I'm not sure of what I'm supposed to think, or do, if anything. My boy, who is as big of idiot as his dad, had been babbeling about growing up and moving out. Being enrolled in the community college, I thought yeah, in a year or two, and didn't think much of it.
Today, he pulls in with a Marine recruiter and picked up some stuff to go to get his physical. I am in full belief the war was the right thing to do. I believe the kid is capable of handeling himself on any street in the US, but I'm aprehensive about the way things are being conducted over there. I also believe recruiters will tell anybody anything to get a kid to sign. Any words of wisdom or warnings I'm supposed to know? or more importantly, pass on.
Just tell the boy you're proud of him, and pray. Down the road, a salute from you at the appropriate moment would be something he would remember forever.
He has chosen the right branch. The transformation will amaze you and make you prouder than you thought possible. Semper Fi!
Ah Kids. They will make you gray haired.
Seriously, I think that when they get to a certain age they can make their own decisions about their lives. Mine are 36 and 40 now and both of them made many good choices and some bad ones when in their teens and twentys. But it is their lives and we get to make our own mistakes.
I too am proud of our young people and I rest assured that the furure is in good hands. Your son is a credit to his parents. We are all pulling for him to come home safe and sound but hopefully, wiser.
Just tell him you are proud of him and give him our thanks for his sacrifices.
WHOA! Reading the wisedom in the comments of tomdavid, ceesthadees and others (but not Bernie ;)), I must say that I'm pleased to be sharing the track with you guys.
Baltobuell, please accept these comments form a guy who's done 20 years in the world's finest Navy. With a good number of these years on the "green side of the house" in support of, or working with, the Marines.
Like the others have said, be proud of your son. He apparently has a good set of values. Too bad though he didn't discuss this decision w/ you ahead of time so you could try get some written MOS guarantees up front (though this is harder w/ the Corps due to their mandated small size).
If your son is willing to listen to you on this subject, you may wish to steer him toward certain MOSs that may keep him further from harm's way (or at least will take a year or so before he's completed his training (e.g., language intel or aviation mechanics)). That may settle some of your worries.
But if he's out to kick ass and take names, then, again, continue to love him and be proud. He's gonna become part of one of the toughest and closest knit band of brothers that I've come across.
H-man
In talking with him when he got home, he said he won't even be leaving for a year? Nothing that boy says makes any sence to me.
Oh, and yes he's the type to bansi. On vacation when people jump off a cliff into the water, he has to do a flip. During senior week in OC, 2 guys pushed him down and asked for his wallet, he pulled out a knife and told them to come get it. I can't in a million years see him joining to go to school to fix engines. His intention with college was to be a gym teacher. It's very possible he'll accel as a Marine and fit right in. I am proud, but he's certainly adding to the grey. Thanks everybody for the input. Last night, with it being kind of a suprise, I didn't really know what to think. I guess letting go is about all there is to do. :'( :)
my son wants to do the same. as an x marine and drill instructor i still worry about him being sent off. they have to make there own way in life. a recruiter shaped my life. he pointed me toward the MOS i am involed in today.
QuoteIn talking with him when he got home, he said he won't even be leaving for a year? Nothing that boy says makes any sence to me.
Yeah, that could be true. at least 6 weeks of basic training, then there's technical training. That varies by job position. There's always down time, because the military runs on "hurry up and wiat" as well as donuts. ;) So now it should make a bit more sense.
marine boot camp = 13 weeks
Hey Alexa, I took it to mean that Baltobuell's son was saying he had a one year delayed entry for reporting. One year ??? Now that doesn't make sense.
But if as you interpretted it, he's talking about 1 year before going OCONUS (little military lingo there), then your'e right. With basic, then AIT and whatever else he may be eligible for, it could be a while. But, you never know with Uncle. I've known physicians who completed med. school but were held up from going to residency training until they served as a GMO (general medical officer) aboard a ship, as a Bn Surgeon, or where ever there was a pressing need. The young man may be "guaranteed" a school, but that's always based on need and space available. He could be told, "yeah we'll send you there after this tour."
H.
Well, in my frustration with trying to get the straight scoop from him, I called the recuiter myself. He's signed up to go in May. The idea was to let him go to community college for this year.
OK that made sence. But the goof put in his MOS he wants to be a driver. So I ask him, WTF, why spend the time to go to college, then aspire to be a driver. .....blank stare..... Well, he'll be around a while longer, unless he changes something else. I am glad they look out for each other cause he shouldn't be wandering out there alone.