My daughter is planning on joining the army after she graduates next year.?

Question

I realy want to be supportive but I am hesitant because I dont want her to go far away. Im sure that she is only doing it because of getting her education paid for. She knows we could never afford for her to get a college education and she doesnt want to start of her adult life with a ton of money owed for student loans. Could anyone help me to be more supportive and help me get over this funny feeling that she is doing the right thing.

Answer 1

The army is an excellent idea for kids comming out of high school

They will learn structure, responsibility, many will see the world ( and they will get a first hand experience of countries that gives them appreciation of what we have in the US.
while they earn money for college they can get education and job experience that will give them advanteages over kids going to college and drinking there way thru a 4 year education.
besides not many women are placed on combat zones. while i personally prefer to treat them as my equal the military can justify it's role based on other countries religious beliefs.
All in all my 3 brothers have really benifitted from the experience.

just offer her one suggestion
Have fun but try to avoid serious relationships until she is ready to move on. marriages in the military really suffer when loved ones are shipped into harms way =(

Answer 2

You know people can get in trouble for talking about the military so I will try to say this without saying too much. I heard that recruiters who are in the schools get so much of a bonus for enrolling students into the military and they will say whatever it takes including paying for a college education. My ex-husband thought the same thing. He went into the army, went to basic training, and straight to his base. He never had the chance to go to college because he was always in the field. Maybe after you do your time, the GI bill will pay for your college, that is if you make it home and if there is money in the treasury. Also there isn't such a thing as doing the time you signed up for like 2yrs. 4 yrs. and then reserve. Once you join the military they can take you anytime in time of war. Just ask a veteran if they have been to Iraq.....
If you are low income and can't afford college, believe me there are grants and assistance for your daughter. She could also start at a junior college which is cheaper and then transfer to a university. Maybe she would like a technical school better. Tell her to think it over..

Answer 3

The army is going to teach her so much. To respect herself, her country and her fellow man. It will pay for her to receive an education she could never afford. It will teach her a trade/skill that she can use in the civilian world. The medical benefits are fantastic. The retirement even better (after 20 years of service) and it will totally fullfill her life and allow her to help people and to see the world.

The military is the biggest sacrifice that any person can make. But, I believe, it is also the most rewarding. She is being entrusted to protect her country. That in itself is awesome.

You should look for a military parent support group. Get into the nitty gritty of things.

There is nothing you can do or hear from anyone that will make this 'all ok'. You are her mother and you love her. No matter what she does in life, you will always wonder about the 'what-ifs.'

God Bless

Answer 4

Explain to her your worries - hopefully it's just not the fear of 'losing' your daughter. Tell her that she may have to fight, to actually kill someone perhaps, or even worse get hurt or killed herself. The country is at war. If she still wants to go, take comfort that you raised a smart kid. Take it from me, I have over 90K of student loans and it eats at my paycheck, 600 a month for the next 20 years. Getting a college education without the student loans is a big big plus in life. Also, you're not losing your daughter, no more than you are losing her everytime she leaves you for school, the movies, etc. Technology is great these days, webcams, email, etc., helps lessen the distance. Before you know it she'll be back with you. Be proud of your daughter she is responsible, brave, and smart for having a plan with her life!

Answer 5

If you think of ALL the negative things your daughter could be doing, and then think about the fact that she has a plan of action right after she graduates that will provide her with an education and give her a chance to grow up , travel, and experience life, that should help you be a little more supportive of her. Good for her!

Answer 6

i think you should be proud of her. she is old enuf to know what is going on n the world today, she knows the chances that she could be placed n action. that is obviously something she is willing to risk perhaps for a country that she loves. have you asked her what her reasons are. if it is just for the education being taken care of then talk to her n tell her that you guys can figure something out. you have to look for them but there r grants you can get n not pay back n u can often get several scholarships to help u out. if it is jus you not wanting her to go far away you do realize if she stayed home n took out loans she could also chose a skool that is far away. I realize she would stil be n the same country n that would make things a lil diff but our babies have to grow up n live their life no matter how far away they go n how sad that makes us. the traveling she could get to do would be such a great experience for her n she can sign up for jus a couple years.

Answer 7

Tell her how you feel. Seeing she's almost in college she should know the mother is always right and maybe she'll change her mind. Ask her if she'd rather go to college or risk her life. Tell her even though going to college is VERY important you would rather have a daughter who didn't go to college rather then not having a daughter at all. Tell her college isn't everything. Maybe it is the right thing to her but as her mother you have to warn her of the dangers of the army. In the army not everyone comes back alive to go to college. Tell her this she'll snap out of this college phase.

Answer 8

I am a proud mother of five. Woe to the day one of my four sons says he is going into the military, especially with so many of our troops facing casualties in Iraq. But this is what I reccomend. You will only get one chance to support your daughter. There are grants and scholarships available for college. I am in school and get scholarships from my state senators each year that i have earned with good merit. She can do the same. However, if she is persistent with joining, tell her in a loving way how you feel but be there for her. We don't know what tomorrow brings and the children in our lives are our most precious gems. Tell her how you feel. Tell her you love her, but show her every ounce of support.

Answer 9

my brother just left for iraq... he enlisted in the marines on his 17th birthday and left for boot camp a month before he turned 18... you just have to know that thats what they want to do and not worry about them going far away.. they have to leave eventually and joining the military really helps kids get on their feet.... they tend to be more successful because they get good pay and they get good training.. and she wont have to pay back anyone with student loans when shes done... just remember how much easier its gonna be for her in 5 years when shes got her own house and car and all her friends live with their parents or in an apartment with all of their friends and have loans up to their eyeballs... she'll be smarter, happier and richer... and if she WANTS to join the army she is a strong girl and she will be successful and everything will work out fine

Answer 10

You have to give her a lot of credit, with all that's going on, I for one applaud her. The Army is a good grow up tool for young people. And yes they can earn money for college. Sounds like she's got it together. Let's just hope things have settled down by then