Update on my son, again.

[RNMOM]

Well, as some of you might remember, Mike was struggling to run his two mile times. He finally is calling it quits. He is being discharged in the next few days, if all goes as planned. He will not get a dishonorable but some other type of discharge. He said he applied for an honorable, as it goes case by case. He did very well in his training but that run time is not to be.

So, after a period of adjustment, he wants to begin working and saving for college. I want to try to convince him to start at the local community college so we can keep him on our medical insurance. He is resistant at this time.

So, we are no longer an Army family and I am disappointed. I felt this was so right for him. I guess if he wants to try again in a couple years or so he can due to the nature of the discharge. He has spent 8 months in training and working on this.

By the way, the unit he was to go to has been deployed and he would have been joining them in Iraq. He was actually psyched about going. He really likes being a Cav. Scout. So, now he plans to get his masters in history and maybe go on to teach at college level.

Thanks for all the support. I know he really tried hard to accomplish this, he had wanted it for so long.

 

[mamajoan]

Big Hugs and lots of respect for your son!!

Who knows why he must have to choose another path... but I think he will succeed no matter which road he travels!

 

[Tuffcookie]

I will continue to say prayers! Hugs, Cordia!

TC

 

[Dan Murphy]

He will do fine, mom, the experience is a life rounding point of time in his life. We all have many. He has learned a lot, will use it in the future. He sounds like a great guy. Wishing him well, you, peace of mind.

Dan

 

[Big V]

A big disappointment for him I'm sure. But he'll bounce back and do well in some other career. I wish him well in whatever he chooses!

 

[Sleepy]

Sounds like he might get a General Discharge if not Honorable. 2 miles is a long run. Some people just can't do it and there is no shame. They really should not be so focused on distance like that anyway. Really, is anyone going to be in a situation where they have to run non-stop for 2 whole miles? My hubby is 40 and those PT (physical torture) are getting the best of him. Takes everything he has to do 1 mile. He is on a ship. Exactly how much running can they do on a ship? I say bring your son home, get him in a good frame of mind with college (afterall, that is far better than being enlisted military) and if later on he wants to go in Army again he will know this really is what he wants to do. Many people go in the military because it is their only choice and most hate it. Sounds like he would be the type to be a lifer. Their loss, not his. Thank him for his effort. You have a good kid with alot of heart

 

[Serena]

I wish him well at whatever he does.

 

[phorsenuf]

RNMOM, did you get a chance to speak with him about switching branches? It's something he could still do even after he is home. On his discharge papers there will be a code numbers and based on that it "says" how long he may (or may not) have to wait before re-enlisting in another branch.
Whatever he decides I wish him well! I know how hard it must be....been there done that...worked out good for us!

Originally posted by Sleepy
say bring your son home, get him in a good frame of mind with college (afterall, that is far better than being enlisted military) and if later on he wants to go in Army again he will know this really is what he wants to do. Many people go in the military because it is their only choice and most hate it.

Not to start anything but I take offense to that. My son wanted to join the military, went to college for a year and hated it! Came home joined the army and is the happiest I've ever seen him. They tried to discharge him because of a knee problem he developed in basic and did not want to go!!! We got a senator and congressman involved and he got to stay and is proudly serving in Germany. When he is done with PT he will probably be heading to Iraq to meet up with his MP unit.
I don't think many people go into the military because it is their only choice. Only choice of what???? I chose to go in as did my brother and now maybe a nephew. Could we have all gone to college....yep, but we chose to go into the military.
I have seen nothing but good things since my son has enlisted so I guess I'm a little lost as why you see it as a bad thing.

 

[MScott1851]

MOM, IS THIS YOU?

If not, this is TOO freaky! I'm an RN, I have a brother named Michael who is a cavalry scout who is struggling with his physical endurance and health, and whose unit is about to go to Iraq...

I have goosebumps

 

[jsmith]

Not only do I think going into the military is a good choice, my college educated husband makes more at his enlisted military grade than he does at his civilian job and takes more pride in it. -Lots of my family in the service-not the only choice for any and non-even those doing a tour in the sand-hate it.

RNMOM=sorry your son has not been able to pursue his dreams-however, encourage him to get with an Air Force recruiter if he wants to stay in-AF has different PT requirements and takes better care of their folks anyway. I don't understand that run business anyway-they don't do much running for time in a combat zone!

 

[Pembo]

Hugs Cordia! The transition to him home is going to be a rough one. Sending lots of PATIENCE pixie dust to you!

I think you have a good idea about having him go to the community college to keep his insurance. Remind him he could take a PE class and that would count.

Stay strong Mom!

 

[RNMOM]

Thanks for all your replys. I just want to make a few comments.

