How do I break it to my parents that I want to join the marines?

Question

My mother thinks the Marines are for criminals and I'm really saddened by that. Its been my dream ever since I was a kid to join the Marines. How to I break it to the 'rents that i want to enlist?

Answer 1

Sit down with her with a list of Marine Corp veterans (includes Gene Hackman, Govenor Corizine, you can get more from the internet, or maybe from your recruiter) and explain that you want to be a Marine. Say that you understand that not all Marines are good people, but you believe in America and in the Armed Forces. Explain that you are a good person and that she raised you right and that she doesnt have to worry about unsavory charchters corrupting her son, she should be hopefull that you will be a good influnce on your squadmates. Explain that Marine Corps disicpline and Marine Corp connections will serve you well in the future (You can retire at 38 or get a seperation at about 22, assuming you are 18 now). Explain that this is something that you really want to do and although you don't need her permission her blessing and support will mean the world to you.

Answer 2

Well up front and truthful on the reason why you joined. The feelings that you expect of yourself on why you joined the Marine Corps. Why you felt the Marine Corps was your choice. Honestly I don't know who you didn't talk to your parents about it before, while and after you signed the papers. But to each his own, your reasons are your reasons. But really sit down with them and talk it out. Give all the pros you feel of joining the Marine Corps. But mainly speak to them like I said why YOU yourself chose the Marine Corps, the MOS your taking, etc. If you have the type of parents some people do, like if you join go to this branch of service or the other, or the military is no good for you go to college, etc. Just stay cool calm collected, and tell them your feelings on it. If they get all blown up about it, just walk away for the time being. If anything calm them down by saying you still have time to cancel your enlistment, but you will do it on your terms. If they are like the parents mentioned above, I have a feeling they will feel a bit sad, about not having been included in your choice. If they are like that, just go with "it was something you wanted to do on your own." Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I can't imagine Where your Mother got such an idea about the Marines. My son wanted to go so Badly Back in 1970 (age 17) That I signed For Him. I Came from a Military Family, Husband was Paratrooper in Korea, Father was Navy, Brother was Army....3 uncles in Army In World War 2, and I Love the Military! They have my utmost respect and Prayers always. Your Mother should let you choose Your Direction in Life, If you are responsible enough to "want" to fight for your country. My Son Spent 20 years in the Marines. He is 55 yrs. old now, and has lots of memories and stories.
You must Have a Talk with Them to convince them.

Answer 4

Tell them you've decided to enlist, that you've checked out all branches of the military, and that your talking to the different recruiters has NOT deterred you from your decision to enlist in the Marine Corps. Then tell them you love them and really need their support, because this will be the most difficult thing you've ever done. That you'll do it without their support, but you really don't want to have to.

Then point them to http://www.marineparents.com It's the best online resource for anything and everything USMC. The Recruit Parents message board will get them behind you 100%... They can go there and express their concerns of your enlisting. and the parents there will bring them 'round.. and QUICK!!

Good luck to you! And thanks for your choice to serve!

EDIT: I recommend you actually DO visit all the recruiters. Walk in knowing what type of job you're best suited for.. and see which branch can meet your skills/aptitudes/needs the best. Be open to the fact that it might NOT be the Corps.. although I find that hard to believe!! *LOL* So when you talk to your parents, you've actually prepared for it.. and done the legwork...

Answer 5

Well my son is 13 and says he wants to be a Marine when he grows up, be a police officer or he wants to play for the Spurs. Of course im biased . If your grown they cant do much about it my mom was cursing at the recruiter when they came to pick me up but i was an adult. If you were my child i would be proud that u wanted to serve your country. Look at all the people that have been Marines from actors, college presidents, to CEO's to political folks (ok maybe the last one aint a good example) but not all are criminals.Good Luck Semper Fi

Answer 6

I am going to give you the parent's view of this, as my son is at BCT at Fort Sill, OK right now.

When my son told me that he wanted to drop out of college and join the Army I was devastated. How could I let my first born son join the service, after all, he is my child, and I don't want my child to be uncomfortable, in pain, or in a war zone where he may be killed or maimed and disabled. Why would my child, who is in college and does not have to worry about money want to quit and join the Army?

So many issues raced through my head and then I realized, he's a grown man, and he wants to make a difference in the world and stand on his own two feet without the help of his parents, he wants to defend the freedoms that he has and has taken full advantage of all of his life, and he wanted to pay his own way through college, and not burden us with his tuition and such. It was a right of passage for him becoming a man, not a child anymore.

I can't say that I am thrilled with the prospect (and high likelihood) that my son will be in a combat zone at some point in his military career, but I do know that he's in good hands, and that the Army as well as all other branches of the military take good care of their own. I am still concerned because he's my child, but I have faith in him and his decisions, and I have a heart full of pride for him.

When you approach your mom about joining the Marines, it's best to go to her with good solid information about what the Corp can provide to you...education, medical and dental care, money, travel, and a chance to grow up with the guidance that only the military can offer.

If you are not quite 18, and she is resistant, hold off until you are old enough to make that decision without her having to sign off on it.

Also...as far as criminals in the Marines.....they are few and far between...this is not a bunch of trouble makers looking for a way to stay out of trouble, the Corp will not put up with something like that. Ask your recruiter for a list of requirements and if possible, have him come to your home and talk to your mother about what it takes to be a Marine. This may ease her mind.

Answer 7

When I ask my mother I want to join the military (now I'm in the Police), she really got mad and said, " go ahead, and to me now you're dead! She doesn't want me to join because of the risk of being killed. Thanks above, I'm now 26 yrs in the service still alive and kicking!

The impression of your mother to the marines as criminals is personal. Maybe she sees the abuses done by some but didn't see the noble duty of the marines. Talk with your mother about the positive side of the marine service, that joining the service is a noble job. You have to point it out that service means sacrifice, sacrifice brings out heroism and patriotism, not criminality.

Answer 8

Get in contact with a recruiter they have dealt with these types of issues and can assist.
You might want to say the positive of joining like
You will be making money and have food, shelter provided, learning a good skill and have money for college.
I think Mr. Rogers was a marine too? Ask how she feels about that man

Answer 9

tell them you're going to move to the top, becoming elite, and getting trained to change the world and protect the United States. When they ask you what you mean, tell them you're joining the US Marines- some of the most elite warriors on earth. Than walk away and let them think about it. That should get them thinking straight.

Answer 10

Tell them just like you told us, "It's been my dream ever since I was a kid..." It might help to research the Corps and get some support (not from a recruiter).