How would you feel if DS joined the military after college?

[Anonymous]

Be honest.

I would prefer he didn't. You?

[Anonymous]

My DD plans to do ROTC in college so we’re supportive.

[Anonymous]

I would feel fine if the reasoning was sound and the choice was well-informed, like any big decision.

[Anonymous]

Disappointed. I didn’t pay for college for a military career. He could have done rotc or a service academy if that were the goal and saved me thousands.

[Anonymous]

Don’t let the man send you off to die to help corporate America. Hell no!

[Anonymous]

It depends on what kind of opportunities are available after college. It Could be a good opportunity to gain some responsibility and mature some. I would be supportive.

[Anonymous]

I would discourage the business of war

[Anonymous]

Would advise him against it, but it's his life and he's an adult.

[Anonymous]

My oldest (DS30) is a Captain. His college and his masters degree were paid 100% by the military. Tuition, food, books/fees, housing, ...everything. He is now in the National Guard and teaches Military Science (ROTC) at a large SEC university. He makes about $92,000 a year in a low cost of living town. More when he is on active duty. He loves that he still gets to train with his Infantry unit on weekends while teaching full time during the school year. He has been deployed to the Middle East in a combat role twice. He was wounded the second time. It’s not for everyone. It wouldn’t have been my choice. No mom wants to send her child into combat. But it was something he wanted. And I’m really, really proud of him.

[Anonymous]

OP here. He thinks it sounds like a cool adventure before he settles in to a different career.

[Anonymous]

Both my husband and I did ROTC in college and served in the military. Best years of my professional life.

Oldest is currently in ROTC, others will follow.

[Anonymous]

I would be very disappointed, but add that to the list of things I hope my kid does not do when he/she is grown. That is certainly not at the top.

My concern has to do somewhat with the possible dangers. Also the lack of control they will have over where they live, what they work on. The families get dragged all over. The military talks about supporting families, but that is VERY far down their list of priorities. AS, actually, is the welfare of the troops.

I know it CAN work, but I favor a life or autonomy not regimentation and passive obedience.

[Anonymous]

*of autonomy

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Disappointed. I didn’t pay for college for a military career. He could have done rotc or a service academy if that were the goal and saved me thousands.

HIghly unlikely he would have gotten into a Service Academy. Don't kid yourself.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the branch, what he wants to do, and why.