Military, now parent's care.?

Question

It's A new era now were both parents work now, so there is hardly any adult supervision on children until the evenings. Thats why most of the kids in the cities are drugs or hanging around the bad influences (Gangs, Tagging crews), Girls having sex at a young age, having kids (and you can't tell me that this is not happing in your neighborhood).
Most of the parents focus more on their work, than they do about their kids, on how they doing in school what there doing when they are working, who are there friends.
But let a military recruiter talk to their kid, or call the house OMG is like the end of the world, now they cared.

Im just amazed, and so I'm just wondering why are we portrayed as the most evil person's in parents eyes.

Answer 1

It is because the military means their baby is no longer an adolescent... Once they get there they will go to far off places and maybe fight wars. It is their child growing up way faster than they had ever imagined... And they are just not ready for that! So it isn't so much they care more or less, it is just looking at their child and thinking wow, are they really ready to make this adult decision, and to be treated like an adult and live this life without me. Those parents that freak out are the ones that had their child's life all planned out for them. Now you are calling and they just can't believe this.... You talking to them could change all of that.... You one little conversation can spark a meeting, then filling out paperwork... then before you know it... A trip to MEPS and then bam they are off to basic training. So it is nothing against you, it all has to do with how they see their child and what they see for their child. They want a military... but they don't want their kid in it. Let someone else's child go off and defend or fight for the nation... I'm sure not every parent you talk to is like that... some parents are all about their kid joining the military, but for the majority it takes time.

Answer 2

Not evil just annoying. When my son was in high school, the recruiters were constantly trying to get him to sign up and they would pay for his college.
Parents dont necessarily want to both be working but in some cases this is the only way that the family can get by. I'm not talking about having all the luxuries but just keeping a roof over their heads, food on the table and the lights on. If you teach your children correctly they know right from wrong and will not necessarily be tempted to join gangs or have illegitimate children.
I see nothing wrong with the military but would prefer to see men and women join after they are a little more mature.

Answer 3

You are trying to take their child away from them.
As a recruiter, you have to overcome objections about drugs, sex, bad influences, ect. Explain that all the options on the street is still available to them once they are in the military, but the military and the training gives them something else to be proud of and become involved with and gives them a new identity and pride in themselves. It makes them feel good about their accomplishments. That joining the military might well be the single best thing they will ever do, not only for themselves, but could actually end up saving their life and provide them schooling and a career.

Answer 4

In my opinion I think parents usually think my kid(s) won't do that. I still have control etc.
As far as recruiters I guess it is particle letting go of your child and knowing that they could be sent to war and killed (even though it could happen by a car accident etc right where they are at) however it wouldn't be as justified to a parent.
I did 8 years in the Army my mom signed when I was 17. It was the smartest thing I have ever done. I was looking at going nowhere or having some type of future. Thankfully my recruiter showed me the right direction.

Answer 5

OK, I have had times I have worked a lot, and been home with my kids. I encouraged my kids to speak with military recruiters as well as college recruiters while in high school. My oldest son joined right out of high school, the other just joined, has been in college 1 1/2 yrs, and planning to finish, but chose to serve his country in the meantime. I am very proud, and I spoke with their recruiters as well, in support of my boys, not because I dont!

Answer 6

All active duty military members who have or share primary custody of thier children must have a family care plan in place. This plan must include details and names of people who could and would care for the children in the event one or both parents are deployed. It also must cover issues like child care during duty hours and sick care in the even the parent can not be excused from duty. Any member who fails to file such a plan or whose plan no longer works must either establish a new updated plan or look at possible discharge from the service. The military itself does not have any programs where they care for the children of deployed members, although each branch does have programs to help the families during deployment. Child care arrangements are the responsibility of the parent...period.

Answer 7

I'm a 20 year veteran served during Desert Storm, My son had one that just kept calling and calling even though my son told him he had a bad car accident and was paralyzed from the waist down. Finally one night when he called I happen to be home and took the phone from him. I explained who I was and said my son was telling the truth to note it by his name.
All I'm saying is that with quotes some recruiters do get annoying. By the way, if my son wasn't in his wheelchair he would probably be serving.

Answer 8

There are some lazy parents, but not all are like that.

I don't see recruiters as "evil", but I think No Child Left Behind has given them WAY too much access to students in public high schools. I resent the fact that I had to sign an "opt out" form so that my son wouldn't have to take ASVAB's, and so that his school wasn't required to give out all their info about him to any recruiter who asked for it. I also resent the fact that many parents are not even aware that NCLB gives recruiters the right to do that, so they don't even know that they need to sign a paper to prevent it. It's great that recruiters are in schools for the students who are interested in it, but those not interested should not have to have papers signed by their parents in order to be left alone.

Answer 9

My parents made an appointment and invited them over for both me and my sister, but they were always there for us paying attention to what we were doing.

I joined the Marines and my sister joined the Army, both with our parents encouragement (are they trying to get rid of us?)