Would you support your child if they chose to join the military, knowing they would be sent to Iraq?

Question

I guess I shouldn't have said "support your child" and said something along the lines of, "would you be happy if your child joined the military with the assumption they would be sent to Iraq." Obviously, not everyone gets sent to Iraq that joins the miitary, and obviously you should support ALL of our troops, especially your own child. I just kind of wanted to get a feel for what would be going through your head if this situation occurred (or if it has already occurred, how you feel about it).

Answer 1

I have already faced this situation.

And every day I face mixed apprehension and pride.

Answer 2

It depends entirely on the young adult and their mental makeup.

My son wanted to join before 911 etc. so there wasn't the hard danger issue to consider that we now have.

He was smart, a nationally ranked swimmer and ripped. He had a hard time just accepting orders without a FULL explaination and that is NOT good. I used logic to convince him to look elsewhere. HAH so he looked at law enforcement, failed the first essay, passed the second with a little help (he wrote it the way they wanted it and NOT how he thought and it convinced him that it wasn't for him.

I did the Navy from 1964-1968, saw combat and some ugly things. I also received a GREAT deal in return; discipline, leadership and electronics training that was the foundation for a career in that field for over 35 years.

With the mental tools and attitude the military can be a very good experience for many Kids that lack direction. With the right MOS they can get great training and learn how to grow up.

I would probably discourage a child that was just going to be a grunt, shoot and be shot at for his deployment. The variables of war are just too great in Iraq (no Rules of Engagement for the bad guys and they ALL look the same).

I believe that the was is unfortunate but necessary. We had to do something after 911 or be continued to be bullied in the schoolyard of the world. We had to react quickly and perhaps some of our intel was flawed or scewed to fulfill personal agendas.

In short, I would probably suggest that my child take a pass on this one.

Answer 3

First I want to say that there is no guarantee that someone who enlists will automatically end up getting deployed to Iraq at some point. That's just not true. There are thousands upon thousands of soldiers in the US military, and the majority of them are not in Iraq. I have not been to Iraq. My husband, who's been in the military nearly 20 years now, has not been to Iraq.

That aside.

I think parents should voice their concerns when their child says they want to join the military - kids should be aware that there is a risk and if they don't realize it themselves, maybe the parents should try to point it out to them so they can make a more informed decision. Parents should also talk to the recruiters and ask questions - but not automatically go into the conversation with, "I'm not letting my kid join blah blah blah". Parents need to listen, too.

In the end, when your kid decides to join the military, it is their decision. Just because you don't agree with the choice or think they should not have made that choice, does not mean you should not support them as a parent. Parents should support their children. whether they agree with them or not.

Answer 4

This is a very tough question to answer and I don't know I can answer this with a 'yes or no' answer. Since I have 2 sons who are out of school now, I have to consider the possiblity of them joining the military. The mother side of my heart says not to let them join because I don't want to lose them to war, but the american side of my heart says if they join the military then they would be serving the country we live in and helping to protect this country. But, on the other hand, I hope I have raised my children to do the right thing, even if they believe it is the right thing for them to do, so, if they do decide, I would support them, I just wouldn't like their decision and I would be scared for them every day that they are enlisted.

Answer 5

Yes, I would support my child 100%. If they decide to go to war, then I'm sure they've already thought about it very long and hard and they know what they're getting into. What they need from you is emotiona; support. They want you to be proud of them. They want to know that you think they are your hero. They want you to see this as the ultimate love for you, because they are making the sacrifice to risk their life to protect the entire family, the community, your state, and our nation.

I realize that war has become a major political issue in America, but our members of the armed forces do not want to think of it that way, so please try not to discuss the war in that context. If your child is involved in the war, you must support it No Matter What. Regardless of what political party you may belong to or what other domestic or foreign policy issues you may have opinions about, you can't let that affect your attitude towards the war. UNITED WE STAND; DIVIDED WE FALL.

Answer 6

YES !!! I would support my son or daughter, whatever they decided to do. Provided they were doing it for the right reasons. For instance, If they were joining just b/c their boyfriend/girlfriend was I would make sure they really thought about it. But in the end I would support their decisions. Plus anyone who decides to support their country deserves our honor, respect, and all the support we can give them. Don't get me wrong, I would worry but I would be proud. And if he/she got sent to Iraq, I would know that they were in God's hands.

Answer 7

Anyone, who says that they would not support their child or friend ....

Should remember, that it is that person's decision to Serve in our nations Armed Forces.

IF you really are a "friend or a family member", you would be supportive and happy for him or her.

Going to Basic/AIT is stressful enough, why add to it the knowledge that "friends and family" are against what they chose as a career path?

I am taking my own advice and am determined to lose 105 pounds; so that I can join the US ARMY.

Thank God, my family and friends are just that --- Family and Friends ---

------------- In other words .......

They might not agree with it, but they are SUPPORTING MY DECISION to join!

Answer 8

Yes. Parents need to learn how to let their children make their own decisions when they get older. What's the point of not supporting them? Parents should support their children in what they want to do and it's good to make the best of the time they have left with their children if they choose to risk their lives for our country.

Answer 9

Absolutely!! It would be very very hard to let them go but it's the willingness of these brave people that give the rest of us the freedom to do what we do. I'd be VERY proud. More people that go to Iraq come back alive than dead. I'd just trust the Lord to take care of my child and give me the strength to get by.

Answer 10

YES!! if you truly love your child you support them no matter what!! I am a miltary(USAF) mom and my son IS going to IRAQ !Do i like it ,of course not i am scared to death for him ,but when he signed up 8 years ago we knew that it might happen and all we can do is pray &support them all !!! I love my son & i am very proud of the man that he has become!!!!!!!!!!!!