So, today we talked to a recruiter...

[phall0106]

For some time now, Hallboy's been talking about joining the Air Force. He's brought it up here and there throughout the past two years, but I've never been sure how serious he was, and if it was the video games talking, or if it was something he was seriously considering. I've been telling him to set an appointment with a recuiter so we both can go in and talk to him, and that's what he did. This afternoon we met with a recuiter.

I've done a lot of homework about the AF. My son-in-law is an AF recruiter, and I hear a lot of second hand information from my daughter. Both my parents were in and my brother served for awhile. My mom's second husband was in for a long time before he passed away. I know what he's getting himself into, or at least I have a good idea. I just wasn't sure he did.

While we were there, he filled out his application, completed the paperwork for a Voter's ID card, and registered for Select Service. He also took the pre ASFAB test, on which he scored pretty well.

Next week, he goes to take the ASFAB.

And suddenly this is looking a lot more serious.

[moejoe]

When my son was in high school he decided that he wanted to enlist in the Marines after graduation and I, as his mother, put the big kibosh on that idea. I was thinking there's no way I'm going to let my baby...nation at war...blah blah, I'm sure you've had those fears too.

Looking back I can see that I should have at least really talked to him about it rather than shutting him down. I come from generations of military men, and I'm proud of them all, but my fear wouldn't let me listen. Since he graduated he hasn't really had any focus or plans, he seems depressed, aimless. I hope he'll find something that engages him soon.

I still think going into the military now is a scary and dangerous thing, but in retrospect I think he would have made a great Marine. Kudos to you for being brave enough to listen with an open mind.

[The Great Sun Jester]

Originally Posted by moejoe

Looking back I can see that I should have at least really talked to him about it rather than shutting him down. I come from generations of military men, and I'm proud of them all, but my fear wouldn't let me listen.

"parents don't want what's best for you, they want you to be safe."

OP: Exciting and terrifying? Not so much for the military choice, perhaps, as for the reality of the situation: responsibility for Hallboy's life is shifting out of your hands. Completely.

I've served, and I've got 4 kids.

The youngest is all macho and bravado and already knows what he wants to do when he turns 18 (in like 7 more years). I have that much time to get him to realize the life of a soldier is not Call of Duty, but the potential for adventure, adrenaline, and a demise ranging from instantaneous to considerably less so is certainly real nevertheless. He wants to go infantry.

My oldest is 16, brilliant and beautiful, and desperately wants some reality and purpose before jumping from high school to college. I can't say as I blame her. She wants to go Army as well and I daresay she'd do very well if her mother doesn't kill her between signup and shipout. I have to wonder if she wouldn't be happier feeding and vaccinating 3rd world children rather than waging war on them.

The middle two? Yeah, their fates are on some other road.

[phall0106]

Inigo Montoya, you hit it: Exciting and terrifying. Not so much for the military choice, perhaps, as for the reality of the situation: responsibility for Hallboy's life is shifting out of my hands. Completely.

It's apparently "lit a fire under his ass" as Hallgirl said. Since the recruiter told him (this afternoon) that while not having his driver's license wouldn't disqualify him to serve, it may limit his options as to what he's qualified to do, he's filled out the paperwork to take his learner's permit, and has called his physician's office to schedule an appointment for the physical (required for the permit test). I told him I'd take him for the test on Saturday (his drs. appt is Friday) if he studied between now and then.

And I believe I hear the printer upstairs, printing out the permit application...

[August West]

Since your son-in-law is a recruiter, I suggest you talk to him about what is and isn't possible to be written into your son's contract.

Most recruiters don't want the recruitees to know about incentives, bonuses, or guarantees that can be included. For example, in the Navy I believe you can have your first duty assignment guaranteed, perhaps the USAF allows for that as well?

And remember, if it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.

[Loach]

Air force? Could be worse. He could be joining the military.

[phall0106]

Originally Posted by August West

Since your son-in-law is a recruiter, I suggest you talk to him about what is and isn't possible to be written into your son's contract.

