What do u do if ur parents are trying to talk u out of joining the army???

Question

My brother is having that problem, what do u think he should do????
anything would really help????

Answer 1

Speaking as a parent of two sons, I can understand why your parents wouldn't want him to join. After all, we are at war and in a war people die. That's just the cold hard facts. Your mom and dad certainly don't want to lose your brother because they love him dearly, I'm sure, and they don't want to see anything bad happen to him. So, I understand your parents feelings. As a parent, I can tell you that at least one of my sons is planning to join after college. He wants to be an Army Infantry officer and I couldn't be more proud! My younger son says he wants to join the Marines, but he's 13 and doesn't know what he wants yet. However, if he chooses that, I will proudly support him as well.

Speaking as a retired Army Soldier, I salute your brother for wanting to join and serve. As a former Drill Instructor, I've trained almost 1,000 men, each who had their own reasons for joining. Some wanted to escape gang life, some used the training I gave them to employ in gang wars "back on the block." Some wanted to get off the family farm and see the world. Most of the others joined because they wanted to go to college and the Army has a way to help pay for that called the Montgomery GI Bill (which I'm using now--yes, even 45-year olds go to college) and the Army College Fund.

I can't tell you or your brother what you should do, but I will say this. Evaluate ALL the reasons for joining. He must be ABSOLUTELY sure that this is what he wants to do or he will not be happy. Once you're in, you're in until your done which can be anywhere from two to six years depending on what job he chooses and how long he enlists for. Certainly, this is one of the most life changing decisions a young person can make. That's why you have to put so much thought into it.

Army life is not a cakewalk. That much is certain. If you join, go in with your eyes wide open and with a clear idea of what you want to get out of it because you will only get out if it what you put into it.

I joined 21 years ago for one reason...I needed a job. The Army gave me that and a whole lot more. I felt I was always patriotic, but the Army taught me leadership, accountability, and responsibility, as well as physical and moral strength and courage, qualities I feel I've passed on to my sons. I feel the Army made me a better man than I would have been had I stayed home and worked in some civilian job that was going nowhere.

So, there it is. If your brother decides to join, just make sure he's doing it for all the right reasons.

Respectfully,
Felix V. Vallone, Jr.
SFC (USA), Retired

Answer 2

If you are a legal adult with a high school diploma then you do what you think is right. After all if you are responsible enough to vote you should be responsible enough to make your own decision in regards to what you want to do with your life. Your parents can only give you advise from here on out. What you do with that advise is up to you.

Answer 3

Talk to his parents, listen to their side and present his own. Have him talk about the training he will be getting and the fact the army will help pay for college. But they should all sit down together and discuss it like adults. It may be his life and his decision, but they are family and deserve to be included in it.

Answer 4

If he is 18, he can join, just run on down and raise your right hand and sign on the line. I joined when I was 20, and was gone for 20 years. Best think I ever did, Now I am 53, working Engineer which the military paid for. Love this Country
GOD Bless the USA and GW Bush, our President.

Answer 5

Sit down with them and discuss the matter rationally if possible. You know, sometimes "old heads" have very worthwhile opinons based on life experiences that younger people can learn from.

Answer 6

If he's old enough, he can do what he wants. Your parents just don't want him coming home in a box or with pieces missing. Too much of that happening already.

Answer 7

too bad, mom/dad, i'm going.



then go.

Answer 8

Let them know why he has made that decision.Obviously,he has a good reason,perhaps he feels it can make him a better person. Let them know he respects their opinion and concern, but ultimately it is his decision. Good luck with everything!!

Answer 9

If I were him and 18, I would just go. That simple. 18 year olds make stupid decisions, that's their right.

Answer 10

your brother is going to have to come to a piont in his life, were he is going to have to thank his parents for their opinion and simple make his own choice. i am in the navy and love it.