Parents wont let me do ROTC. How to persuade them?

Question

I want to do ROTC in college, or at lest try it out for a few years and am applying for a scholarship. However, my family and parents will not let me do it. My dad says had to go to Vietnam so he does not like the military. However, things have changed and I really want to at least see how ROTC/the military is. Ive tried everything to persuade them to let me do it (you dont have to contract right away, only a few hours a week, you get money for college...) but they are extremely stubborn. Im not 18 yet so they have to sign my papers and other forms.

Answer 1

grow some balls and be ur own man, ur not a baby anymore do want u want to do not wat they want u to do

Answer 2

When you turn 18, do what you want.  I admire your position and I can understand your dads.  But here's the deal, you can't judge the military by one persons experience.  I spent 23 years in the Navy and am very proud of that and it was good for me.

Answer 3

wait till your 18. they most difficult thing to do is try to get people to change their minds when they are set.

Answer 4

You should listen to your father.  He has experience and wisdom that you are not yet aware of and he probably knows you better than anyone else (even though you may not realize this).

Your father is looking out for you, the military isn't.  The military just needs bodies to sacrifice in war.

Answer 5

If you're letting them pay for your college education, you say "Yes sir".

You stated your desire.  You stated your reasons.   If you've been over ruled, you've been over ruled..... by the man paying the bill.

Answer 6

wait until you are 18, then do it, too easy, dont sweat the small stuff.

Answer 7

I would recommend having your parents meet with the ROTC staff at the campus you will attend...these guys are fairly versed in overcoming parental prohibition on participating in ROTC.

You can participate in ROTC activities as a non-contracted cadet (which also means that you recieve ZERO financial benefits for participation) for up to TWO years ... this will allow you (and your parents) to see, first hand, if ROTC and military service is right for you.

Keep in mind that your dad's experience in and after Vietnam has soured his opinion on the military (a common thread amongst Vietnam-generation veterans and parents). His dislike is probably warranted, but keep in mind, today's Army is not the Army of the 1960s / 1970s.

Your Dad is your dad ... you will not always be a soldier. In the end, the choice is yours -- but the road ahead is much easier with your parents in your corner.

Answer 8

turn 17 join the marines and tell your parent to p**s off

Answer 9

Just wait until your 18 and sign up anyways. Doesn't mean you are contracted yet.You may find that you hate it. You don't have to start your freshman year.

Answer 10

so wait until you are 18.  

Answer 11

when 18 its you're life do what you want...if they don't support then that doesn't mean they will not love you...means they just don't like the decison

Answer 12

The ROTC does not mean your contracted to the military and you could not be sent to war. Explain to your father that this is a high school club, it will teach you discipline and let you get a valuable learning experience and have some fun and will not put you in danger. Also, explain to him that you are not locked into a contract like an adult soldier. I don't know why he would oppose this.

Answer 13

My son did Air Force ROTC. The AF paid for 3 years of college! You can wait until you're 18 and then on your own but beware of vindictive parental units cutting off other college money. The first two years of ROTC are generally minor classes and you don't have to commit to anything but going to class and wearing the uniform. Only real commitments are for junior and senior year AND scholarships regardless of year.

You have an important decision to make and you must really think about the relationship with your parents but they must realize that it is YOUR life, not theirs.