Most recruiters don't want the recruitees to know about incentives, bonuses, or guarantees that can be included. For example, in the Navy I believe you can have your first duty assignment guaranteed, perhaps the USAF allows for that as well?

And remember, if it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.

Thanks for the reminder! When we get to that point, we'll make sure everything we can gets included.

[Loach]

Originally Posted by August West

Since your son-in-law is a recruiter, I suggest you talk to him about what is and isn't possible to be written into your son's contract.

Most recruiters don't want the recruitees to know about incentives, bonuses, or guarantees that can be included. For example, in the Navy I believe you can have your first duty assignment guaranteed, perhaps the USAF allows for that as well?

And remember, if it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.

I would say that is the exact opposite of my experience. The vast majority of applicants that recruiters see are not qualified for various reasons. In order to get someone qualified to sign they will tell them everything that is available to them. Its not like they get a cut of the money saved if they sign him without a bonus. All they care about is getting him in.

In recent years a lot of bonuses and incentives have been cut.

[August West]

Originally Posted by Loach

I would say that is the exact opposite of my experience. The vast majority of applicants that recruiters see are not qualified for various reasons. In order to get someone qualified to sign they will tell them everything that is available to them. Its not like they get a cut of the money saved if they sign him without a bonus. All they care about is getting him in.

In recent years a lot of bonuses and incentives have been cut.

Good to know, I joined the Navy in 1992 and they were definitely not interested in having me limit their options by adding anything to the contract.

[oreally]

Originally Posted by moejoe

I still think going into the military now is a scary and dangerous thing

In most cases, not really. No offense but talking about "going into the military" is pointless because it's far too vague. Which service you select and what job you select/get makes a HUGE diff. Also going in enlisted or not. etc etc.

Originally Posted by August West

Most recruiters don't want the recruitees to know about incentives, bonuses, or guarantees that can be included. For example, in the Navy I believe you can have your first duty assignment guaranteed, perhaps the USAF allows for that as well?

Not unless they've changed it in the last few years. I think even getting a guaranteed job is a lot harder than it used to be.

And remember, if it's not in the contract, it doesn't exist.

Bingo. Knowing a recruiter is a big plus here.

Originally Posted by Loach

Air force? Could be worse. He could be joining the military.

lol

What you say in jest I say is largely true, on both counts. You wanna sleep in tents and the mud, knock yourself out. I prefer a dorm room near the pool.

[Boyo Jim]

Your son wants to be a pilot, right? Did you ask if he can be a pilot without a college degree? Also, even if there is a route to being a pilot without a degree, how many such pilots get through such a route?

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

No.

No-no-no.

Get him into the Coast Guard, & (mostly) out of geopolitical chess games.

He can serve his country, just fine, at home.

[SnakesCatLady]

[hijack] You have to take a physical to get a learner's permit? Wow. Things sure have changed in (number deleted) years. [/hijack]

[Loach]

Originally Posted by Boyo Jim

Your son wants to be a pilot, right? Did you ask if he can be a pilot without a college degree? Also, even if there is a route to being a pilot without a degree, how many such pilots get through such a route?

The only service you can be a pilot in without a degree is the Army. It is possible but difficult to get selected as a Warrant Officer pilot without a degree. All the other services require a degree and a commission.

Originally Posted by Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor

No.

No-no-no.

Get him into the Coast Guard, & (mostly) out of geopolitical chess games.

He can serve his country, just fine, at home.

Or maybe this adult is going to make his own decision and his parents can give advice and support but can't "get him into" anything. Don't try pushing him towards or away anything unless you want him to leave under a cloud of anger or resentment.

ETA I also saw Coasties during both of my deployments. They don't always stay at home.

[Boyo Jim]

Originally Posted by Loach

The only service you can be a pilot in without a degree is the Army. It is possible but difficult to get selected as a Warrant Officer pilot without a degree. All the other services require a degree and a commission...

I know that. But just a couple of weeks ago the OP did another thread about the same subject, and said her son's goal was to be a pilot. I posted the info about the AF requirements, but I don't know if they sunk in.

[echo7tango]

When he takes the ASVAB (and this'll sound obvious), make sure he gets plenty of sleep the night before, and a good breakfast the morning of. This test determines what MOSs he will be eligible to enter (and I think it's ASVAB, not ASFAB). Screw the pooch here, and he's screwed himself.

Originally Posted by Loach

Air force? Could be worse. He could be joining the military.

Ha ha, funny. I'm right there, too, with inter-service jokes. When we wear the uniform, we're all part of a team. Each service has its mission, and the missions are different. Not everyone can be the quarterback or running back or wide receiver. Some of us are an offensive tackle, some are a defensive nose tackle, and some are the kicker. Even in the Marines, 1 of 10 is infantry, and the other 9 of us like cooks and clerks and pilots and drivers, our mission is to support the infantry: INFANTRY IS KING. I was artillery. Each of us has our role.

Good luck to you, HallMama, and please thank HallBoyBecomingHallMan from all of us, for serving our country, and for serving us.

Happy Fourth, all, and Semper Fidelis.

[Lucretia]

Originally Posted by Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor

No.

No-no-no.

Get him into the Coast Guard, & (mostly) out of geopolitical chess games.

He can serve his country, just fine, at home.

I am a USAF operating room nurse, currently in Afghanistan, intimately acquainted with what explosives and ammunition do to the bodies of strong young men, and this. One million times, this. And moejoe? Please be assured you did absolutely the right thing. Far, far better to be a bit aimless, and have all of your limbs.

[Loach]

Originally Posted by Lucretia

I am a USAF operating room nurse, currently in Afghanistan, intimately acquainted with what explosives and ammunition do to the bodies of strong young men, and this. One million times, this. And moejoe? Please be assured you did absolutely the right thing. Far, far better to be a bit aimless, and have all of your limbs.

And I've been wearing the uniform since 1989 and wouldn't trade it for anything. Again, a parent can not make the decision for their adult child.

[gunnergoz]

Originally Posted by Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor

No.

No-no-no.

Get him into the Coast Guard, & (mostly) out of geopolitical chess games.

He can serve his country, just fine, at home.

As long as your definition of "home" includes whatever war zone the US happens to be involved in at the time.
http://windcheckmagazine.com/index.p...ort&Itemid=379

[Lucretia]

Originally Posted by Loach

And I've been wearing the uniform since 1989 and wouldn't trade it for anything. Again, a parent can not make the decision for their adult child.

I first got into a uniform in 1986, and are ya sure, not for anything? Not your legs, or arms, or any combination of those plus your genitals? How about your face, or maybe the ability to shit in something other than a bag hanging off your belly? Because I see kids all day, every day that would happily trade their uniforms to get those back.

[TruCelt]

I don't have any detailed information about the Air Force. But FWIW I can say that I grew up surrounded by military types, and still am to this day. Of all the services, people in the Air Force seem to have the best quality of life. They always seem to be the happiest people.

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

Originally Posted by Loach

The only service you can be a pilot in without a degree is the Army. It is possible but difficult to get selected as a Warrant Officer pilot without a degree. All the other services require a degree and a commission.



Or maybe this adult is going to make his own decision and his parents can give advice and support but can't "get him into" anything. Don't try pushing him towards or away anything unless you want him to leave under a cloud of anger or resentment.

ETA I also saw Coasties during both of my deployments. They don't always stay at home.

Originally Posted by gunnergoz

As long as your definition of "home" includes whatever war zone the US happens to be involved in at the time.
http://windcheckmagazine.com/index.p...ort&Itemid=379

Odds are that a Coast Guard member will never see those shores.

[phall0106]

We've attempted to meet with a USCG recruiter, but no luck thus far. Seriously, trying to pin this guy down for an appointment is harder than catching a greased hog. Plus, rumor has it that the USCG is one of the most difficult to get into. I'd prefer USCG, but it's not my decision.

