I am a veteran. There is something almost mystical about people picking the branch that fits them. It isn't a logical choice, it is an emotional choice. People don't get it wrong often. Trying to push him into another branch might not be natural, and could be a big mistake.

I was in the Air Force Special Operations area. We trained with Marines and I fought with them in combat. They are prepared and dedicated men and women. Your son will be in good hands and will be ready to go.

Don't worry too much about Iraq. Much of the fighting is over and it is a much safer place than it was a year ago. Afghanistan is still hot and there is a good chance that new recruits will go there, but the environment is much more predictable.

I'm sure you raised a good kid, I'm sure he will be fine, and I'm sure you will be surprised how much he has grown when you see him come back from assignment.

 

I feel your anxiety; I for one have 3 nephews in the Gulf right now, A Marine and a Navy soldier in Iraq, and an Army soldier with a Purple Heart from Iraq, just shipped out to Afghanistan for a second tour (at his own will) Your son on the other hand won

 

Thanks for the words guys. I got to let him go where ever he desires.
I held him up from the Marines monday, he was trying to make me happy, that was wrong. Now i gotta put him back on track where ever it leads.
BTW he scored an 84

 

10 years Navy here. Surface ships, engineering. Put me in the job I'm in today. It may be a good thing to ask him what he wants to do AFTER the service......give him a little more perspective on the grand scheme of things.

 

make sure he utilizes the GI bill or whatever encentive they have now for college

O is better than E on the pay grades

If he goes career he will want and need the education to take full advantage of his career choice

 

Marines are a bunch of loose cannons. better yet trained robots. you tell them what to do and they go and do it. if the kid is smart he should really think about joining the navy Seals. They get paid better and they have much much better jobs available after your done like FBI CIA. Navy Seals think for them selves.

 

It all depends on what he want to do with his life. IMO the Marines and the Army provide the least number of civilian career paths. The Coast Guard, Navy and the AF probably the most. They are also the branches that let you have more of your own "life", though I hear the Navy has also become somewhat better in that regard than in my day. I never really did enjoy being told when to get up, when to go to bed, when to, eat, s#it, shower, and shave. The Marines and Army are the most intrusive in that regard I think as well. Sounds like he knows what he wants, but whichever way he goes, tell him ABSOLUTELY NOT TO BELIEVE ANYTHING THE RECRUITER HAS TOLD HIM!!!!! Get EVERYTHING in writing BEFORE signing anything,, though it sounds like it may be too late for that.

 

Good luck to both of you! I worked with every service as a Pilot of the Presidents Airborne Command Post and all of them are good. I just like Billeting vs. a tent, fox hole, or a bunk under a flight deck.

 

Are you in the military? Ever been in the military?

 

Blake that is a terrible thing to say and absolutley wrong. Just because you say you are going into Seal training, which you haven't started let alone finished, doesn't give you the right to make a stupid blanket statement. I have worked with all branches of special forces and each is unique but still very similar.

sorry to be harsh but I think you posted about something you really have no idea about.