Hmmm, don't know exactly how to react to this.
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DD - He could also get killed stepping out into the street on his way to class, or have some Physco shoot up his dorm room, or rob the bank he's standing in line at, or a drunk run him off the road ... etc.... The world is a dangerous place no matter how you look it anymore; at least in the military he's armed and knows what he's getting into. I leave this office building at 9pm sometimes, and wonder if I'll make it to my car, or if I'll get shot for my wallet and laptop like a guy did at the office building next to ours ... You should always be concerned for your child, always, but there are so few these days that have the courage to join and protect what little freedoms we all have left. You don't have to encourage him, let him make the decision, but I certainly wouldn't try to talk him out of it either. Be honest. Answer his questions. Talk about your and his concerns, but ultimately, tell him whatever decision he makes, you'll stand behind him; it's all you can really do now. D.
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTLDouglas Troy wrote:
tell him whatever decision he makes, you'll stand behind him; it's all you can really do now.
Indeed, I will back him to the hilt, and it will give him a grounding in the real world. I think I am just paranoid, but whilt you hear for the men who die, you don't hear of the many thousands that come back completely unscathed. As mentioned above, you could get run over in the street. I chat with other old soldiers, and people who have never served refuse to believe some of the tales we tell, but anyone who has been in uniform knows that once you put it on, you are through the looking glass into an alternative reality where weird things do happen! I had a great time in my three years, although was a bit hairy in Northern Ireland. I look back with pride and pleasure, and sometimes wonder what it would have been like had I made a creer out of it, instead of a short service in the colours.
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
One thing I would do is to compare the number of casualties reported in the news with the number of people actually out in these places. While of cause every fatality is a tragedy, the press do have a habit of blowing these things up to huge proportions. Joining any of the armed forces is a risk, but many more people get through it in reasonable safety than don't (I know a lot of military people as well). If you would prefer he joined a different force, perhaps ask him if he's considered others, see why he prefers the Army over something else. This worked with my Dad when he planned to join the RAF, joined the Navy instead (not parental questioning, but recruiter, but might still help). If, however, he is determined, I'd say support him as much as you can. God knows the Forces need it at the moment. Just my 10p.
My Blog: This Blog
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
Dave, he is 19. An adult. He wants to make something of his life and he is looking for your support and guidance. Give him the support and guidance he needs. However, give him a "taste" of what might be. Set his alarm at strange times during the night. Awake him in a rude manner at some ungodly hour for a "run around the block". Make sure he gets the right creases in the right places on his clothes and make him do it time and again until he can iron almost blind-folded. Cook his own meals with the very basic of equipment and foodstuffs. You get the picture ... If he is like most other 19 year olds, he likes his bed and other comforts. This "taster" might help to make his mind up for him.
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Dave, he is 19. An adult. He wants to make something of his life and he is looking for your support and guidance. Give him the support and guidance he needs. However, give him a "taste" of what might be. Set his alarm at strange times during the night. Awake him in a rude manner at some ungodly hour for a "run around the block". Make sure he gets the right creases in the right places on his clothes and make him do it time and again until he can iron almost blind-folded. Cook his own meals with the very basic of equipment and foodstuffs. You get the picture ... If he is like most other 19 year olds, he likes his bed and other comforts. This "taster" might help to make his mind up for him.
Yeah, I remember my Seargent -Major bringing me tea and biscuits in bed of a morning - NOT! Gerrouta bed you lazy B'''''Ds! :)
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
I would discourage him too, just look at all the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, there's just no point to it. As long as these people have no decent goverment, economy and prospect on a future these will remain very unstable regions. The U.S. are starting to realize that just going after the bad guys doesn't work, there'll just be another batch of bad guys in the making. Politicians have proven too often that their meddling in other's business just doesn't work and that reality is far more complex than just a handful of "smart" politicians can comprehend. Sadam is a nice example of a gun that back fired... the Israel/Palestine matter isn't really panning out the way they thought it would. And then there's massive chaos in regions of Africa, but nobody cares because there's no money/oil, wtf! Sweeping the street probably makes the world a better place moreso than being in the army.
Wout
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
Dalek Dave wrote:
The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days
Not so much different - we had the Troubles, and you had a good chance of a stint in Northern Ireland twenty years ago. And the Falkland Islands. He is 19. It's his decision. Support him the best you can (I know you would anyway). What did your parents do?
No trees were harmed in the sending of this message; however, a significant number of electrons were slightly inconvenienced. This message is made of fully recyclable Zeros and Ones
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
That's tough. I respect our military for doing what they do, but I wouldn't want to have kill some people for political reasons. If he is not interested in college then perhaps he could get some sort of apprenticeship. In modern day America you can earn more money as a plumber / electrician (especially if you run your own company) then you can with a degree. I mean you can only outsource so many jobs, some skilled laborers actually have to be here.
