Learned today that both of my sons have joined the army

I knew my youngest son did a few weeks ago (for those not in the know - I had not seen or spoken to my boys for 9 years, after the X died I have finally connected with two of the three of them - ages 22, 19, 17).

My oldest son will head to boot camp in a few weeks, my youngest next June after graduation.

Main reason my oldest is going in is for the job security, sign on bonus, insurance, etc.

I support their decisions, but given the climate, it of course concerns me.

They tend to be RW'ers and I am trying to have open and honest discussions with them on political matters (they tend to like rush a lot...). Given that their step dad was abusive and rw and their mom was rw I can see where they get it from.

I will be keeping a lot of info I get here on DU to share with them, but in the end they are adults (well, one will be in Feb.) and I will respect and support them in their choice.

But that doesn't mean I won't be discussing my own views with them - which is why I want to say a hearty thank you to the many here who keep posting really insightful and educational information on everything from the war to politics in general.

If the economy gets much worse I can see a lot more people signing up...

I wish you all the best.
It's a whole different Army than when we were in it, and probably just the same.
mark

this country for all of it coming to this. Hugs, honey.

There are too many ways to get differing opinions and various positions on news articles for a GI to be stupid. And, I was stupid.

Sorry, but I do think it's terrible. Honestly, I don't think the military has anything to do with "defense" or our national "security" any more, and, I'll be honest, I don't think it's a noble mission.

Still, I understand that economic times are VERY tough.

I hope they stay safe.

:hug:

I hope both of them stay out of harm's way.

:patriot:

....'fortunately' he got a very serious (and painful) ear infection in the 3rd week of basic training. He got rolled out before the end of boot camp. He spent 3 weeks confined to a building w/ a couple of other guys that had also been 'rolled out'. When he got home he went to a clinic and finally got the infection under control.


I had been stressed for months - I was thrilled to hear about the inner ear infection.


I know you respect your 2 sons wishes to join the military....
Personally I hope they get 'rolled out' and learn a trade.
:cry:

You may see this war as not being over what the media and even the president has led us to believe, if they do, it is time that will tell.

(Strangely, the more facts and truth you tell RWers, the more they believe the lies they already know.)

You should be proud of them and let them know it. I'm sure you know that and that you are.

I just hope for their sake, you're the kind that sends cookies.

"well, I am proud of you, wish you weren;t going for my own selfish reasons, but will support you in it all the way"

and told my other son I was proud of him on the phone and his decision.

Still, with the neocons in office I can't see my boys as being much but cannon fodder for their idealistic wars of greed.

I love our military, just not some of those commanding it :)

But, may I say, if I may, that being proud of his decision, and stopping there at the word decision might not sound completely honest if he knows your position on the war. It's like a blanket statement that includes some things that might not instill pride and thus diminish the expression of true pride that you do indeed feel. I'm sure that pride overflows at this point and my point should not be important at all. I guess I'm a stickler for accuracy is all, too much so by many many persons in my life.

There is so much he is doing that instills so much pride that it is hard to even try to refine such a statement. And please dismiss me if I am out of bounds. The more perfectly honest you sound (with emphasis on the word perfect), the more easily you and he will connect now and in the future. It leaves the door open more fully.

I'll join you in pride that he is responsible in considering his own self-sufficient future, brave in his approach, shows love of country/people/family&friends, and that he takes initiative to make his own decisions. (No buts needed.)

Also, suggest he gets those promises in writing. Offer room in a safe deposit box.

My Nephew is still on his third tour and he's an officer in MI so he won't coming home anytime soon.

Definitely not the time to enlist.

Thanks for letting us know!

:hug:

I'll keep all of you in my thoughts. :hug:

but she has awhile before I need to start sweating. I can't tell her I don't want her serving her country, but I'm certainly not encouraging it.

He is a junior in HS. He really wants to go to school for aerospace engineering and the Airforce ROTC is a good way in.

This makes the election all the more important to me. We must have a sane Commander in Chief.

I think your response to your boys was the right one. I hope they never see combat, but if they do, you don't want your feelings to distract them or worry them in the field. Just be as supportive as you can of them as an individual.

If they have one tenth of your character I'm sure they'll honor the uniform and be smart enough to keep themselves safe.