At this point, Hallboy is aware that he'll need a Bachelors degree to fly--but also that if he qualifies, the Air Force will pay for that degree and the training.

Lucretia, thanks for sharing your experience. I think of the possibilities of what could happen to my son every single day, and that includes some of what you've seen in your own experience. There's a radio ad that's been playing recently for paralized veterans, and every time I hear it, my stomach clenches. I can't help but read articles I come across about servicemen and women who come back in body bags or with missing limbs, missing minds or worse. There's a whole big world out there that's waiting for an opportunity to fuck over anyone who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. I can't protect my kid from that--in the service or out of it. But what I can do is make sure he's very aware of his options--and that includes all of them--and is educated about the benefits and risks. The ultimate decision is his.

[Glory]

My dad enlisted in the Air Force, served 3 years, got a degree, went to officer candidate school and became an Air Force pilot (C5s, C130s). He retired a full Colonel. So...it can happen!

My dad seemed to greatly enjoy his career in the Air Force, he has amazing friends all over the place and they always seemed to have great parties and stories. It led to a great after-AF career at a defense contractor (where he recently retired, again).

[Bosda Di'Chi of Tricor]

Originally Posted by phall0106

We've attempted to meet with a USCG recruiter, but no luck thus far. Seriously, trying to pin this guy down for an appointment is harder than catching a greased hog. Plus, rumor has it that the USCG is one of the most difficult to get into. I'd prefer USCG, but it's not my decision.

At this point, Hallboy is aware that he'll need a Bachelors degree to fly--but also that if he qualifies, the Air Force will pay for that degree and the training.

Lucretia, thanks for sharing your experience. I think of the possibilities of what could happen to my son every single day, and that includes some of what you've seen in your own experience. There's a radio ad that's been playing recently for paralized veterans, and every time I hear it, my stomach clenches. I can't help but read articles I come across about servicemen and women who come back in body bags or with missing limbs, missing minds or worse. There's a whole big world out there that's waiting for an opportunity to fuck over anyone who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. I can't protect my kid from that--in the service or out of it. But what I can do is make sure he's very aware of his options--and that includes all of them--and is educated about the benefits and risks. The ultimate decision is his.

CG has pilots, too.

[Loach]

Originally Posted by Lucretia

I first got into a uniform in 1986, and are ya sure, not for anything? Not your legs, or arms, or any combination of those plus your genitals? How about your face, or maybe the ability to shit in something other than a bag hanging off your belly? Because I see kids all day, every day that would happily trade their uniforms to get those back.

I am still wearing the uniform. It has always been a possibility that I could come to harm doing it. And I still do. And I've always been in Combat Arms. Another Afghanistan deployment is probably around the corner. I could have gotten out long ago. I'm past retirement age. I'm still here.

[Loach]

There are dangerous jobs in the Coast Guard. Going after drug dealers in the Caribbean. Search and rescue in the North Sea. There are a lot of jobs in the Air Force that are not dangerous. Probably most. Unless my child went into some very specific jobs in the AF I would not be worried any more than if he was off on his own at college. I kid my Air Force brothers and I do understand they have an important job to do. But please don't over react and think its the same as the Infantry guy on patrol or kicking in doors. Very few AF jobs have any where near that kind of danger. Those jobs do exist but they are rare compared to the entire service and usually you have to volunteer and work towards those positions.

[phall0106]

Originally Posted by Loach

There are dangerous jobs in the Coast Guard. Going after drug dealers in the Caribbean. Search and rescue in the North Sea. There are a lot of jobs in the Air Force that are not dangerous. Probably most. Unless my child went into some very specific jobs in the AF I would not be worried any more than if he was off on his own at college. I kid my Air Force brothers and I do understand they have an important job to do. But please don't over react and think its the same as the Infantry guy on patrol or kicking in doors. Very few AF jobs have any where near that kind of danger. Those jobs do exist but they are rare compared to the entire service and usually you have to volunteer and work towards those positions.

I have specifically asked Hallboy to not include Gunner as one of his requested jobs.

[oreally]

Originally Posted by echo7tango

Not everyone can be the quarterback or running back or wide receiver.

True. Only the AF has the brains to be the QB.

Soldiers are, needless to say, lineman.

Originally Posted by Loach

Very few AF jobs have any where near that kind of danger.

Few jobs in the Army, Navy or MC do either. The majority of jobs in ALL services are not combat-specific.

[Alessan]

Originally Posted by Loach

The only service you can be a pilot in without a degree is the Army. It is possible but difficult to get selected as a Warrant Officer pilot without a degree. All the other services require a degree and a commission.

They teach piloting in college?

[Boyo Jim]

Originally Posted by Alessan

They teach piloting in college?

Some universities have flight schools associated with them, but for civilian licences, not AFAIK for military pilot training.

[Alessan]

Originally Posted by Boyo Jim

Some universities have flight schools associated with them, but for civilian licences, not AFAIK for military pilot training.

Then why do pilots need to go to college?

[Boyo Jim]

Originally Posted by phall0106

...
At this point, Hallboy is aware that he'll need a Bachelors degree to fly--but also that if he qualifies, the Air Force will pay for that degree and the training....

Just make sure he understands this means a VERY long commitment, even if he does qualify. You should find out how long he will have to be in the Air Force to get through this, and what options there are for getting out earlier if he doesn't qualify.

[Boyo Jim]

Originally Posted by Alessan

Then why do pilots need to go to college?

You got me -- all I know is that when I went to UI-Urbana in the 70s, it had a flight school. Perhaps is was associated with some kind of aeronautical degree, or perhaps it was an elaborate and pricey extra-curricular program. Where I live now, in Madison, WI the university supports programs that teach sailing, life saving, etc.

[Erdosain]

Originally Posted by Alessan

Then why do pilots need to go to college?

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it because pilots are officers and officers have college degrees?

[Boyo Jim]

Originally Posted by Alessan

Then why do pilots need to go to college?

Originally Posted by Erdosain

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it because pilots are officers and officers have college degrees?

Sorry, my first answer misinterpreted your question, and I think that Erdosain got it right. A degree is certainly not required for civilian pilots. Also, my guess is that a HUGE number of kids who go into the military dream of becoming pilots, so the military can be very picky about who they train for it. A college degree represents the ability to at least maintain some longer-term goals and a willingness to jump through hoops on command, if nothing more, and those are certainly useful traits for the military.

[oreally]

Originally Posted by Erdosain

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it because pilots are officers and officers have college degrees?

exactly

Originally Posted by Boyo Jim

Sorry, my first answer misinterpreted your question, and I think that Erdosain got it right. A degree is certainly not required for civilian pilots. Also, my guess is that a HUGE number of kids who go into the military dream of becoming pilots, so the military can be very picky about who they train for it. A college degree represents the ability to at least maintain some longer-term goals and a willingness to jump through hoops on command, if nothing more, and those are certainly useful traits for the military.

It's not about "being picky." Only officers can become pilots, period.

[Boyo Jim]

Originally Posted by oreally

exactly



It's not about "being picky." Only officers can become pilots, period.

Of course it is. Part of being picky is saying pilots have to be officers, and part of being picky is that saying officers need a college degree. I'm not saying this is wrong, I'm saying they can afford to be picky when there are probably far more applicants than there are slots available.

I'm not sure how universal the "pilots must be officers" thing is, though I know that the RAF had sergeant pilots during WWII, and I think the first one as well. It wouldn't surprise me if this is no longer the case.

[Alessan]

Originally Posted by Boyo Jim

I'm not sure how universal the "pilots must be officers" thing is, though I know that the RAF had sergeant pilots during WWII, and I think the first one as well. It wouldn't surprise me if this is no longer the case.

I think "pilots must be officers" is pretty much universal, but "officers must be college graduates" isn't.

[RandMcnally]

Originally Posted by phall0106

I have specifically asked Hallboy to not include Gunner as one of his requested jobs.

