Wow! Over 4 hours at the recruiters office

[Serena]

Believe me, I have those worries. And it scares me to death, but all those people overseas have parents and loved ones that are scared to death.
We have given her our opinions many times before when she's brought it up, and still she's seriously thought about it.
Frankly, once she learns how not to question orders, I think she would do well.
She's a smart girl, mostly tomboy, but all girl. She's got personality out the wazoo and everyone tends to love her. Physically basic training won't be that difficult for her. Not only is she in pretty good shape already, but she loves that kind of stuff.

I am fully confident that whatever she choses to do, that she will do well in. I've never had any doubts about that. I'll just do what I've always done. Be her mom, the one she vents to, the one that puts the bandaids on when she falls.

 

[Pop Daddy]

CONGRATULATIONS,I know you must be worried but I think she is making a good decission

 

[NHAnn]

Originally posted by Serena
I am fully confident that whatever she choses to do, that she will do well in. I've never had any doubts about that. I'll just do what I've always done. Be her mom, the one she vents to, the one that puts the bandaids on when she falls.

That's why it will all work out. Sniffle sniffle.
You know I wish you both the very best Laurie!



BTW...my DD has aspirations for verterinary school too!

 

[katerkat]

Good luck with it all! ROTC can be a very good plan for college - once DH went to basic, he didn't pay for anything.

I would, however, get that non-deployment thing in WRITING! Several of DH's friends who were National Guard had to drop out of college because of deployments - even in their senior year.

 

[Serena]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts. As always, it helps a lot.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Serena
......She's a smart girl, mostly tomboy, but all girl. She's got personality out the wazoo and everyone tends to love her........

 

[mamajoan]

My SIL is a Colonel in the Army.. she told us that
the National Guard is trying to sign up people left and right..
because they have so many troops in Iraq and plan to send more.
so like I said..

Get it in writing! all of it! other wise... if it ain't in writing.. including dates, time restrictions, money, schools, if it ain't in writing it ain't gonna happen!!!

I really don't mean to be pushy or scarey.. it is just I have seen MANY kids go to the recruiter, sign up with all sorts of promises made... ie. schools and money.. only to find out after basic training that.. the school is not available so you will have to go somewhere else... for a while..
Also there is are many commands that are so shorthanded now that even if you have a assigned MOS (military job)you get reassigned to a different job.. cause your basic job in the military is to carry a gun... and to do what they tell you to do.

I am very supportive of the Armed Services.. but I just want kids to be completely informed before they make decisions...

I will say that for the most part we enjoyed my dh's military career in the Marines. It is a whole different way of life with an extended community that often becomes your extended family.

 

[Otto's Doll]

Originally posted by Serena
Oh, I'm sorry. It's the National Guard. It's not regular military.

Um, excuse me. This is in no way a flame, but as the wife of a Air National Guardsman, who has a full time position at the base, as well as being currently activated...

IT IS MOST CERTIANLY 'REGULAR' MILITARY!!!!!

(Okay, off the soap box... but that is a common assumption, and after all this time, I know just how wrong it is.)

 

[powellrj]

are they talking about Fort Sam for her AIT? Thats where my DS went for his AIT. He went to basic at Fort Leonard Wood and swore when he left he never wanted to see those places again, now he talks about them with fond memories.... Good Luck!!

 

[nativetxn]

You must be very proud of her. I know you will miss her though, if she does enlist.

 

[Cindy B]

I have to say that my entire family with the exception of me has military ties.

My sister signed up for the Air Force for the same reason --school. It took her 13 years, yes 13 years .. to complete her degree. The degree is in sociology from an obscure school. (never heard of it). Apparently the Air Force kept changing her curriculum, and since she was working full time.. had to do school part time. She wound up taking a part time AFG (reserves) job as well. (Because she wasn't making much money in the regualar air force).

Of all the branches, the Air Force seems to be the most compatible for women. (what I have seen in an unofficial survey). Yes, get everything in writing. My sister was told so many things, but didn't happen. She has not been deployed overseas (but it may be because of her three children). Her job keeps her at McGuire/Ft. Dix.

She actually left the military for a civilian job. She returned to her military job,not for the warm and fuzzy love for democracy, but for the rigidness, and practical scheduling. She loves the uniforms and the sense of knowing exactly what she is doing all the time. I wouldn't call it incredibly patriotic, but she enjoys the preciseness.

She has done recruiting, and I think the recruiters do tend to promise the world to anyone. I don't honestly think they are brutally honest with prospective recruits. They don't talk about how low the starting pay is, how diffulcult basic can be, or how challenging it is to do it all.

Saffron's advice is great. Start small with community college, and go from there. I could have done the same route of my sisters, but I chose to do it the other way. I have been paying couses in cash at community college, and have done well. Soon, I will be eleigible for scholorships. I don't want to feel like an "indentured servant", and stay in the military for obligation because they paid for school. I also didn't want to get strung along for 13 years like my sister did. Even paying cash/loans, it will take me about about 6 years to complete, and then I am not obligated to anyhone.