My parents don't like my idea of joining the military. Should I do it anyway?

Question

I have no idea what I want to do with my life but I think the military would be a good option for me. I've got it narrowed down to the Navy or the Marine Corps but I'm gonna have to wait and decide until after I talk to the recruiters. My parents think that since I am their youngest child and only daughter, that I shouldn't do it because they dont want me getting shot overseas somewhere and end up dead. Should I just forget about them and do it (I've tried persuading them, it doesnt work) or should I find something else to do with my life?

Answer 1

Most of the time women are not in combat units. It is a good way to get money for school and some good training.

Answer 2

Well, if you're an adult the choice is yours.  Do a lot of research and don't only go by what the recruiters tell you.  You could consider the Air Force since being near the shooting is a lot less likely.  That might reassure your parents.  My husband is in the AF and loves it.  It would be better to have your parents' support but ultimately the choice is yours.  

Answer 3

I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life after high school so I decided to join the Army as well.  It's been great for me so far.  

Everyone has this preconceived notion that if you go overseas, then you'll get shot or killed.  NOT TRUE.  

I am the oldest of two.  My mother wants my brother to join but he doesn't want to.  When I made my decision, my mom didn't think I would make it, but I did.

This is your first major decision as an adult.  Whatever YOU decide, your parents should respect you for it.  From this point on, you're the one who calls all the shots.  Make an adult decision for yourself for a change.  Good luck in all you do.

Answer 4

Jill,

This is a really tough decision for you to have to make.

My mom was totally against me joining. I joined the Air Force right out of high school at the tail end of Viet Nam.

Presently I have a daughter in the Army. She was living on her own and didin't discuss it with me, though she talked about it with my wife. We love her dearly, but as responsible parents, and with her being 21, she made her own decision.

As parents we will always want what's best for our children - you can't take that away from us. Sometimes, though it is really difficult, that 'being the best' is letting them go and respecting their decisions.

Oh, and Jill - I'm a retired Naval officer. I love the Marines, but GO NAVY!!

"Ranger"

Answer 5

If you are old enough to make your own decisions then go for it.

If it was not for young people joining the military then your parents would probably not be enjoying the freedoms that they are.

I cannot think of one parent who would enjoy the thought of their child getting shot serving overseas, but they also understand that freedom and democracy carry a price.

To think that your parents are prepared to enjoy and take for granted the freedoms and rights they enjoy as long as someone else is prepared to pay the price is reprehensible.

Someone has to stand on the wall, if you are prepared to do that then kudos to you, it WILL give you a good grounding in yourself , help you to grow up and give you a great platform to launch a career from.

As an employer if i had the choice of an ex service person i would take them every time.

Semper Fi

Answer 6

I don't know about the rules now, but when I joined a female had to be 21 if her parents were not willing to sign for her to join (18 if they would sign).  Be sure to ask the recruiter that question first.

Answer 7

I did ROTC for 4 years and my parents didnt know I was in ROTC untill they accidentally found out . They still arent supportive of what I do, although they pinned on my lieutenant bars.I did it with them not supporting me. They realized this is what I really want to do, and they stopped talk to me about it.

I say if you want it go for it, and god bless you... I will see you one day in the battlefield!

Answer 8

you have to do what YOU want to do parents will always worry about you no matter what you do, its your life choice choose what you feel is right either military or another career

Answer 9

Sorry, but this isn't a decision that anyone else can make for you.  It's your life and your decision.  Yes, you could get shot or worse; that's an inherent risk of the profession.  And yes, parents will always worry about that, whether or not they say so.  Don't 'forget about' them, but make the decision for yourself and for your own reasons.

Answer 10

they love u,but this is ur life and pretty sure once u join they will be supportive even though the idea was urs..good luck!!!

Answer 11

It sounds like you're thinking about going in for the same reason I did.  I just got out of 6 years in the Navy and am starting college now that I know what I want to do, and the GI bill is paying for most of it.  in 2009 the GI bill is going to be more able to fully cover the costs of college, and your military training will count for college credit to some degree.  Certain rates in the Navy aren't really deploy-able to land, and never see combat first hand, such as Nuclear rates, Gas turbine engineers hull techs, musicians mate (hard to get into) and Navy aviation rates.  Rates like HM DT CS MA and GM are more likely to deploy to overseas security duties and support of security forces.