I didn't get any requirements for the signature
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
"I wanna kill! KILL! KILL!, feel blood and guts upside my teeth!" -- Arlo Guthrie Oh, umm, ahem... Sounds OK to me. One thing I take exception to is the attitude of kids joining up in order to get the training and GI Bill etc. In my opinion, that's not the right reason to join up. If a kid is looking to join up out of a desire to do some good in the world, now might be a good time.
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
My take is that if he wants to do it, then, just support him on what decision he wants to take You could go to the recruitment center with him and discuss with the officer there, ask questions that your son might have not dared to ask (or forgot to ask).
This signature was proudly tested on animals.
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DD - He could also get killed stepping out into the street on his way to class, or have some Physco shoot up his dorm room, or rob the bank he's standing in line at, or a drunk run him off the road ... etc.... The world is a dangerous place no matter how you look it anymore; at least in the military he's armed and knows what he's getting into. I leave this office building at 9pm sometimes, and wonder if I'll make it to my car, or if I'll get shot for my wallet and laptop like a guy did at the office building next to ours ... You should always be concerned for your child, always, but there are so few these days that have the courage to join and protect what little freedoms we all have left. You don't have to encourage him, let him make the decision, but I certainly wouldn't try to talk him out of it either. Be honest. Answer his questions. Talk about your and his concerns, but ultimately, tell him whatever decision he makes, you'll stand behind him; it's all you can really do now. D.
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTLDouglas Troy wrote:
He could also get killed stepping out into the street on his way to class, or have some Physco shoot up his dorm room, or rob the bank he's standing in line at, or a drunk run him off the road ... etc....
straw man... I'd bet your parking lot at 9pm is still safer than Iraq at noon.
Douglas Troy wrote:
but there are so few these days that have the courage to join and protect what little freedoms we all have left
It's weird that we have to go half way across the world to defend what little freedoms we have. What sorts of freedom did we forget there? If anything, how about freedoms that were taken away by supreme court and congress right here?
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
In spite of your reputation I am sure that you will do the appropriate thing. :) I would not even venture to offer an opinion, never having been in a similar situation. In a vain attempt to offer some form of help I even Googled for 'Camel recognition chart' but no luck I'm afraid. :(
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
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Douglas Troy wrote:
tell him whatever decision he makes, you'll stand behind him; it's all you can really do now.
Indeed, I will back him to the hilt, and it will give him a grounding in the real world. I think I am just paranoid, but whilt you hear for the men who die, you don't hear of the many thousands that come back completely unscathed. As mentioned above, you could get run over in the street. I chat with other old soldiers, and people who have never served refuse to believe some of the tales we tell, but anyone who has been in uniform knows that once you put it on, you are through the looking glass into an alternative reality where weird things do happen! I had a great time in my three years, although was a bit hairy in Northern Ireland. I look back with pride and pleasure, and sometimes wonder what it would have been like had I made a creer out of it, instead of a short service in the colours.
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
Dalek Dave wrote:
I chat with other old soldiers, and people who have never served refuse to believe some of the tales we tell, but anyone who has been in uniform knows that once you put it on, you are through the looking glass into an alternative reality where weird things do happen!
Speaking of my brother told me once of a time he was in Iraq. They had an RPG or some other type of rocket fly into their base and it blew up his CO's office. Oddly enough his CO was at chapel at the time. Talk about a divine message I guess. I'm sure it's not the type of story you're talking about but I found it crazy.
------------------------------------- Do not do what has already been done. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.. but it ROCKS absolutely, too.
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
He is 19. Let him do whatever he wants and support him 100%. Sure, it is your job to worry about him but you have to respect him (and that includes his decisions). I've no children of my own, but my brother is in the military and has spent two different tours in Iraq/Afghanistan. If he happened to die there, I know that there would be no dishonor in his death. Even if I don't agree with the reasons we are fighting this war, I respect his decision to do so. He would have died doing what he believed in.
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My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
Wow Dalek! You know your lineage 8 generation backward; I’m jealous, wish I could say the same. Back on the subject – AFAIK you have been a soldier, so show your son the shortcomings: You can’t quit, at least not without negative consequences. It’s a massive time waster; I really want back my 18 mounts in the army! It’s really, I mean REALY boring in most of the time. You are losing your most active years behind a fence, learning things which hopefully you’ll never need to know. You could accept that the risk for his health is acceptable, but don’t minimize the fact that he is going to lose three years of his life.
The narrow specialist in the broad sense of the word is a complete idiot in the narrow sense of the word. Advertise here – minimum three posts per day are guaranteed.
