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

[TinkerbellMama]

ITA. Especially with the bolded line. That's such a condescending attitude to take, IMO. "Thanks for your help but it really wasn't needed." I'm sure that makes the military men and women just feel great.

That makes NO sense to me. Surely there have been times in your life when help was offered to you, but not needed. You probably politely thanked the person or people involved and thought he or she (or they) was a very nice human being for reaching out to help you, even though you didn't really need (or want) that help. Hasn't that EVER happened to you?

Not everyone thinks our foreign policy is a good one, and not everyone agrees with the way our military is run. Some people think both are terrible. Some people think both are great. Some like one, but not the other. It doesn't mean we can't ALL respect BRAVE PEOPLE who are doing what they feel is honorable and putting their lives on the line to do it. There are a lot of things I believe in that most people don't...guess I shouldn't be surprised if I get no respect as a person, then, since apparently it's not possible to respect a person but NOT their ideals. And all these years I've been doing it wrong! Who knew?

 

[cccm]

I would be proud if my DD, DNieces or DNephews decided to join any branch of the military. I would support them fully.

I think the military is an excellent career choice.

 

[va32h]

That makes NO sense to me. Surely there have been times in your life when help was offered to you, but not needed. You probably politely thanked the person or people involved and thought he or she (or they) was a very nice human being for reaching out to help you, even though you didn't really need (or want) that help. Hasn't that EVER happened to you?

Of course - but on those occasions you just say "thank you" not "thanks, but I didn't actually need (or want) your help".

 

[kctwinmommy]

My husband is one of those brainwashed people. I don't know how or why I'm proud but I guess it's because he isn't my child. He has been in 10 years and been to Iraq twice and getting ready for a third tour and still has all 10 toes and fingers and all his head parts. He is a college educated man who is choosing to stay in. No, he doesn't go around killing babies and maiming elderly people.

One last thing and I'm done with this. My husband's family isn't that thrilled or proud of his service. They do not send him cards or goodie boxes when deployed and can hardly be bothered to talk to him on the phone when he calls from 10k miles away. His job, to them, is a job with the name on the shirt and just not good enough. I wonder if they ever wonder why my husband can't be bothered enough to go see his family or pretty much has dropped all contact. I guess I was raised weird. I was raised that family is family to the end and you are proud that they are productive adults doing the American Way as long as nothing illegal is involved. Some of these mighty additudes are going to get a major wake up call some day with out when their child realizes that unconditonal love and support only happens if done they way the parent wants.

Well said Tina!!

And I'm sorry to hear that your DH's family doesn't support him!! That's just awful! But I'm glad that he obviously has a wonderful, loving and supportive wife like you!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Of course - but on those occasions you just say "thank you" not "thanks, but I didn't actually need (or want) your help".

Basically.

I guess it's just the way you said it Tinkerbelle Mama. Maybe it was the way you worded it that it just came off as really condescending, like you were talking to a 5 year old. "Thanks honey but that's really not necessary." I guess you're right though, as someone who is very supportive of the military (my dad was in the Army for 22 years, grandpa served and various other family members and friends) it IS hard for me to understand how someone could be so against them. I feel they are an important part of our country and while this war may not be honorable, their service IS. And it's hard for me to get how someone could look down on that as a bad thing. I respect your opinion, I just don't understand it and probably never will.

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

My husband is one of those brainwashed people. I don't know how or why I'm proud but I guess it's because he isn't my child. He has been in 10 years and been to Iraq twice and getting ready for a third tour and still has all 10 toes and fingers and all his head parts. He is a college educated man who is choosing to stay in. No, he doesn't go around killing babies and maiming elderly people.

Over one million soliders, sailors, marines, and airmen have rotated in and out of Iraq since 2003. Yes the 3000+ casualities are horrible but you take the number compared to number of people roated in and out and you find statiscally that you are more likely to die in an automobile crash than in Iraq.

BTW, lets talk about a little forgotten war in Afghanstain. Is that a just war? A reason for someone to be proud of the child serving in a war? I don't get the idea that some believe that a war can be picked or what reasons are just for war. What would happen if there were not brave, selfless people willing to protect this country and our freedoms?

