09 AM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 10:09:44 -0500

TSgt David Whitmore The service will teach her what she needs to know about her job. You can prepare her by letting her know that the population in the service is a microcosm of civilian life - with magnification on the good and the bad characters that she will meet. Mission focus brings out the best and the worst. Let her pick her friends wisely and keep them close.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 29 at 2019 8:51 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 20:51:41 -0500

I probably would expound on the continuum of proud traditions and accomplishments of the military.

I would discuss military values and her expectations as a broad stroke to paint the picture.