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My take is that if he wants to do it, then, just support him on what decision he wants to take You could go to the recruitment center with him and discuss with the officer there, ask questions that your son might have not dared to ask (or forgot to ask).
This signature was proudly tested on animals.
Maximilien wrote:
You could go to the recruitment center with him
Good idea from a parents' perspective only. Would you want to start a service career as a Mummy's or Daddy's boy/girl?
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
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Douglas Troy wrote:
He could also get killed stepping out into the street on his way to class, or have some Physco shoot up his dorm room, or rob the bank he's standing in line at, or a drunk run him off the road ... etc....
straw man... I'd bet your parking lot at 9pm is still safer than Iraq at noon.
Douglas Troy wrote:
but there are so few these days that have the courage to join and protect what little freedoms we all have left
It's weird that we have to go half way across the world to defend what little freedoms we have. What sorts of freedom did we forget there? If anything, how about freedoms that were taken away by supreme court and congress right here?
JazzJackRabbit wrote:
It's weird that we have to go half way across the world to defend what little freedoms we have. What sorts of freedom did we forget there?
I find it curious that I mention protecting our freedom and you drag the Iraq conflict into this, when I never mentioned it. Never said we should be there, never said we should be involved there, didn't mention it. And I am not going to get dragged into a debate that belongs in the SoapBox here in the lounge, so I'd appreciate it if you'd do the same.
JazzJackRabbit wrote:
how about freedoms that were taken away by supreme court and congress right here?
I do not disagree with that, but if only easily corrupted persons serve in both politics and the military that will never change will it. We need more good people in these fields, and I am going to assume for a moment that Dave's son is one such person. But again, this belongs in the SoapBox, not here.
JazzJackRabbit wrote:
I'd bet your parking lot at 9pm is still safer than Iraq at noon.
My point was that not joining the military doesn't make your life any safer. Plenty of people have served and never seen a day of combat in all the years of their service. Others don't make it back alive from boot camp. The same could be said for people leaving to go to work every day; I could make it home tonight, but you could be turned into street pizza when a Semi-Truck plows into you head first. Just because you join, doesn't mean you are going to die; and just because you DON'T join, doesn't mean you are going to live.
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTL -
"I wanna kill! KILL! KILL!, feel blood and guts upside my teeth!" -- Arlo Guthrie Oh, umm, ahem... Sounds OK to me. One thing I take exception to is the attitude of kids joining up in order to get the training and GI Bill etc. In my opinion, that's not the right reason to join up. If a kid is looking to join up out of a desire to do some good in the world, now might be a good time.
You really need to take a moment, and go visit Alice, at the Restaurant.
:..::. Douglas H. Troy ::..
Bad Astronomy |VCF|wxWidgets|WTL -
My Son, Thomas, has just rung me at work to say that he has been to the Army Careers Office and is looking at signing up and wants to have a conversation about what/where etc. Given the current tensions in the world I am a little Parentally Concerned. However, he will be the 9th Generation in the Forces, (I come from a Military Family, have Aunts, Uncles, Cousins etc who over the years have served in all branches of the military). He has been going off the rails since leaving college and says he is fed up with learning so is not going to Uni. (Fair enough, he can always go back and do a degree later if he wishes). Given the Job situation there is an opportunity for him to have a three year service, wherein he is watered, fed and housed, given a trade training and get the opportunity to do things he could not do in Civvie Street. I know all this, I served 20 odd years ago. I think it would be a marvellous opportunity, but just am worried about his safety. I will try to talk him round to the Navy, as there are very few ships needed in the desert. However he says he would like to go Airbourne, either Para's or my old mob, 7th RHA. Am I being over-protective of him (he is nearly 19), or should I encourage him to push as hard as he can in the Army? (The world is a different place from my day, all I had to worry about was hoards of Soviets and Nuclear bombs, it is a lot more dangerous these days).
------------------------------------ "When Belly Full, Chin Hit Chest" Confucius 502BC
Dear Sir, Further to our previous recent correspondence I would like to confirm that we do not carry stock of the 'Camel Recognition Chart'. Perhaps you would advise us if the enclosed[^] is valid as a substitute?
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
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Maximilien wrote:
You could go to the recruitment center with him
Good idea from a parents' perspective only. Would you want to start a service career as a Mummy's or Daddy's boy/girl?
Henry Minute Do not read medical books! You could die of a misprint. - Mark Twain Girl: (staring) "Why do you need an icy cucumber?" “I want to report a fraud. The government is lying to us all.”
About a year ago the US Army was running an ad campaign with answering parents questions featured prominently; not much help to DD since he's in the UK. Regardless, your recruiter isn't going to be one of your DI's at boot camp so it shouldn't really matter.
The European Way of War: Blow your own continent up. The American Way of War: Go over and help them.
