Anonymous wrote:It is actually because of my "support for our troops" that I don't want my brother joining up. Ignorance is bliss here I guess on dcum? My most recent volunteer case is a special forces man who has been waiting years for his therapist approval to come in to discuss his PTSD with someone while he fights off suicidal thoughts. I also help a family of 4 whos enlisted father doesn't make enough for them to survive even on base. I support my troops more than anyone I know. I don't support the government that continuously ignores their needs after enlistment. Which is exactly why I don't want my brother to join..

Pul-lease. Many of us have experience with this. You're taking your limited experience and extrapolating it to apply to all military personnel.

Unless, of course, you're a troll......which I'm starting to suspect. This post is such a cliche.

It sounds like it could be a good opportunity for your brother, and he may be trying to tell you that he's ready to be more independent than he can be under your roof.

Do you live in the DC area? I'm sure there are lots of vets-focused organizations here where he could get the perspective from those who have served in different branches. As far as the army, my DH's boss is a 21-year army vet (enlisted at 18) and so is his co-worker. It was a great experience for them. Yes, it was dangerous and DH's co-worker does have some PTSD. But if they could go back and re-do things, I don't believe that either one would choose to NOT enlist.

Be wary of the "pay for college" thing. Look at the amounts they cover. I know when I looked into it (ok, 20 years ago), the amount they'd pay over 4 years was less than 1 year of tuition at my university.

The other reasons seem worthy though. Best of luck to him!

My son enlisted at about the same age. And, he was college educated. He wanted to serve. And, by enlisting, he got to choose his MOS (as opposed to going in as an officer).

Best decision he has ever made. He’s always been a great kid, but the Army has brought out the best in him. His leadership skills have surfaced and he is in great physical shape.
Another aspect of the military that is not often discussed is the relationships these soldiers develop. They are life-long relationships. Deep friendships. Because, after all, they are trained to give their lives for their fellow soldiers. He has some fabulous friends and that makes me happy for him.

I was a bit reluctant about his decision initially, but in the end, he is an adult and gets to make his choices. Now I am so glad he did.

I think it's not that he doesn't want to be in the way, he probably doesn't want to be around a crying baby all the time. In other words, he'd rather join the army than be stuck in a house with a baby.

Anonymous wrote:I have a cousin that did this 4-5 years ago- he was a teeny bit younger than your brother (maybe 23?). He wanted to join the infantry. Who does that? He scored so well on the assessment that the recruiter (or whomever makes the decisions) tried to talk him out of infantry. He was smart, but aimless, and had always been that way - had a really hard time buckling down, always had just ok grades because he didn't want to do anything or work really hard.

The Army has been the best thing that has ever happened to him. He is truly soaring - it is hard when he is deployed, but...his transformation in a short period of time has been nothing short of amazing.

If he doesn't want to go to war, he needs to join another service.

This was my brother too.

12:42 here: I am the wife of a veteran, FYI.

OP, this site might help. Maybe you and your brother could look over the questions together.

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-recruiting-questions.html

There are lots of folks in the military coming from situations like your brother's. Encourage him. He will get good benefits, college funding....and his "he will be in the way" may be cover for feeling in the way already. He needs to get out at some point. Wish him well.

To the people bitching at the OP. Shut the fuck up, idiots.

Anonymous wrote:It is actually because of my "support for our troops" that I don't want my brother joining up. Ignorance is bliss here I guess on dcum? My most recent volunteer case is a special forces man who has been waiting years for his therapist approval to come in to discuss his PTSD with someone while he fights off suicidal thoughts. I also help a family of 4 whos enlisted father doesn't make enough for them to survive even on base. I support my troops more than anyone I know. I don't support the government that continuously ignores their needs after enlistment. Which is exactly why I don't want my brother to join..

Right. There are no people posting here with any relevant experience. Certainly not a forum based in DC.


I assume you've shared your specific concerns with your brother. What did he say?

Well two things. One sometimes they will let you sign up for a job(mos). If you sign up for the job and wash out(ie language specialist and do not learn the language), you will be assigned by the needs of the army(infantry, cook, etc). So make sure you have some aptitude for the mos. 2nd make sure he is in shape. Older guys washout of basic because they are out of shaper or worst get recycled till they pass the pt test.

Anonymous wrote:It is actually because of my "support for our troops" that I don't want my brother joining up. Ignorance is bliss here I guess on dcum? My most recent volunteer case is a special forces man who has been waiting years for his therapist approval to come in to discuss his PTSD with someone while he fights off suicidal thoughts. I also help a family of 4 whos enlisted father doesn't make enough for them to survive even on base. I support my troops more than anyone I know. I don't support the government that continuously ignores their needs after enlistment. Which is exactly why I don't want my brother to join..

Thank you for what you're doing in your volunteer work.

I think the three other services (not Army or Marine Corps) would be a great option for him, assuming they'll take him.

It is actually because of my "support for our troops" that I don't want my brother joining up. Ignorance is bliss here I guess on dcum? My most recent volunteer case is a special forces man who has been waiting years for his therapist approval to come in to discuss his PTSD with someone while he fights off suicidal thoughts. I also help a family of 4 whos enlisted father doesn't make enough for them to survive even on base. I support my troops more than anyone I know. I don't support the government that continuously ignores their needs after enlistment. Which is exactly why I don't want my brother to join..

He's 25! If he hasn't figured anything out yet, military is a great idea.