I have 3 kids,(2 girls,and one boy) My son it's almost 18 years old.He wants to join the Army and I'm totally against it, for many reasons, I tried to get it out of his head ( I begged him NOT too) but he doesn't want to hear anything, just last night again I overheard a conversation with his uncle and he was telling him how bad he wants to go. Now my question is Can they take my ONLY son?? a few people told me that they can't take him! Is that true?? Thanks for you help and God Bless!!
2007-10-07 10:27:20 · 19 answers · asked by mamachula01 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
it is an all volunteer military. at age 18, he is considered an adult and can enlist without your knowledge or permission.
YES, they can take him if he qualifies. NO, being an only child does not excuse him from combat or combat related duties.
2007-10-07 16:57:38 · answer #1 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no longer a law in place that prevents the service of an "only son." There once was, as evidenced by the based-in-truth story of the movie "Saving Private Ryan"... but it was overturned sometime... I want to say during the Korean conflict, but don't quote me on that.
If you don't mind a little advice from a Military Mom... You will have a lot more input as to what his actual job in the military is if you choose to support his decision, rather than fighting it. Imagine this scenario...if you say to him, "You know how fearful I am of you joining the Army, but I want you to know that, above all, I love you, I support whatever decision you make, and I'm here for you." That statement will open many opportunities for you to ask him what MOS's ("jobs") he's looking at. That is HUGE, because there's a big difference between an infantryman and an airplane mechanic in the military..
If you leave the lines of communication open, by supporting his decision, you stand a greater chance of having some input into his choice of MOS. You alone will probably be most able to help him choose something that uses and enhances his current skillset.... if he's great with computers, steer him toward something data or communications oriented... if he's mechanically inclined, then steer him that direction. By the end of his enlistment, his current skills will have been added to and matured... and he'll be much more marketable in private sector.
But if you continue to fight him over this, he will join without your support, and he will go through bootcamp without your support, and he will likely deploy, still without your support. You can choose, right now, to set your entire family up that way, or to give him the support he needs so much from you, right now. By supporting his decision, you give yourself a lot more opportunity to be included in the decision and in his future.
It's time to figure out what kind of parent you're going to be. Are you going to try to control his every decision, and in doing so push him away from you, or are you going to let him know you love him no matter what choice he makes, and leave that door open for conversation, communication, and support?
2007-10-07 16:09:19 · answer #2 · answered by Amy S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You never said what your reasons are for not wanting your son to enlist. But, the military doesn't 'take' people, they accept applications for enlistment, something he can do without your approval or help. Sounds like to me, your son has his head on straight and a plan for the future.
Just because a person enters the military, even today, doesn't mean they'll be killed or even go to a combat zone. My son is in Ramadi, Iraq as I write this, a nephew is in Kosovo. We worry every moment while our son fights in Iraq but we support his decision to serve his country. I served 20 years in the Air Force. I see nothing wrong with your son's goals and you should support him.
The military is an honorable way of life, an exciting way of life with great rewards. He won't get rich in the military but he'll have a good life even with the risk. However, risk is just part of life. There's more than 40,000 deaths on our nation's highways every year, while we've had less than 4,000 combat casualties in all the time we've been in Iraq. Everyone that serves doesn't die, you know.
You won't be able to hold his hand forever, Mom. He's approaching manhood and is perfectly capable of deciding his own future. Support him and be proud of him.
2007-10-07 12:24:43 · answer #3 · answered by Chris L 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
all i can say is that your mind is corrupt from media about the army. it doesnt mean that he's in the army he's going to be those guys getting shot at or doing the shooting. the navy and air force is just as dangerous depedning on what their job is. to tell u the truth only 25% of the army is combat infantry. the other 75% is support. this includes ppl that work in communications, doctors, lawyers, nurses, for the army etc. your son can get a good job in the army and not just a regular infantryman. he can be doing admin or work in network communications for the military. if i were you i would be proud that my son has the courage to serve his country. but at the same time i understand that u dont want anything bad to happen to him. but the best thing u can do as a good mother is to support him in his life decisions and especially now that he's a man.
2007-10-07 12:28:17 · answer #4 · answered by sikondcourtz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your only son can enlist without your permission when he is 18. I am an only son and enlisted at 17 in 1975 with my parents signature. Be proud of your son having the courage to voluntarily enlist during these hazardous times. You may wish for him to take a different career path, but apparently you have done a good job at raising your son to be a MAN.
While other young boys are joining gangs and pursuing criminal behavior, be proud that your only son is of good character. You are a successful dad.
2007-10-07 11:06:58 · answer #5 · answered by Charles S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He can enlist at age 18 without needing your permission. I am an only child and I spent 25 years on active duty in the Navy, including eight years with Fleet Marine Forces. There is no rule against an only son enlisting in the armed forces. If we still had conscription there might be such a rule against inducting such a person. But, this is an all-volunteer force.
2007-10-07 10:35:02 · answer #6 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes, as an adult, he is free to enlist if he chooses. If your concern is to avoid him being on the front line in the Iraq war, then encourage him to join the Coast Guard or most ( not all ) career fields in the Navy. The Army, Marines and Air Force, ( and limited Navy rates ) are the primary folks in Iraq. When talking to the recruiter, make sure that you get any and all verbal promises regarding career choice, duty station, etc. in writing. If it's not in writing, it means nothing. Good luck to you and you son.
2007-10-07 10:47:14 · answer #7 · answered by pussycatwannbe2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was in your place just 2yrs ago. I mentally fought with myself for along time. If you beg him not to go, he could be killed in a car wreck or a drive by shooting (more kids 17-21 die in one state in America from being in the wrong place at the wrong time then in the whole country of Iraq) or get caught up with the wrong crowd (drugs and alcohol). Or you can support him, help him make the right decision, when he gets his asvab scores, go over them with each branch and help him figure out which one is best for him. The Air force and Navy are not as active in Iraq, but you have to have high asvab scores to get into the Air force and the Navy can be deployed out to sea for years. There are more of the Army so the chances of being deployed could be less but when they do deploy its for longer periods. My son picked the Marines because of their training is unmatched and their deployments are for only 7mo. I don't believe one branch is any better than the other,but I do believe for each person there is a better choice. My son has also been to Iraq and his whole company came back. He is scheduled to go back next year and it will be the 2ond hardest 7mo of my life. He tells me "Mom you've protected me for 18 years it's my turn to protect you". Semper Fi
2007-10-07 11:45:27 · answer #8 · answered by Mother of a Marine 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If he chooses to go, he's an adult and made that choice. Try supporting your kid in his life decisions, whether you agree with them or not.
The whole "can't take my only son" is a myth. There are lots of families who have all the kids in some sort of the military. That said, any chance of convincing him to join the Navy? I'm a little partial....
2007-10-07 10:35:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Once your son turns 18, he is considered an adult, and can enlist if he wants. The stipulation of "taking" an only son was only used in the draft. I was 17 when I enlisted and my parents had to sign the papers.
2007-10-07 10:31:24 · answer #10 · answered by donwhy60 2 · 5⤊ 0⤋