Yeah, my parents wouldn't sign my paperwork to get into the Army. They would only let me go into the military if I went Air Force. So I did.

I was a helicopter gunner with over 60 flights.

As I was freezing my balls off in Iraq on Christmas Eve I thought to myself, "yeah, I sure showed them."


Oh, and don't be surprised if your kid doesn't get a signing bonus or anything. I don't think Air Force even does that. Air Force recruiters don't really even have to work hard; they're usually turning people away. Hell, the AF is doing whatever it can to get a lot of already enlisted out. Despite being in a war they don't need people.

[Nava]

Originally Posted by Boyo Jim

Your son wants to be a pilot, right? Did you ask if he can be a pilot without a college degree? Also, even if there is a route to being a pilot without a degree, how many such pilots get through such a route?

And, if he does indeed want to be a pilot, get him to consider what will he be interested in doing if he doesn't for some reason get to be one.

The AF has a huge number of people who are not pilots, as well as people who are qualified pilots but who serve in a different capacity.

[Crafter_Man]

Originally Posted by Loach

There are dangerous jobs in the Coast Guard. Going after drug dealers in the Caribbean. Search and rescue in the North Sea.

Plus the CG rescue helicopters are not safe, IMO. I know a lot more about this due to my line of work, and that's all I’m gonna say.

[Erdosain]

Originally Posted by Alessan

I think "pilots must be officers" is pretty much universal, but "officers must be college graduates" isn't.

I'd guess that came about due to the U.S.'s service academies, which double as officer training programs and accredited universities.

[AK84]

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

Yeah, my parents wouldn't sign my paperwork to get into the Army. They would only let me go into the military if I went Air Force. So I did.

I was a helicopter gunner with over 60 flights.

As I was freezing my balls off in Iraq on Christmas Eve I thought to myself, "yeah, I sure showed them."

My maid's son joined the Army. She was terrified for him and was delighted when his job speciality came in.Communications. Specifically portable radio operator. I did not have the heart to tell her.

[Poysyn]

Originally Posted by Lucretia

I first got into a uniform in 1986, and are ya sure, not for anything? Not your legs, or arms, or any combination of those plus your genitals? How about your face, or maybe the ability to shit in something other than a bag hanging off your belly? Because I see kids all day, every day that would happily trade their uniforms to get those back.

What you are saying is fair, but that can happen to anyone, anywhere. A friend of mine died in my arms after she was hit crossing the street. I realize that wearing the uniform carries risk, but I am proud to do it. Do I want to die, or lose my legs or arms? No, of course not, but do I want to work doing something I feel is important?

Yes, I do.

The risks need to be understood, but putting on a uniform doesn't automatically mean you are going to be torn apart, any more than not putting one on means you are safe - it's just a greater risk.

[Alessan]

Originally Posted by Erdosain

I'd guess that came about due to the U.S.'s service academies, which double as officer training programs and accredited universities.

This is just a WAG, but I think it's a class thing. Officers traditionally come from the "gentleman" class, and since the U.S. has no official gentry, the military defined a gentleman as someone whose parents were rich enough to send him through college. That way, the lower orders were kept out of the officers' clubs.

That was a long time ago, of course, and I'm sure that by now there are plenty of officers from working class (or lower) backgrounds; still, some traditions remain.

[Loach]

Originally Posted by oreally

Few jobs in the Army, Navy or MC do either. The majority of jobs in ALL services are not combat-specific.

True. But in the Army there is always the chance of getting pulled from your non-combat job and thrown in the turret of a MRAP. Doesn't happen as much these days but it has happened. Earlier on when both wars were going on it was more likely to have non-combat MOS's in combat roles. As far as I know in the AF that is pretty much unheard of.

Originally Posted by Alessan

I think "pilots must be officers" is pretty much universal, but "officers must be college graduates" isn't.

