Would you be proud of your son or daughter if they Joined the Army?

[lucyanna girl]

I have not read this entire thread and so will just answer the OPs question.

Yes, I would be proud of my child. I already have been. My oldest son was a scout-sniper in the US Marine Corp. Do any of you have any idea how hard a person has to work to achieve that? I was scared to death but extremely proud of him. By the way, when he got out of the service he finished his under grad degree and his masters in three years.

Penny

 

[phorsenuf]

I was actually just telling my son this evening he should go take his asvabs. He'll be a senior next year. I think its important for him to explore all his options.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Pigeon, apparently you don't know much about the military. You can be in the National Guard too. My DH is FULL-TIME & PART-TIME National Guard. 25+ yrs & still counting. We don't get moved around the world. I've had my careers with no problems or worries about moving. We do NOT get some things that regular army does. We don't get housing allowance. We do have to pay for health insurance (HMO). DH's pay is very decent & comparable to the MA computer industry. He's a systems admin for the MA Army National Guard at the state headquarters. And no fear of a lay-off like lots of people in his field experience. Granted there are not alot of full time positions, but there has to be full time staff. It can't be made up of just part-time people.

And as for pay, we are probably better off than any of our friends or siblings. I was able to give up my career last year & we've been fine on DH's salary. Our home is almost paid off, while others we know keep re-fi'ing & taking cash out to pay off other debts. We have no other debt. Also have a nice retirement fund going.

So....PLEASE....do not generalize & stereotype all military the same. Thanks.

 

[Galahad]

Pigeon, apparently you don't know much about the military. You can be in the National Guard too. My DH is FULL-TIME & PART-TIME National Guard. 25+ yrs & still counting. We don't get moved around the world. I've had my careers with no problems or worries about moving. We do NOT get some things that regular army does. We don't get housing allowance. DH's pay is very decent & very comparable to the MA computer industry. He's a systems admin for the MA Army National Guard at the state headquarters. Granted there are not alot of full time positions, but there has to be full time staff. It can't be made up of just part-time people.

Even if you do get moved around the world.... We got moved around a lot and my career did very well during our Army days when DW was active duty.

 

[Pigeon]

All the juvenile deliquents you know came from military families? Are you trying to imply military children are less equipped to deal with life's curveballs because it is my experience that military children are more likely to handle anything that life throws out them and hit it out of the ballpark without blinking. These children are expose to so many different people and cultures that I don't see how it can do anything besides enrich their lives and for you to suggest anything less is insulting to all these parents.

Where on earth did I say anything about the children of military families being juvenile delinquents? I said that the families are uprooted frequently. They also have to grow up without having a parent around a great deal of the time. That's not what I would want for my children or my grand children. If you see that as a positive, super. I don't. But don't put words in my mouth.

I have family members in the military. I also worked for a company that does training for the Navy, so I saw the military and how it operates up close. I had to earn the same qualification as the enlisted men I taught. The experiences of my family members who have chosen the military are NOT what I would want for my kids, not in a million years. If you like it, fine.

I've seen the kind of medical care my relatives' families have gotten from Tricare. Is it better than no insurance? Sure. But I've heard a great deal of negative stuff.

Would I disown my children if they joined up? Of course not. But I would actively discourage it, and it would not be something I'd be happy about.

 

[Briarmom]

And, like Tina said - the bond between other spouses is amazing. I can mention I want to blow all our family sep pay on a Coach purse and Briarmom is right there, mentioning tax-free and BAH.

There is that awesome support system again.

 

[sha_lyn]

Where on earth did I say anything about the children of military families being juvenile delinquents? I said that the families are uprooted frequently. They also have to grow up without having a parent around a great deal of the time. That's not what I would want for my children or my grand children. If you see that as a positive, super.

There are so many jobs now that require frequent moving or a parent being away. Are you against all of those too? .As for seeing it as a positive, as I said before, it is a trade off. Things like job security, good benefits, being able to travel/live in many places etc.

 

[rparmfamily]

Well said Tina!!!

 

[mattsdragon]

Ok I am wearing my Flame suit Proudly !!!!!! The commercials I see on tv mostly for the Army you know the ones ( Mom, Dad can we talk......... or the Next time your asked if you have any leadership experience........) make me sick. The only thing there doing is brainwashing kids to go give there lives in a meaningless war. I wouldn't let any child of my join anything thats going to cause them harm.........With all do respect the army is one of these places. I am work with a co-worker of my who every time she hears the word "draft" she freaks out thinking its finally going happen and they will take her only son. Honestly if there was a draft wether I have a son or not "Canada here I come". If you fought for this country and your a veteran "Thank you" I honestly mean that. However I personally wouldn't fight (unless is against aliens like in "War of the Worlds") and I wouldn't want any child of my giving there life away like that. I don't want to change this into a "Is the war in Iraq meaningless" topic but since its the only current war Is the war I will speak of. Thousands on innocent sons, daughters, husbands and wife's have died for no reason (and no freedom isn't a reason). I blame it on the brainwashing from our government that teaches Kids that if you Join the Army,Marines,Navy and whatever else there is "You'll be a better person". I blame it on how these institutions can start recruiting kids while still in High School. If my son or daughther want to be a heroe there lots of institutions that they can be a part of which more then likely will consider them Heroes. There is no need to go commit suicide half accross the world in the name of America.......Call me un patriotic I dont care.......... I am just saying I wouldnt want or condone any child of mine or myself to go join the Army. I am sure I am not the only one to feel this way ...........

You know what, don't thank me for my service. I don't want thanks from you, and I don't serve for you. I would much prefer you throw blood on me and call me a baby killer than blow smoke up my a** and tell me it's sunshine.

Honestly, it's people like you that make me not want to continue my service. I will lay my life on the line for your freedoms and liberties, but don't give me a line of crap like "oh, thank you, but. . .".

Take your kids, and go to Canada, or Iraq, or Mars, or wherever the he** you want to go, but don't spew that line of crap, and then say "oh, thanks", because there is no honesty in your tone, nor in your intent. I hope that you do have children, and they have the integrity to either express their views honestly, or better yet, realize that their parent isn't much of a role model and they choose to serve the country that gives you the freedom to insult those who put their lives on the line to allow you the ability to insult them.

 

[phorsenuf]

Fishycat...you wouldn't happen to be an incarnate of someone by any chance. I seem to remember a certain heartless person who was very insulting of the military. :

(Heartless in Vampy kind of way that is)

 

[BuckNaked]

You know what, don't thank me for my service. I don't want thanks from you, and I don't serve for you. I would much prefer you throw blood on me and call me a baby killer than blow smoke up my a** and tell me it's sunshine.

Honestly, it's people like you that make me not want to continue my service. I will lay my life on the line for your freedoms and liberties, but don't give me a line of crap like "oh, thank you, but. . .".

Take your kids, and go to Canada, or Iraq, or Mars, or wherever the he** you want to go, but don't spew that line of crap, and then say "oh, thanks", because there is no honesty in your tone, nor in your intent. I hope that you do have children, and they have the integrity to either express their views honestly, or better yet, realize that their parent isn't much of a role model and they choose to serve the country that gives you the freedom to insult those who put their lives on the line to allow you the ability to insult them.

Well said, and I agree!

Also, on the issue of pay - I really wish that people would become informed about military compensation before they start spouting off about how poorly the military is paid. A member of Congress was complaining about military pay in the Post a couple of weeks ago, talking about soldiers having to live on $15,000/year, and I just had to shake my head at her ignorance.

 

[gina2000]

This thread is so timely. Yesterday, my 13 year old asked me how I would feel if he joined the military. I gulped and thought of all the wonderful things on this thread. I told him I would be happy with whatever he chose to do as long as he did it with pride. We discussed his motivations and one was WWII and the other was the commercials on tv. He thought I'd be upset. Maybe my reaction would have been different had I not read and thought about this discussion over the last few days.

The only caveat I expressed, however, was the need to go to college first so he could enter as a commissioned officer.

Shows how life imitates bulletin boards sometimes......

 

[Nancyg56]

Well said, and I agree!

Also, on the issue of pay - I really wish that people would become informed about military compensation before they start spouting off about how poorly the military is paid. A member of Congress was complaining about military pay in the Post a couple of weeks ago, talking about soldiers having to live on $15,000/year, and I just had to shake my head at her ignorance.

I think that the pay is no where near enough for the job. I cannot remember what my DN earned in the first five years, but I know that it was not much. He was not married so he did not get the housing allowance. Now he never complained and now he is a sergeant so his pay scale is rising. I guess it is like an entry level position in any company, as you rise through the ranks your pay scale increases.

It is a shame though, that as a nation we pay a civilian contractor way more than the enlisted man standing next to him or her. I would prefer to see the men and women who are not only very skilled at what they do but also pledging to put their lives on the line to protect us make more money.

I often wonder if the lawmakers who fund our military really know what the individuals who serve need, because if they did there would never be a man or women sent without properly outfitted vehicles, helmets that need more protection or body armor that could be made stronger. And yet these same men and women are spoken about on this thread by some as less than worthy of parental approval and without the same value as those who work in other professions. Good enough to stand watch but not good enough to be respected by some people.

 

[BuckNaked]

I think that the pay is no where near enough for the job. I cannot remember what my DN earned in the first five years, but I know that it was not much. He was not married so he did not get the housing allowance. Now he never complained and now he is a sergeant so his pay scale is rising. I guess it is like an entry level position in any company, as you rise through the ranks your pay scale increases.

Exactly - you start at the bottom and (hopefully) move up. Also, even without a housing allowance, he had no housing expenses, a meal card, and all of the other benefits.

I'm not saying that military members are overpaid by any stretch. However, when I hear "A soldier's family has to live on $15,000", it bugs me because people should realize that living on $15,000 (which is only for E-1s) with free housing, food and health care is much different than living on $15,000 with none of these freebies.

It is a shame though, that as a nation we pay a civilian contractor way more than the enlisted man standing next to him or her. I would prefer to see the men and women who are not only very skilled at what they do but also pledging to put their lives on the line to protect us make more money.

Having been on both sides, both military and contractor, I see your point. However, taking the money from the contractors and giving it to the soldiers will only mean that the contractors won't do the work. And there aren't enough soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to do it, so what then?

 

[FishyCat25]

Thought I keep this thread running Why not after all Its my first thread to get so many posts

Though I am grateful for those who fought certain wars......I only feel sorry for the ones who had to or have to fight wars like Vietnam/Iraq. I don't share the views many of you pro army/navy/marines people have posted here. Your views of how people can just as easily die right here on American soil are true. I however feel my chances are greater fighting a war then going to 7-11. Someone posted about the closeness of Army wives.......Well I seen the same closeness with firefighter and police officer wives. If your fighting in Iraq now I hope and pray for your safe return. I however do not consider you a hero I actually feel sorry for you. Sorry you decided to join such a stupid ridiculous cause. I am sure that you didn't wake up one morning and say "today I will fight for this country"...Somewhere down the line something happen that caused your views to change and want to do this. Whether it was a family relative who was in the army or the commercials that tell you that you'll be a better person either way. I for one would never shed one drop of blood for this country. I refuse to be selfish and leave my parents behind, my wife, my son and my life to give it away for this country. Before you get all dramatic go check out how they treat veterans.......You think I am going to go fight for a this country? A country that as soon as I am no longer useful to it they sweep me under a rug.....Yeah Right. Thank you for fighting the wars that needed to be fought !!! In my opinion instead of going of to play G.I Joe in the army you should stay home. Home with your loved ones...Home where you can help out by being a Teacher, A Cop, a Firefighter a Nurse or a Neighbor.

 

[phorsenuf]

Thought I keep this thread running Why not after all Its my first thread to get so many posts

Though I am grateful for those who fought certain wars......I only feel sorry for the ones who had to or have to fight wards like Vietnam/Iraq. I don't share the views many of you pro army/navy/marines people have posted here. Your views of how people can just as easily die right here on American soil are true. I however feel my chances are greater fighting a war then going to 7-11. Someone posted about the closeness of Army wives.......Well I seen the same closeness with firefighter and police officer wives. If your fighting in Iraq now I hope and pray for your safe return. I however do not consider you a hero I actually feel sorry for you. Sorry you decided to join such a stupid ridiculous cause. I am sure that you didn't wake up one morning and say "today i well fight for this country"...Somewhere down the line something happen that caused your views to change and want to do this. Whether it was a family relative who was in the army or the commercials that tell you that you'll be a better person either way. I for one would never shed one drop of blood for this country. I refuse to be selfish and leave my parents behind, my wife, my son and my life to give it away for this country. Before you get all dramatic go check out how they treat veterans.......You think I am going to go fight for a this country? A country that as soon as I am no longer useful to it they sweep me under a rug.....Yeah Right. Thank you for fighting the wars that needed to be fought !!! In my opinion instead of going of to play G.I Joe in the army you should stay home. Home with your loved ones...Home where you can help out by being a Teacher, A Cop, a Firefighter a Nurse or a Neighbor.

WOW...I am beyond words. Absolutely speechless.