First, I appreciate your thoughts but don't agree with anyone who feels military service is "last resort". I would hate to think that those brave souls who protect us are the "dredges" of our society. Some folks think sending a kid to college at their parent's expense is a last resort option too. My son has planned this goal for several years and we have many people serving in active and past military service in our extended family and I am proud of each one of them.

MScott, No, I am not your MOM! LOL. What a coincidence. I guess your brother, Michael, also trained at Ft. Knox since that is the only place they train Cav Scouts. Wish him well for me.

I was so very pleased when my son made this choice. My FINLAW was a Captain in the South Pacific in WWII. My own father had medical problems and they would not allow him to enlist but he tried 4 times. When Mike told us about this decision, he knew exactly what job he wanted, how long the training was and where he might be going. He was ready to do it. I will always be very poud of that.

He will do well, he is just that kind of guy, and I will continue to be proud of him. Thanks for the support.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

RNmom-good luck with your son coming home..

I just graduated from high school last year and we live near a military base..any of my friends chose to go into some form of military...thats what they have wanted to do since they were younger....i dont think it was a last resort for them

 

[Sleepy]

Originally posted by phorsenuf
Not to start anything but I take offense to that. I don't think many people go into the military because it is their only choice. Only choice of what???? I guess I'm a little lost as why you see it as a bad thing.

Maybe you misunderstood what I meant. Not everyone comes from a supportive family. Not all parents continue to provide a place to live and medical insurance once their kids turn 18. The military gave them an opportunity for a place to live, food to eat, a job and an education. (far easier with the military than on your own). My husband, father and all his brothers did this. I know they are not alone as I have met many who went into the military for the same reason. I do not see the military as a bad thing. Not sure where you get that idea. I came from a large family of military members and think the military gives wonderful opportunities. I don't think anyone who joins the military is dredges of society. If that is the case, then I guess my entire family is part of that classification. I thought I was being supportive by saying he can give it another try in the future. Sorry everyone thinks otherwise

 

[RNMOM]

Sleepy,

Sorry, did not intend to sound like you meant something negative. I mistook your intent and I appologize. I have been kinda negative lately. With all this happening and work stinks for me lately too. I need a vacation from my life right now and that isn't going to happen anytime soon.

Sorry if I sounded harsh. You are right. The military provides many of the necessities in life our young people need from bed and board to maturity and job training. I guess that is one reason I am so sad about this not working out for my son.

I am so proud to know so many of our members have family who are or are military themselves. You all are a great bunch of people.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by RNMOM
...I am so proud to know so many of our members have family who are or are military themselves. You all are a great bunch of people.

Just another mom.

 

[phorsenuf]

Sleepy....no hard feelings I hope
I guess it was just the way it was worded made it sound negative to the military. I agree that in some situations it is a way out for some people. I'd like to think too that it was a good choice for them as well.
I guess all us military moms get a little testy when we think (I said THINK) people are dissing the military. I know I am proud of each and every one of them ESPECIALLY if they volunteer during wartime! (I'm not syaing I'm not proud of everyone, but to go willingly during wartime and pretty much know that you may be heading into battle is pretty darn special in my opinion).
Again, sorry if I mistook what you were saying.

 

[sydally9367]

Really, is anyone going to be in a situation where they have to run non-stop for 2 whole miles?

In the new Army Times...this is exactly what they are talking about. The fact that the Army bases SO much on something that is rarely done in combat. In the article, they are proposing..a month more of "field time", more concentrating on weapons and...instead of focusing JUST on running 2 miles, they are going to start really working on sprints (things more useful in a combat situation) They aren't going to eliminate the 2 mile run from the Physical Fitness test, but it sounded like to me like they are going to concentrate more on other aspects of running (which may be easier for some people)
As a former Army soldier and the wife of an Army recruiter, I wish your DS well. Don't let this discourage him, he worked very hard and it just didn't work out..right now If he still really wants to be in the Armed Forces, tell him to keep training at home, maybe go to a local gym and work there (where there is less "pressure" to perform well all the time ) Speaking from experience, Drill Sergeants are always the most patient people in the world, lol. Maybe your DS just didn't deal with failing the 2 mile and having the added pressure of the Drill Sgt's always on his back. He can start going to college ( or even complete college) and try to go back in the Army (or another Armed Force if he chooses) and already be a higher rank or if he completes college, he can try to be an Officer (has he looked into going to college at West Point..that's where we are now) *Ahem* Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with Enlisted soldiers If you or your DS have any questions, feel free to PM me...anytime!

 

[tar heel]

RNMom -- Your son does not have to live with you or go to the community college to stay on your insurance. In most cases, he just needs to be under 26 and a full-time student.

Best of luck to him in whatever he decides to do.