Very sad news for a father

[andhedrew]

Originally Posted by DARK_KNIGHT

I have a son that just turned 18 in July. He is dying to serve, but my worry is he thinks it's like in the movies. I worry about his maturity. Considering what little real information I have on what is going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, because you certainly cannot believe everything you read in the press, I would not stop my son from joining, but I would not encourage it either (i.e. "egg him on").

If a young person feels a calling to the military then they should answer that call. I too was immature but felt a strong need to join straight out of highschool. The lessons I learned and the pride I feel for having done so have served as the cornerstones of my life ever since.

I have a number of young students (highschool and college) who work for me and so my career coaching with them is taken very seriously. I have students with bright careers ahead of them and I have students who are in desperate need of learning work ethic and personal responsibility. The hard workers are encouraged to continue schooling. The others I like to speak to about military service.

In the end, whether you've served your country or not, you will always have the knowledge of your position in the back of your mind. The military is not for everyone. There are many who join only to find out that it is not for them. But, I guarantee you, if your son has the calling and never answers it, then he will regret it for the rest of his life. I hear it all of the time from my 40 something friends and acquaintances who did not serve.

I have 3 children. If and when any of them decides that military service might be right for them then I will tell them what I know and allow them to make that decision on their own. This country was built on the sacrifice of other people's children. Who the hell am I to "protect" mine if they feel a need to serve? It's a slap in the face to those who have lost loved ones in all prior wars if you ask me.

[jas55]

If your son is adamant to join, maybe try and steer him in the direction of a qualification he can take with him when he eventually leaves the services. They will at least pay for his studies, pilot, engineer, etc.

You must feel very proud of your son for wanting to join and serve.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by andhedrew

Who the hell am I to "protect" mine if they feel a need to serve? It's a slap in the face to those who have lost loved ones in all prior wars if you ask me.

Ok.

[sexner]

I have spent my whole life in the Military: from Army Cadets, Militia and finally the Regular Force.

I feel there is nothing a person can do that is more honourable than to serve their country.

As a young man the decision will ultimately be his. He and yourself can "what if" it until the cows come home. I would suggest that if he adamant about joining he could try the TA, serve for a short while and see if it is still something he really wants to spend the next 20 or 30 years doing. It is not for everybody.