im currently 17 and plan on enlisiting in the military when im 18, but instead of going right away i plan on doing PLC and ROTC in college. i keep telling my parents there is no way the military will be able to take me out of college if i sign up for one of those things, or both in my case...but my parents still wont listen...i try to get them to talk to the recruiter and they say im not intrested and they dont want to here about it....
any ideas on how to get them to at least talk to the recruiter and understand that i will be getting a college education?
2006-10-23 01:33:51 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
im currently 17 and plan on enlisiting in the military when im 18, but instead of going right away i plan on doing PLC and ROTC in college. i keep telling my parents there is no way the military will be able to take me out of college if i sign up for one of those things, or both in my case...but my parents still wont listen...i try to get them to talk to the recruiter and they say im not intrested and they dont want to here about it....
any ideas on how to get them to at least talk to the recruiter and understand that i will be getting a college education?
also....im am not doing this for college money
2006-10-23 01:50:25 · update #1
also....im am not doing this for college money
2006-10-23 01:51:44 · update #2
Your desire to join the military is admirable, but you have your facts skewed.
If you join the active duty, then you won't be going to college until you complete your first term and get out.
If you go into the Reserves or Guard, and your unit deploys, guess what, you're going. You will be able to attend college (ROTC) while in, but you will still have to do the weekend drills, and two weeks during the summer.
I don't know who fed you the line of crap about them not pulling you from college, but that's bull. You have to figure out if you want to go to college first, or the military first. If you decide on the military, the active Army has a program called Green to Gold. It's a re-enlistment option that will send you to a college of your choice, provided it has Army ROTC. You will finish your degree and be commissioned in the Active Army. I'm sure the Guard and Reserve have something similiar, but just because you are in college and in ROTC does NOT preclude you from fullfilling your military obligation.
2006-10-23 02:08:28 · answer #1 · answered by My world 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are going into the military, don't be blinded by promises of a better future, and free education and forget what the military is all about. War, defending our country at a very high price, and sacrifice. You better count on going straight to Iraq. Those are the facts! If you have a high score on the military paper tests, and are seeking further education, you may end up in Japan, or someone more peaceful for the moment. I am a mother, and understand your parents view, though it sounds like they're not doing a good job communicating it to you. They're just scared, and worried. Recruiters have a rep for telling you exactly what you want to hear, but not following through. Fact is though, you are going to be 18 soon, and the decision is up to you. If you choose to go into the military, I have the highest respect for you. Thanks for my freedom, and you will be in my prayers. Also, pat on the back for wanting something more for yourself, and the government will pay for your schooling, and you will have the best medical benefits available to you in the whole world.
2006-10-23 02:11:57 · answer #2 · answered by MamaL 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only join the military if you truely deep in your heart want to live a military life. If you don't need the money to go to college then go on your own because after spending a couple years in college your opinion and goals may change but you'll be locked into a contract. It is good for teenagers to join the military, it helps them grow and if my daughter wanted to join I would be proud, but that is me. Remember that you are signing a contract and below all the bells and whistles and promises that contract basically states you are allowed 1 hour of sleep per 24 hours and 3 meals.... the rest are benefits. Getting your parents to respond positively to your goal will not be dificult if they see that you are happy and content doing what you really want to do. It will just take time. In the mean time you are 17 going on 18. Try to appease your parents by showing them that this is important to you. Recruiters are military salesmen on vacation, nothing more. Don't let what they say affect your opinion. Instead talk to someone who is doing or has done what you want to do and see if you still agree with your decision. For me my parents told me I had to go to college or go in the military and I chose the military (US NAVY) and while all of my friends were still "hanging out" I was making good money, traveling the world, and seen more in 5 years then most of them will ever see in their whole lives. I loved the adventure, the travel, the money, the military life style, being taken care of, being part of something. I was part of the Gulf War and my parents were nervous during that period but statistically speaking there are more dangerous jobs out there even in a time of war. Good luck and God Bless!
2006-10-23 02:52:47 · answer #3 · answered by okchico 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In ROTC you will be in cadet status, and therefore not in the military. You will have an opportuntiy to go to military schools during the summer, but the ROTC program can't "take you out of college" to do anything. However, if you enlist first, don't you have to go to basic and AIT? Are you enlisting to be on Active Duty? Don't let the recruiter feed you a load of B.S. about having time for college once you are enlisted. You will have to break your enlistment contract to go into the ROTC program. I would say just do ROTC/PLC if you want to be an officer, There's no enlistment required. Talk to the ROTC advisor at your college for more info- NEVER rely on a recruiter to give you a straight answer, they are desperate to get their numbers up and make quota! Try to remember that your folks are just worried about your safety. I understand your frustration. I joined six years ago and my mom still hasn't totally accepted it, but there are some things you have to do for yourself. Best of luck to you.
2006-10-23 01:40:08 · answer #4 · answered by adrianne 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
All you can do it talk to them. You can't make them listen or understand. As hard as it is, don't get over emotional about it...they are watching the news and frightened that you may end up coming home in a body bag....this is a legitimate concern and you should respect that. They don't have to like it. Be respectful, thought full and sincere and with time they should at least come to accept your decision. Make sure you are joining for the right reasons and you will do well. Best of luck
2006-10-23 01:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As long as the body count keeps piling up in Iraq, you can't really blame your parents; can you? Realistically, at 17, you still have a lot of untapped potential. You are also still quite naive at that age (I'm speaking from experience on that one). In fact, a military "Career" isn't quite as advertised, and can be limiting to someone who has the potential to become more.
Ask yourself this one question: If the leaders of your nation won't let their own kids in the military, does that sound like it'd be a good place for you? The recruiters are quite good at their brainwashing campaigns, telling young people like yourself exactly what you want to hear because they need fresh people ignorant to the realities that are causing other people in the military to defect and come to countries such as Canada to escape. You really should listen and hear what your parents have to say; I believe they really, genuinely do have your best interests in mind. The recruiter does not.
2006-10-23 01:47:16 · answer #6 · answered by digitalquirk 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
My recommendation would be to get the degree first and if you feel like the military is for you then go ahead and join. What your parents need to understand, (I have to counsel my goofy sisters on this all the time) is that you are 18 and legally an adult and you are fee to do as you please, with or without their permission. So you need to not ask for their permission, just their advise and expect a logical reason from them. You are very close to being an adult and you deserve to be treated as such.
2006-10-23 02:14:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
So do you really want to join or not? Or do you want the military to pay for your education and just hope that the war is over when you graduate?
2006-10-23 02:05:58 · answer #8 · answered by sheeny 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heres some good sound Advice from someone who knows...join because you really want that way of life....not as a escape from home...
2006-10-23 01:37:39 · answer #9 · answered by babo1dm 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
You possess a trait libs fear and repress---love of country!
As for mom and dad, you have to become a man and make your own path in life.
Do what you feel is right for you.
Good luck
2006-10-23 01:51:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