constructive advice please

[vmjtc3]

Thank's for the input

[BADFISH II]

Are you getting bad vibes from other family on this decision? Seems to me that he, and you as his father, are doing a brave and honorable thing. Also seems to me that if he's going to do it anyway in a few months then there isn't much of a choice anyone had in the situation ASIDE from your son.

Age doesn't always determine maturity. There are many factors including and probably most importantly how you raised him. He may be under 18 but obviously understands both the risks and the benefits of this decision - I'm sure you've made those things abundantly clear to him.

I think it's a very well written letter. I think you've shown composure and intellect in the letter and the decision. Hopefully the rest of your family will come to respect that decision as your son grows and matures in the service. I'm sure it was a very difficult time and a difficult decision for you - but I don't think there is a wrong decision in the matter. He'll get a great experience, discipline, education, and most importantly be prepared for life after the service and a bright future.

I don't know if that made any sense at all - but for what it's worth you and your son are making a sacrifice for the freedoms too many of us take for granted, and that's a very honorable thing.

So rather and fight it, I hope your family embraces it, and understands just what the sacrifice he's making means to every US citizen.

The only thing left is prayer for his safety and security.

Well stated John!

[Havasu Dreamin]

Excellent points, by both of you.

Bottom-line, it is his life to live as he sees fit. He's not out getting in trouble, committing crime, going on drunken binges, or doing drugs....far worse things than joining the Army. Also, remind those that do not agree with his decision that he will now be fighting to protect the right of them to have that dissenting opinion...I'd also be tempted to tell everyone else to FO!

[2FORCEFULL]

John
I my self have a son that just turned 18 [oct 13th] and we have done the same as you with the toys , hell, my son and your might even know yours.
I myself would not send the letter, imeditate family members [you and your wife] is whos business it is. they know what choice has been made and wether or not they aprove is moot at this point. for them to voice disaproval
at a time when you have watch your little boy take his first steps in man shoes is very un called for:headshake:


when a boy turns 18 there is a world sized load on there shoulders some take there own life because of it.
18 year olds think that they have to make a decision of what path to take
that same day.lots of pressure. Collage is not for everone. and the thought of working a burger king aint either.


I think what your boy did was one of the most couragest, manly things any one could. He , himself probley wasn't sure what he was going to do but one thing for sure it wasn't lay'n around the house smok'n dope and rob'n houses
he made a move that should make every free breathing american proud and to tell you,those that aren't F'm :brutal: I wouldn't waist a piece of paper on them

John,
I don't personaly know you, been dy'n to meet you though.
I'm a pretty tough emotional guy, but to tell you the truth
I've shed a few tears for you and your son, and fought many more
your situation hits real close to home, my son want to join the milatary to be a under water welder, and any day he could walk in with the shattering news
''DAD,I'M NOT YOUR LITTLE BOY ANY MORE, I'M A MAN!

I have a son thats 34 and I can remember that day like it was today.



John, be proud, no, be very proud, cause everyone in this club is.

cause of all the sons like Johns

I"M free

Steve

[just another payment]

John,
I think that is a well written and very well thought out letter, I think you have made great points and believe your family should respect your sons wishes, and this letter gives them every reason why. I commend you on your restraint and patience as I think your family will. Good luck John.

[Trouble Maker]

Why the Army? If he wants to be a Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, why not the Air Force? If he enjoys playing in the mud and killing people I could understand the Army, but if he wants to work on aircraft the Air Force as a career would offer a more stable lifestyle and opportuniites in the aviation industry. I just spent the last 20 years as a Crew Chief (A & P Mechanic) in the Air Force...trust me, in the long run that's the best way to go.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[vmjtc3]

Why the Army? If he wants to be a Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic, why not the Air Force? If he enjoys playing in the mud and killing people I could understand the Army, but if he wants to work on aircraft the Air Force as a career would offer a more stable lifestyle and opportuniites in the aviation industry. I just spent the last 20 years as a Crew Chief (A & P Mechanic) in the Air Force...trust me, in the long run that's the best way to go.

Just my 2 cents worth.


It all boiled down to the army would give him what he wanted and the airforce would not. They did not have anything to offer him at the time and the army did. So he went with the army. He could have waited around for the airforce to open up what he wanted, maybe.:dunno:

[2FORCEFULL]

It all boiled down to the army would give him what he wanted and the airforce would not. They did not have anything to offer him at the time and the army did. So he went with the army. He could have waited around for the airforce to open up what he wanted, maybe.:dunno:

ONCE YOU SIGN UP YOU CAN CHANGE?:dunno:

[Trouble Maker]

If he plans on doing 20 years, better to wait for the Air Force...if he's just going to do 4-6 years than maybe it doesn't matter enough to worry about, but I hope a hefty enlistment bonus isn't the main driving force behind him joining the Army. There is a reason the Army has to try harder than the Air Force to get people to join...main reason is that Army life sucks. I can't emphasize enough the differences between the Air Force versus Army...but, lets just say it takes a really "special" person to be able to put up with all the shit the Army dishes out. Air Force personnel are generally treated like professionals where as Army troops are always treated like grunts.