Its been that way in the US since right after WWII. In Korea (and less frequently Viet Nam) they were still giving out battlefield commissions but if you wanted to keep your rank you had to go to college and get a degree. Currently in the Army it is possible to get your commission through Officer Candidate School with some college but you have to complete your degree prior to making Captain or you lose it.

As I stated before, the majority of Army pilots are warrant officers. They do not need a degree to become a pilot or an officer.

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

Yeah, my parents wouldn't sign my paperwork to get into the Army. They would only let me go into the military if I went Air Force. So I did.

I was a helicopter gunner with over 60 flights.

As I was freezing my balls off in Iraq on Christmas Eve I thought to myself, "yeah, I sure showed them."


Oh, and don't be surprised if your kid doesn't get a signing bonus or anything. I don't think Air Force even does that. Air Force recruiters don't really even have to work hard; they're usually turning people away. Hell, the AF is doing whatever it can to get a lot of already enlisted out. Despite being in a war they don't need people.

Just pointing out to others that you must have been under 18. Over 18 and you're an adult and the parents aren't part of the decision.

All of the services are drawing down. The attitude of "If all else fails I'll join the military" isn't quite valid any more. Things change. A few years ago when they were building up it was easy to get in. The standards were relaxed. Now with the economy still crappy and the need for troops less, they can be picky. Standards are high and bonuses have dried up. For a while there I heard the Army recruiter's quota got lowered to zero. Not sure what it is now.

Originally Posted by AK84

My maid's son joined the Army. She was terrified for him and was delighted when his job speciality came in.Communications. Specifically portable radio operator. I did not have the heart to tell her.

From your background I'm not sure which Army you are talking about. Although SOPs change from unit to unit, for the most part in the US Army grunts carry their own radios. The commo guy in the unit is most likely the one who runs around making sure their equipment is up prior to a mission. Its possible he could be in harms way but a lot less likely than a lot of other jobs.

[RandMcnally]

Originally Posted by Loach

Just pointing out to others that you must have been under 18. Over 18 and you're an adult and the parents aren't part of the decision.

All of the services are drawing down. The attitude of "If all else fails I'll join the military" isn't quite valid any more. Things change. A few years ago when they were building up it was easy to get in. The standards were relaxed. Now with the economy still crappy and the need for troops less, they can be picky. Standards are high and bonuses have dried up. For a while there I heard the Army recruiter's quota got lowered to zero. Not sure what it is now.

That's correct, I should have made it clearer. I joined the military in March, 04. I didn't turn 18 until the end of August.

When I went in my AF recruiter had a quota of two (2) people. And we all went to him.

Funny story, I went to MEPS (the inprocessing for the military. That's where you do your physical, get your job, etc) with a guy who ended up being disqualified due to some eye problem. Wasn't completely disqualifying, he just had to go and get a waiver from a doctor. From when he got sent back to the time he got his waiver his band got signed to a record label.

He still wanted to join.

The recruiter wouldn't let him. He was like, "Dude, you can always join later. Try this band thing first."

[phall0106]

Originally Posted by RandMcnally

That's correct, I should have made it clearer. I joined the military in March, 04. I didn't turn 18 until the end of August.

When I went in my AF recruiter had a quota of two (2) people. And we all went to him.

Funny story, I went to MEPS (the inprocessing for the military. That's where you do your physical, get your job, etc) with a guy who ended up being disqualified due to some eye problem. Wasn't completely disqualifying, he just had to go and get a waiver from a doctor. From when he got sent back to the time he got his waiver his band got signed to a record label.

He still wanted to join.

The recruiter wouldn't let him. He was like, "Dude, you can always join later. Try this band thing first."

Well, I'm pretty sure Hallboy isn't going to get a record label...

[Bear_Nenno]

Originally Posted by moejoe

Since he graduated he hasn't really had any focus or plans, he seems depressed, aimless. I hope he'll find something that engages him soon.

I still think going into the military now is a scary and dangerous thing, but in retrospect I think he would have made a great Marine. Kudos to you for being brave enough to listen with an open mind.

It's not like it's too late to join.