army question?

Question

hey, my names katie...i really really want to join the army i'm 15 1/2 years old and my parents don't want me to...iv'e wanted to join ever since i was 3...i love music, i play guitar...and i don't know how to tell my parents how much i want to join i'm afraid at what their going to say..i don't want to dissapoint them...please do you have any sudgestions? whats it like? are you still happy about your desicion to join?

Answer 1

if you're joining the service, go either navy or air force. they take better care of their people and their families. That being said...if you want to join the army, then join. obviously your parents know, so for now, do your best in school and don't argue with your parents. when you turn 18, sign up. tell your parents you signed up. they can't do a thing once you've signed those papers.

Answer 2

Well, like a guy at the MEPS station told me, when job preferences were difficult in a an Army drawing down, the Army is "The best thing since Peanut Butter." It's really just a matter of a great opportunity to grow up real fast, experience real life, experience something difficult as a way to grow personally. Anyone can just walk out into the real world after high school, but not everyone has the personal fortitude to attempt something truly challenging and life changing such as military service. I understand that you don't want to get a negative reaction from your parents, but you also should not put yourself in the position of looking back when you're 32 and wishing you had given yourself the adventure of military service, and I would say the same thing to you even if I knew that you would in fact die in combat or training as a result. I've never known one single person who doesn't look back and say it was the best decision they ever made. And it's something you can't even realize while you're young and going through it, it's something you can only reflect on after the fact when you can have some perspective on where you were before, and what you became after.

Answer 3

Ok, I joined the Air Force, and not the Army, but its pretty much the same story anyways. First of all, at 15.5 yrs old, you're too young to join right now. However, there's a couple of ways to approach the situation.
Tell your parents how long you've been wanting to join. I mean, if you wanted to join since 3, it's not like you just thought about it yesterday or anything. Also, let them know that you will receive training and discipline that will help you out in military and when you transition into the civilian world. Along with training, let them know that with the G.I. Bill, they don't have to pay for your college degree, the gov't will pay for it. So in essence, the gov't is giving you free education for joining. Lastly, look at all the benefits of joining. You get Basic Housing Allowance, Basic Substance allowance, 100% medical care for everything.. (Believe me, cause i'm getting some specialized medical care right now that's on Uncle Sam... If this was civilian world, I'd be paying at least a couple of thousands, not to mention all my medications are free). Lastly, let them know that the Army will help you be a better person. It helps you reach your limit and beyond. If all of that don't work, see if you can join another branch like the AF. It's not as "bad" as the Army and even if you do go to Iraq, more then likely, you'll be stationed at a Forward Operating Base...

Ohh, and Yes! I love the AF. I'm so glad I joined and I'm planning on making it my career... Ohh and by the way, think of all the travel you will be doing and living in new cities. It's awesome.

Answer 4

I spent 5 years in the Army. I thought it was like 5 years of summer camp. But there were people in there at the same time who thought it was the worse mistake they had ever made! It is an experience. But it is not for everyone. The underlying tone of any of the armed services is routine and discipline. If you have a problem with authority, then I wouldn't suggest it. You have time before you can actually enlist, use that to your advantage. Do some research, talk to recruiters and other enlisted people. Ask for brocures on different job titles in the Army. Remember: The better you do in school, the better the job you'll be eligible for in the Army. They just don't put anybody in a helicopter or in officer school. Show your parents that you can handle the responsibility between now and then. Alot can happen between today and tomorrow. I applaud you for thinking of your future at such a young age. All the best of Luck to you.

Answer 5

When you are a senior in high school get info on costs of colleges. Then tell your folks that if you join the army the army will give you money to attend college when you get out of the army. This may save your parents a ton of money. And at age 18 you can do whatever you want too because you are an adult. But you do not want to break the bond with your parents. Also get info from the army on special training they can provide. Like nursing, computers, police work, etc. so that you will get a skill in the army that can become a job/career when you leave the army. Tell them women raerly are killed in the army.

Answer 6

Katie, I was in the Army for a very long time and retired from it. The Army was really good to me, but at times I just wanted to quit. The Army always trains out in the field, where it's cold, dirty and miserable. The Army is not for everybody. I suggest, before you sign up in the Army, look into the other branches. The Air Force seems to be better, the Navy has better duty stations, as with the Marines. Good luck.

Answer 7

Katie,
My husband and I were both in the U.S. Army, I was in from 1991-1995 and my husband 1993-1996. We both loved it. I now wish I had never gotten out. All I can tell you is do what you want. It sounds like you have liked the military your whole life. When you turn 18, it doesn't matter what your parents want you to do. You are free to make your own choices. It seems you have a good head on your shoulders. You won't regret joining the military, (if you do) Don't let anyone tell you what to do. If you want to GO Army, Go Army. But please whatever you do, do not let this dream slip away. You will regret it when you are older. I wish I had a nickel for everytime I have heard someone older, tell me, they wished they had joined the military. It is something to be proud of.
Best of Luck to you!
pbc aka, Armygirl91

Answer 8

Am I still happy about my decision? Yes and no. I quickly became disillusioned when I discovered that the rhetoric did not match the actions of the organization. I don't want to talk smack, the Army can be a good place with good people, but it has it's downsides as well. That said, you seem like you want to go in come hell or high water. I reccomend a 18 month to 2 year enlistment (if they still allow those) to get your feet wet, and see if it's all you thought it'd be.

Answer 9

Wait til you are 18 and just go to your nearest US Army
Recruiter and they will tell you what to expect and what schools they have and also about any educational benefits that you'll have, plus lots more. The US Army is a great career choice. I am very happy about the choices I
made. I served 21 years in the Military and don't regret one minute. Good Luck In Your Life!!

Answer 10

well if you want to do it then go for it! it's noble of you for wanting to join up. the military can pay for college...tell your parents that! if you wanna do it then do it 100%. my fiance is army and it's the best thing that could have happened to him. i'm so proud of him. and of course there is always a chance that he may not make it for the wedding, but i don't think about that part too much. i think your parents are just scared of losing you. if you're smart and cautious then they won't lose you. so i would say to do it. talk to your parents more. tey might just need time to process it.