Topic: One of my Daughters wants for ROTC

[ElCheapo]

Mainly she in interested in the USMC. Under normal circumstances I would yell Semper Fi. But I am not thrilled to say the least. We still have a few years before the decision would be official. I would say if possible I would be in my old uniform Problably would not fit my fat ass anymore , in the stands, and salute a recruit becoming a Marine. This is mixed, I will cover this bridge when it comes. If this was my youngest daughter looking for Air Force Academy I would be more for it. But her older sister is well........  not that sharp, I hate to say.

How would you feel?

[burmashave]

EC, I don't have children, so I may be a bit biased.  I'd support her wholeheartedly.  I've prolly posted this elsewhere; last year I had the honor to spend some time on an Air Force Reserve base.  I am still impressed with the professionalism, dedication, intelligence and courtesy displayed by the officers and enlisted people there.  In fact, if I include the vets that I know, there is no other group that impresses me the same way. 

Now is a time of danger for our service people.  I understand your concern; however, so many of our young men and women want to do their part.  Plus, if you support her now, she'll likely not fix her decision so much.

P.S. Thanks for serving in the world's most elite fighting force.  (this is just my opinion and not a troll)

[cleveland]

My little brother, father, and grand father are all Marines.  Some guys ARE in the Army and some guys WERE in the Army, but a Marine is ALWAY a Marine.  Don't sweat it though, a young girls mind changes like the wind blows.   

[Raul CB750K1]

For some reason, teenagers always tend to do whatever triggers their parents. If you don't like it and you say so, chances are her will would be reinforced. Tell her how much you would like her becoming a Marine, and before you know she will lose interest.


Raul

[BobbyR]

Steer her toward the Air Force. You can learn a trade and you don;t lay in the mud all day.

[jabbadeznuts]

I'm in AFROTC and I love it. Air Force gets nice beds, warm food, and, for me, out of harm's way. (you don't really want to be shot at in a KC-135 Stratotanker) Plus, it will help me pay off my college loans. All that just for RESERVES!!

[Raul CB750K1]

I'm in AFROTC and I love it. Air Force gets nice beds, warm food, and, for me, out of harm's way. (you don't really want to be shot at in a KC-135 Stratotanker) Plus, it will help me pay off my college loans. All that just for RESERVES!!

Seems you are full of vocation.... 

[Uncle Ernie]

To paraphrase Kahlil Gibran, you can shoot the arrow, but you have no control over where it lands. 

To paraphrase my 2nd X; "If you love something, let it go.  If it doesn't come back, track it down and kill it."  OK- just a little levity there...

Really, though, you can help her think, but the days of telling her what to do are over, padre.

[ElCheapo]

Well, I have decided to back her decision. If she does I want her to do it with pride and not be second guessing herself. I think that doubt can be much more dangerous than our military could ever be.

[medic09]

Well, I have decided to back her decision. If she does I want her to do it with pride and not be second guessing herself. I think that doubt can be much more dangerous than our military could ever be.

You pre-empted my post.  You'v been there, so you know (as we all do) that choosing where you are makes a lot of things more bearable.  Her course will be difficult enough without doubting herself and asking "if only I had...".  Even the easiest jobs/tasks can be misery if it's not what you want.  I hope that she is blessed with success and satisfaction when the time comes.

[GoatBaSS]

A funny thing about regret it is better to regret something you have done than something you havent done....

Selective service I was registered for the Marines, and that was the end of that.

I have a young daughter and regardless of decisions made or not yet made, I think it is important for you to tell your daughter all the thoughts you have had. If I had had a feeling my parents even thought about things at all it would have been a huge factor in my life. And remember thoughts. Opinions she may ask of you, but dont offer them with out prodding. The falling on your face thing does have its merits. As does forming your own opinions.

If it is meant to be it will happen, the question is, are you willing to let it happen?

Just asking shows that you are quite the success as a father.
Good luck.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I live on the east side of I-25 opposite the Air Force Academy. Nice place. It tucks right up to the Rockies. The government spends a lot of money on the Air Force. I was in the Army way back when. We were treated like scum compared to the Air Force. I guess we were more expendable!? If you decide to visit the AFA stop by. We can take a ride up into the mountains.

We can't live our kids lives for them. Just teach them to be honest, have good morals, and respect others. Then hope for the best. 

GoatBaSS,
"Selective service I was registered for the Marines, and that was the end of that." Did "they" register you for the Marines? I seem to recall someone at the AFEES Induction Center going down the line saying "Army, Navy, Marines" and making the selection for us. At least the guys that got the Navy or Marines were probably only some of a few that did a 2 year hitch. 

[GoatBaSS]

All I remember is I was the right age when it happened(86') and it was check the box and send it in. I was not as"cool" as my friends who waited for the registered letter, and gave the government the run around. I felt if they needed me I would at least know who owned my @$$.

[jevfro]

I wonder how much our armed forces spends advertising on tv to get kids interested in the millitary...
I've never wanted to "join up" but lately all the tv adds make me think about it for a second or two.  I'd never make it.  It may be what many of our youth need, but if it were me I'd be a little worried with the current state of affairs around the world.  Who knows I may get drafted by the time we're done with our "war".

[ElCheapo]

The US spent something crazy like 1.2 Billion between 2002 and 2003

[burmashave]

The US spent something crazy like 1.2 Billion between 2002 and 2003

I'd call it money well spent, considering the quality of those joining.  On the other hand, it absolutely breaks my heart, and I do mean almost to the point of literal tears, to see what the government does not spend on our veterans.  Vets are very stoic about it, and that's one of the reasons why they get the short end.  The same is true for the dependents of our current service people.

[jalfonso]

I have a cousin who volunteered for service in Iraq.  I have total respect and admiration for the men and women who serve their country.  If my daughter wanted to join the military, any branch, I would be scared to death but she would truly be my hero!