One last thing and I'm done with this. My husband's family isn't that thrilled or proud of his service. They do not send him cards or goodie boxes when deployed and can hardly be bothered to talk to him on the phone when he calls from 10k miles away. His job, to them, is a job with the name on the shirt and just not good enough. I wonder if they ever wonder why my husband can't be bothered enough to go see his family or pretty much has dropped all contact. I guess I was raised weird. I was raised that family is family to the end and you are proud that they are productive adults doing the American Way as long as nothing illegal is involved. Some of these mighty additudes are going to get a major wake up call some day with out when their child realizes that unconditonal love and support only happens if done they way the parent wants.

WONDERFUL post, Tina. Very well said. I'm sorry about your DH's family though. That's just not right

 

[christineann]

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature who can never be free unless made and kept so by the exertions of men better than himself."
Lt. General Colby M. Broadwater, III during a Veterans Day service at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, Charleston, SC

 

[MrsPete]

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 ...........

Yes, if my child were to decide to join the military, I would be proud and supportive of her.

You make it sound as if going to war = certain death; that is far from the truth. In fact, if I were 18 and just out of high school again, I would do a stint in the military. I don't think I'd be particularly cut out for it, though I'd give it my best -- but I'd do it for the GI bill and other incentives. The military is a great option for an 18- year old who doesn't have money or desire for college, but who also doesn't want to work at Walmart all his life. One of my brothers fit this mold perfectly, and he absolutely came back more mature, well trained for the work force (he makes more money than I do, though he has no college degree), and -- yes -- a better person.

By the way, at 18 my husband was turned away by the military (he has a minor disability that prevented him from serving), and I think he's still a little sad about that at age 42.

I hope you enjoy your flamesuit and realize that you only have it -- and all your other rights -- only because of men (and women in more recent years) who've fought for that freedom. You have your right to your opinion, and I know you are not alone in it, but it is blatantly selfish.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature who can never be free unless made and kept so by the exertions of men better than himself."
Lt. General Colby M. Broadwater, III during a Veterans Day service at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul, Charleston, SC

Give me a break. It's crazy to say that people who are against war stand for nothing but themselves. I'm actually SICKENED that anyone would believe that.

 

[kctwinmommy]

The military is a great option for an 18- year old who doesn't have money or desire for college, but who also doesn't want to work at Walmart all his life. One of my brothers fit this mold perfectly, and he absolutely came back more mature, well trained for the work force (he makes more money than I do, though he has no college degree), and -- yes -- a better person.

This is exactly what my brother was like too! He was not a student by any means, hated school. So he was 17 when he did the delayed enlistment in the Navy. He retired last summer, just 3 weeks after his 38th birthday, as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy. And any Navy vets will tell you that's not an easy achievement! Now he's got all his retiree benefits and got hired on the spot for a job related to his mechanical field a few weeks after he retired. Not sure exactly what he does now, but he works for Mohawk Carpeting (one of their factories) and he's actually been promoted twice since being there last August! He owns 20+ acres in NC, is wife trains horses, they have their own training facility and stables, and he's doing pretty darn good for himself.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Basically.

I guess it's just the way you said it Tinkerbelle Mama. Maybe it was the way you worded it that it just came off as really condescending, like you were talking to a 5 year old. "Thanks honey but that's really not necessary."

Huh? I wasn't the person who said that.

 

[katerkat]

Well, I would be disappointed that 18 years as an Air Force brat didn't teach my son that the Air Force is a FAR, FAR easier life than the Army. (And, actually, 22 years because he IS going to college and he can decide to enlist or get an officer's commission afterward.)

Honestly, if you want to fly, I can't think of a better way than through the Air Force. My husband wasn't brainwashed by the government to join up. He made an educated decision to get himself in the front seat of a plane. He started ROTC before 9/11, but was in the first graduating class after it. Not that 9/11 would have changed his mind about anything. He's flown support for both OIF and OEF. In fact, he's leaving very soon for his SEVENTH deployment in less than three years.