If he hasn't entered basic training yet, he can always change his mind, even if he has signed paperwork...don't let them tell you different, it's bullshit.

[Red Horse]

Being almost 18 years in the Air Force, I have lean to the Air Force. However any of the sevices will work. Multi jet engine is what all the airlines run. A c-17 or 5 is fairly close to the commercial airliners. To be honest, I dont even know what types of aircraft the army even has. I do know this: he will get training that employer want and need.


I too think that you dont NEED to answer the rest of the family. He is your kid and he is doing grown up things.

[Red Horse]

It is true what Gary says. I tell my young airman to make choices, come up with ideas, look for ways to better a process. I also give them a project and tell them what I want the end result to be. How they get it done (within reason) is up to them. It is encouraged in the Air Force. I am not sure how the aviation part of the Army is, but I am sure it is MUCH better than the infantry part of it.

More than likely the Air Force told your kid that his job was not open to get him to come to become an Air Force cop. Security Forces will make up almost 40% of recruits next year.

[Rude]

you've definitely said a mouthful! i don't know you or your family situation but like already stated here, you shouldn't have to explain your decisions to the rest of your "outer" family. if you and the mrs along with your son feel this is the best path for him than roll with it! nuff said. i congratulate and thank your son for his decision and the same goes for you for supporting him. he will no longer be your little boy. when i walked off of the plane to meet my parents after boot camp, my father did not even recognize me. he no longer had a little boy either.

[feelin froggy]

Trouble Maker, have you been in the Army?, if not then dont even try to tell people what its like, I can understand you Air Force guys leaning Air Force, as you should have pride in your service, but as a recently retired ARMY Infantry First Sergeant, he will be doing alot more than rolling in the mud and killing people, I served for 20 years, completed college, trade schools, leadership academy's, specialty ops schools and never killed anyone. I can't believe any service member would ensinuate soldiers are a bunch of dirty killers, especially service member with the tenor some of you guys have. He made a choice based upon his needs and what was available at the time, you should respect and support that choice, not shed doubt on it and give him ways to quit before he even gets started. I would have expected more professionalism out of a fellow service member.

I apologize my the tone here, but every service has his pro's and con's, and my belief is we should support our young men and womens decisions regardless of which service they choose, instead of bashing other services (in the end they are all one team) protecting our and others freedoms, that is as noble as it gets.

vmjtc3,

Your son and you have my deepest respect, anyone who does not support a decision as noble as this (regardless of the reason) family or not, probably do not have the same beliefs and values as your family, and there is not a high probability of success in changing that.

[2FORCEFULL]

Trouble Maker, have you been in the Army?, if not then dont even try to tell people what its like, I can understand you Air Force guys leaning Air Force, as you should have pride in your service, but as a recently retired ARMY Infantry First Sergeant, he will be doing alot more than rolling in the mud and killing people, I served for 20 years, completed college, trade schools, leadership academy's, specialty ops schools and never killed anyone. I can't believe any service member would ensinuate soldiers are a bunch of dirty killers, especially service member with the tenor some of you guys have. He made a choice based upon his needs and what was available at the time, you should respect and support that choice, not shed doubt on it and give him ways to quit before he even gets started. I would have expected more professionalism out of a fellow service member.

I apologize my the tone here, but every service has his pro's and con's, and my belief is we should support our young men and womens decisions regardless of which service they choose, instead of bashing other services (in the end they are all one team) protecting our and others freedoms, that is as noble as it gets.

vmjtc3,

Your son and you have my deepest respect, anyone who does not support a decision as noble as this (regardless of the reason) family or not, probably do not have the same beliefs and values as your family, and there is not a high probability of success in changing that.

i'M WITH FROGGY,
The decision, and the choice have been made:thumb:


Lets give thanks to John's brave son, and to all the men and women
of all the armed force's that protect us.

[Trouble Maker]

Sorry Froggy, didn't mean to bag on the Army...they're just the source of alot of my aggravation lately, seeing how I'm on a base right now with over 14k of them. To sum up my point though...all I'm saying is that seeing how this young man is interested in the aircraft maintenance field as a profession, it just seems to me that joining the Air Force would be the wiser choice in the long run... But, if he is just joining for a few years to get a bit of training and education, probably doesn't matter than.

John asked for advice...I gave mine.. :thumb:

[2FORCEFULL]

Sorry Froggy, didn't mean to bag on the Army...they're just the source of alot of my aggravation lately, seeing how I'm on a base right now with over 14k of them. To sum up my point though...all I'm saying is that seeing how this young man is interested in the aircraft maintenance field as a profession, it just seems to me that joining the Air Force would be the wiser choice in the long run... But, if he is just joining for a few years to get a bit of training and education, probably doesn't matter than.

John asked for advice...I gave mine.. :thumb:

Gary,

I think it's great that you voiced your opinion, not only to John but to all the others that read it, might be someone else out there that 's try'n to make the same decision, I say the more professional advice the better:thumb: