sign your 17 year old son into the delayed entry program of the marines...

Honestly? Nope. But...that's JMO.

and that is just what I wanted..was your opinion...but I did...he is going into Intel...my family has mixed feelings about it but that is what he wanted me to do...

my sister went into the army at 17..it wasn't a bad thing, but we werent' at war then either.

How are you dealing with that decision?

Right now? The way it sits with the war going on? NO. I just could not bring myself to do it.

Let me teel you from personal experience......

That's exactly what I did......

made a man outta me....
Gave me a skill that today.....I'm over 6 figures
I respect my elders...
am a gentleman to the ladies...
and am terrifically physically fit!!

I dont have any kids, but I would only do that if he wanted to or if it was a tough love thing...I know the Marines look good on a man though...ive dated a few...WOO HOO!!!!

If I had a 17 year old son, I wouldn't sign him into anything. I would let him decide if going into the Marines is his choice for a career. I would never make him choose a career because that was my dream for him to become.

I cried for over a week...he is my first born...and I love him dearly..he is a brilliant kid..and is very mature for his age...I knew he would not change his mind...he has wanted it for over a year...I am scared but I am proud as well

It would depend........it would be hard, but if he/she was absolutely dedicated to it and I thought they were responsible enough to make such a decision, and it would cause a strain on our relationship if I didn't.....I might....

I personally have issues with allowing people of such a young age to make such severe commitments. I got married at 18, not commiting to the service or anything, but it was a major life decision I was not truly ready to make.........but everyone around me must have figured I was an adult, and never said anything, including my parents. Oh, strangers offered advice, but not anyone I would have given weight to.

As I said, it would be hard, but under certain situations I MIGHT.

it was his choice he wanted to do this for over a year...it was not easy on me to say the least...

Yes, I understand - scared and proud.

My folks signed for me when I was 16, but of course I didn't enter until I was 17.. With our current state of affairs.. I'd have to say NO. That would cause some grief around the house for sure, but it'd also give him or her some more time to think about it.

This is only fiction, because I have no kids..

If it is at his request, he made his bed, let him lie in it. My son signed up early & left 2 weeks before his 18 birthday. He just signed for his last 5 yrs of 20, served. PROUD to be in the NAVY & says it was the best thing for him. Serving is what YOU make of it.

He will retire, 2 weeks before his 38 birthday, good pension & will get another job, also.
Navy IDC, which is the medic's they put on submarines. Been to Iraq twice & around the world 1.5 times.

he graduates one Saturday night and leaves the next morning...

Ohhhh...((Moonlight)).

I believe I'd wait until the child was 18 then it would be their choice.My oldest has a view of the military being like a video game .He's gets to shoot people.I 've known people that come out of the military a better person than before,haven't personal known anyone that was killed but i feel for anyone who has

Not even a little bit.

Thats what my son did with the Army, but after he graduated he had two weeks.

I can tell you that every day it is easier in one way and harder the other.

I think there should be a support group for us Moms that are trying to let them dream their dream while we are scared to death.