I think he's a better person - I could NEVER do what he does. I don't think he's committing suicide for no reason - even though, guess what, I don't exactly support the war in Iraq! It's his decision to make, not mine.

ETA: to clarify which HE is my son and which HE is my husband!

 

[letterdavidman]

Haven't read through the thread yet, but I'll answer your question: Abso-freaking-LUTEly I would be proud of them! I'm proud of anyone who has the desire to serve their country in the armed services at any time, but I'm especially proud of anyone who is fighting the good fight in this current quagmire. They do it to protect me and mine, and the men and women serving in the armed forces are, by and large, above reproach.

Now, the administration that got us into this, on the other hand... well, that's another thread.

 

[TurboKitty]

If my son were to enlist in the Marine Corps, I'd be very proud of his honoring the tradition set by the men in his family, and scared spitless. Great-grandafther was a marine, was awarded a purple heart. Grandpa was a marine, was awarded two purple hearts and a bronze star with valor. Dad (my DH) was a marine, saw no real combat. Was in Eygpt for that little Quadaffi thing, got out with honorable discharge.

If my son enlists in the Air Force, I'll be very proud and scared on his behalf.

If my son chooses to enlist in any another branch of the military, I'll be very proud of him, and afraid of what the men in the family may do to him.

Whether or not I agree with the current war has absolutely nothing to do with how I feel about the military. I know that an enlistment does not equal certain death or "suicide halfway across the world in the name of America."

Consider me as another who politely disagrees with what you say, but is glad I am a part of a family that helped fight for your right as an American to say it.

 

[letterdavidman]

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 ...........

I just have to say--I thought the part about the fighting of the aliens was the best!

 

[HomeSweetDisney]

Huh? I wasn't the person who said that.

I wasn't quoting anyone I was just using an example. But you were basically saying that you appreciated it but you didn't support it or think it was necessary. Or something to that effect, I apologize if I've got it wrong.

 

[Forevryoung]

My boyfriend's son is 18 and will be entering the Coast Guard as of the beginning of October. All paperwork is signed.

He wanted to be a Navy SEAL (and definitely has the requirements for it) but my boyfriend, while proud, was definitely afraid. So a few people suggested the Coast Guard instead.

My boyfriend's brother is in the Coast Guard as a career and there are only 3 males in about 6 generations that have not joined the armed forces at some point in time, even if they didn't go off to war. It is important in their family to serve their country. And yes, the family has experienced casualties and permanent disabilities due to their service.

 

[rparmfamily]

Wow, I'm saddened that so many people think so little of our military.

Some people join because they want to and are proud to, it's a calling. Otherwise, why would they stay for a job that doesn't pay the best and is very risky? Pure love for their country and knowing they do something very important.

 

[gina2000]

Either you believe in serving your country, your state, your community or you don't. You needn't agree with the philosophy behind a deployment to support and be proud of the VOLUNTEER members of the service who risk their lives. Unfortunately, your post says alot more about you than you think.

I would never stop a child from pursuing a noble profession despite the inherent risks associated with it. It's not my choice. It is his/hers. And while I would privately mourn in fear, I would be publically supportive and proud. That's what parents do.

Being subjected to a draft is more problematic than volunteering. Our freedom is precious to us; what price will we pay if we deny the need to defend it? Take a trip abroad and see what life may hold for you under a dictatorship regime. It's an eye-opening experience.

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Read my signature. That's my 20 year-old brother fighting over there... and yes, we are all extermely proud of him. He volunteered not becuase he wanted to fight or because he agreed with the war, but becuase my family has a long history of service to this nation... and that is something he wanted to be a part of from the time he was a young child. Unfortunately, that meant a time of war. And it is war over there. Don't ever kid yourself.

And the media reporters are scoundrels. Both my parents are physicians for the VA. One of their patients is THE man who saved Bob Woodruff. Do you think that there is any mention of it in, "Iraq and Back?" No. None. And not even mentioned in the media blitz to support the book. That man is paralyzed because he was given orders to protect Woodruff... and jumped on top of him during the attack that killed nearly the entire unit. Again, no mention in book.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ervaMPt4Ha0