Major Problem (kinda long)

[sbell111]

... I do think however that he is more concerned with what his girlfriend is doing here at home than keeping his head on straight so to speak. ...

THe good news is that this isn't something that you need to worry about. The DI will do a good job of straightening your son's head.

 

[GeorgeG]

OP here...

I do think however that he is more concerned with what his girlfriend is doing here at home than keeping his head on straight so to speak. (just to clarify, she isn't doing anything immoral that I'm aware of)

That is a very real issue in the military. You are far away from home and unable to get back anytime you want. There can be an overwhelming feeling of being helpless. In my day, I was stationed aboard an aircraft carrier off Vietnam and suicide was an all-too-frequent problem. In every, and I mean every case, a "dear John" letter from a girlfriend (and sometimes a wife) was found on the guy's rack (bunk).

 

[Sherrypooh]

but my son is leaving Aug 30 to head to Ft benning GA. Now as a parent, i am not too keen on this, the world is not as safe as it was years ago but I do respect his choice to join and will support him. I find this thread interesting as I want to know what to do when I get those letters and as much as my son needs the disipline and all I know they will come. The next few months will not be easy on any of us in my home or his gf's home but I know that this is the best thing for him. I hope I can do the right thing and stay strong and help him be the best soldier he can be. (Being a mom isn't always easy!)

 

[rie'smom]

OP here...

I want to thank everyones support. I do not in any way think I have done anything to "ruin" my relationship with my son.

He has never been a discipline issue in the past and I don't think he is being one now. He has walwys been very laid back and kind of quiet. So I don't think he is purposely ticking someone off.

I do think however that he is more concerned with what his girlfriend is doing here at home than keeping his head on straight so to speak. (just to clarify, she isn't doing anything immoral that I'm aware of)

I know he is in a rough place right now. I also know that is he gets some sort of Dishonorable discharge that can have terrible consequences on his future. I do not want my child to struggle through life or at least the begining of it. Granted a failure to adapt may not ruin his life but it will make starting out a whole lot more difficult.

 

[jsmith]

but my son is leaving Aug 30 to head to Ft benning GA. Now as a parent, i am not too keen on this, the world is not as safe as it was years ago but I do respect his choice to join and will support him. I find this thread interesting as I want to know what to do when I get those letters and as much as my son needs the disipline and all I know they will come. The next few months will not be easy on any of us in my home or his gf's home but I know that this is the best thing for him. I hope I can do the right thing and stay strong and help him be the best soldier he can be. (Being a mom isn't always easy!)

Just a couple of things to think about-and no being a mom isnt always easy. But-if you are a numbers person heres something to think about-Does your son drive a car? or Ride a motorcycle? both are MUCH more dangerous than serving in the armed forces-TV commentators dont talk each night about the thousands of Americans injured in car accidents each day-and more than 50, 000 die each year in car accidents.
If you think the world is a more dangerous place than in the past-you are mistaken-but i also understand that its hard when its your child.
Lastly-something i have arrived at after having my husband deployed more than once-and loosing friends who have surivived multiple deployments in car accidents-If its your time-God is going to call you-and its not going to matter if you are in harms way-or sitting on your front porch.
I know this is not an easy thing-my husband, my brother, my brother in law and my best friends husband are all soldiers-many of my childrens friends are soldiers. Love you son, support him-and know he will be a better man for it.
to both you and the OP.

 

[Pigeon]

Yeah, this and... why in the world would you believe anything a recruiter says unless you have a personal relationship with them?

I wouldn't believe a word said by a recruiter if she were my mother.

His relationship with his girlfriend is between him and his girlfriend, not him and his girlfriend and his mother. So, it is up to her entirely what she wants to write to him.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Just a couple of things to think about-and no being a mom isnt always easy. But-if you are a numbers person heres something to think about-Does your son drive a car? or Ride a motorcycle? both are MUCH more dangerous than serving in the armed forces-TV commentators dont talk each night about the thousands of Americans injured in car accidents each day-and more than 50, 000 die each year in car accidents.
If you think the world is a more dangerous place than in the past-you are mistaken-but i also understand that its hard when its your child.
Lastly-something i have arrived at after having my husband deployed more than once-and loosing friends who have surivived multiple deployments in car accidents-If its your time-God is going to call you-and its not going to matter if you are in harms way-or sitting on your front porch.
I know this is not an easy thing-my husband, my brother, my brother in law and my best friends husband are all soldiers-many of my childrens friends are soldiers. Love you son, support him-and know he will be a better man for it.
to both you and the OP.

Beautifuly said I believe this also Please thank your DH for his service and to the other posters that are military or family of..thank you also