 

[sha_lyn]

As said before, why don't you just leave. You seem to hate this country, its people, everything it stands for
GET THE HELL OUT

 

[LaraK]

Thought I keep this thread running Why not after all Its my first thread to get so many posts

Though I am grateful for those who fought certain wars......I only feel sorry for the ones who had to or have to fight wards like Vietnam/Iraq. I don't share the views many of you pro army/navy/marines people have posted here. Your views of how people can just as easily die right here on American soil are true. I however feel my chances are greater fighting a war then going to 7-11. Someone posted about the closeness of Army wives.......Well I seen the same closeness with firefighter and police officer wives. If your fighting in Iraq now I hope and pray for your safe return. I however do not consider you a hero I actually feel sorry for you. Sorry you decided to join such a stupid ridiculous cause. I am sure that you didn't wake up one morning and say "today I will fight for this country"...Somewhere down the line something happen that caused your views to change and want to do this. Whether it was a family relative who was in the army or the commercials that tell you that you'll be a better person either way. I for one would never shed one drop of blood for this country. I refuse to be selfish and leave my parents behind, my wife, my son and my life to give it away for this country. Before you get all dramatic go check out how they treat veterans.......You think I am going to go fight for a this country? A country that as soon as I am no longer useful to it they sweep me under a rug.....Yeah Right. Thank you for fighting the wars that needed to be fought !!! In my opinion instead of going of to play G.I Joe in the army you should stay home. Home with your loved ones...Home where you can help out by being a Teacher, A Cop, a Firefighter a Nurse or a Neighbor.

I generally give threads like this, and posts like this, a wide berth. This seems to be posted with the sole desire to raise people's blood pressure and instigate a response that will allow someone the pleasure of hitting the "report" button and "getting" the person with the opposing view. I have to say, as far as inflammatory, insulting, "fighting word" posts...this takes the cake for threads and posts I've read recently.

I'm sorry that you feel the need to insult our troops like this. I'm sorry you feel the need to insult the wives of the troops that you know read here. But most of all, I'm sorry you really feel so strongly that your own country is not worth defending because, without the strength of your military, this country would not exist.

 

[FSUGrad97]

Thought I keep this thread running Why not after all Its my first thread to get so many posts

Though I am grateful for those who fought certain wars......I only feel sorry for the ones who had to or have to fight wards like Vietnam/Iraq. I don't share the views many of you pro army/navy/marines people have posted here. Your views of how people can just as easily die right here on American soil are true. I however feel my chances are greater fighting a war then going to 7-11. Someone posted about the closeness of Army wives.......Well I seen the same closeness with firefighter and police officer wives. If your fighting in Iraq now I hope and pray for your safe return. I however do not consider you a hero I actually feel sorry for you. Sorry you decided to join such a stupid ridiculous cause. I am sure that you didn't wake up one morning and say "today I will fight for this country"...Somewhere down the line something happen that caused your views to change and want to do this. Whether it was a family relative who was in the army or the commercials that tell you that you'll be a better person either way. I for one would never shed one drop of blood for this country. I refuse to be selfish and leave my parents behind, my wife, my son and my life to give it away for this country. Before you get all dramatic go check out how they treat veterans.......You think I am going to go fight for a this country? A country that as soon as I am no longer useful to it they sweep me under a rug.....Yeah Right. Thank you for fighting the wars that needed to be fought !!! In my opinion instead of going of to play G.I Joe in the army you should stay home. Home with your loved ones...Home where you can help out by being a Teacher, A Cop, a Firefighter a Nurse or a Neighbor.

Seriously, you need to stop posting as you are continuing to show your ignorance, and solidifying my view that you are posting only to stir the pot.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

Thought I keep this thread running Why not after all Its my first thread to get so many posts

Though I am grateful for those who fought certain wars......I only feel sorry for the ones who had to or have to fight wards like Vietnam/Iraq. I don't share the views many of you pro army/navy/marines people have posted here. Your views of how people can just as easily die right here on American soil are true. I however feel my chances are greater fighting a war then going to 7-11. Someone posted about the closeness of Army wives.......Well I seen the same closeness with firefighter and police officer wives. If your fighting in Iraq now I hope and pray for your safe return. I however do not consider you a hero I actually feel sorry for you. Sorry you decided to join such a stupid ridiculous cause. I am sure that you didn't wake up one morning and say "today I will fight for this country"...Somewhere down the line something happen that caused your views to change and want to do this. Whether it was a family relative who was in the army or the commercials that tell you that you'll be a better person either way. I for one would never shed one drop of blood for this country. I refuse to be selfish and leave my parents behind, my wife, my son and my life to give it away for this country. Before you get all dramatic go check out how they treat veterans.......You think I am going to go fight for a this country? A country that as soon as I am no longer useful to it they sweep me under a rug.....Yeah Right. Thank you for fighting the wars that needed to be fought !!! In my opinion instead of going of to play G.I Joe in the army you should stay home. Home with your loved ones...Home where you can help out by being a Teacher, A Cop, a Firefighter a Nurse or a Neighbor.

Is that you Vamp? Or one of your other "heartless" personalities? The "sweep me under a rug" sentence above makes me think you were in the military.
Think what you like about the military, that's your choice. Whatever. My DH, an Officer and a Gentleman, would tell me to ignore such a post as this. So bye!