Marine Parents, how did you react when your child told you he wanted to be a Marine?

[AlexJH]

I'm currently 16 years of age right now, and will be 17 this February. I talked with a recruiter at my high school and he said it'd be best if I entered the DEP at 17 with parental consent and after I graduate from high school I will ship out to recruit training.

Did you have any objections to your son or daughter's desire to be a Marine? Did you have expectations for them to go to college instead of the Marine Corps? Basically I just want to get an understanding of what went through your head when your child told you. I'm preparing to inform my parents and I thought it'd be a good idea to do some research first and see what I'm up against.

Thank You

[MPMOM]

I was kinda shocked, we had talked to him joining the Marine Corps before, he just seem to be a poster child for it, but didn't seem interested. Then 911 happened and he wanted to go, I have always supported him in whatever he chose to do, miss him true, scared for him sometimes true too. He's a smart man and as long as he's happy with what he's doing. I am too.

[dono]

My son told me he had no goals, direction, or discipline. I had to agree with all that (even if it was just a bit overstated - he has always been a self motivated person). He did not want college right away, because he did not know what he wanted to do.

When he said he wanted to be a Marine, I tried to steer him to another service (Dad wanted an easier way for him). He replied, "Dad, I want to be the best"

Case closed.

It helped me that he was DEP and when I saw him dedicated to the physical stuff and to studying the knowledge, my confidence in his decision grew. And he has done very well.

My advice is to be sure in your own mind first. And be patient with your parents. We have to learn to adjust to our children growing up. Harder for some than for others.

[SGT7477]

It has to be in your heart to be one of us, people don't understand unless they have Earned OUR beloved title, Good Luck.

[Apache]

Base rule # 1
You will always be your parents "child"
They have a hard time seeing you go in harms way.
Base rule # 2
Your parents will do thier best to steer you in the direction they think
is in your best intrests
Base rule # 3
If you are not dead certian this is what you want they will talk you out of it.

Semper Fi

[micarr57]

when i decided that i wanted to join the Corps i was 17 one of my parents had to sign permission form my dad refused completely but my mom did sign and off i went when i got to boot camp was thinking for quite a while my dad was probably right sucked it up and did my best scared to death then look back now was a good thing had good time met great people would do it all over again michael carr cpl 1975 1979

[AlexJH]

Thank you Marines, I've wanted to be a Marine ever since I heard about the Corps many years ago.

We'll see in the next month or so if I can upgrade to a poolee or not.

[ZSKI]

Well not a parent but my mom met my recruiter at my house with a baseball bat. Gotta love immigrant parents no PC BS

[TunTvrnWarrior]

My Dad was in the Air Force during the Korean War. When I told him that I joined the MARINES, his exact words were, "YOU DID WHAT!!!!????"
I would come home on leave and need to get a haircut before returning to duty. I would tell him I need a haircut before I returned to the base and he would say "No you dont." I would tell him that I am required by Marine Corps Regulation to maintain my hair at a certain length and he would actually think I was telling a lie. I have been out since 92 and I maintain a high and tight, and it still un-nerves him. Not, as lean, not as mean, but still a MARINE. Good luck kid.

[CRR21]

I'm not a parent but I had to tell my mom and the rest of my extended family over the holidays. I had talked to my mom a lot before signing the papers. I probably should have given her a lot more credit. I made sure I explained to her my decision process, my reasons for wanting to join and what I would take away from being part of the Marine Corps (whether a short enlistment or career). She wasn't all that happy about it but she respected the fact that I'm old enough to make my own decisons and supported me. She did try and get me to join a different service but if you know for sure this is what you want to do have a little faith.

I was more worried about my extended family. They didn't react so well (actually got kicked out on Christmas Eve and got a few cold shoulder's too). It's always nice to have support (especially since you need your parents consent). I can't stress enough trying to get them to see if from your perspective and that it's something you are committed to.

You have to keep in mind that they will be worried about you no matter what MOS you choose. A supporting family friend who served in the army said that any opposition is most often fear.

[foreverproud]

I knew my son would join one branch of the military ever since in was just a child, so it was really just waiting to see which one he would choose. But the writing was on the wall...literally ... he's had a poster of the Marines since he was around 12 or so.

He wanted to join right after high school, but I did encourage him to try a year or two of school ... but even during his schooling (he completed an automotive trade school) he kept reminding me that he would be joining the military as soon as he graduated. My reason for asking him to go to school for a while was not to discourage him from joining but for him to be sure that was what he wanted to do.

So as a parent ... all I simply want to know was whether he was positive about his choice. I think it is a fine choice and I couldn't be prouder.

[newskate9]

My son doesn't talk a lot - he's pretty self-sufficient since he was about 2 days old. Being the youngest has it's perks I guess. He came to me about 5 years ago and asked if I minded if he joined the Marines. Knowing the time was years away, I said I'd be proud to call him Marine and I would respect his choice and support him 100%. But in my heart at that time, I was hoping he'd change his mind.

Fast forward - I have an older son in the Army. And now this one on his way to becoming a Marine. Asking me the question again, I'd answer the same way - but I'd be thinking very differently.

With "skin in the game", I've come to learn, really learn, that freedom isn't free. And if not my son, then who? Why should I or anyone think they deserve to say to their sons, NO, let someone else do it. So, I'm behind them 1000% on my bad days, and more on the good ones. I'm not sure I can connect the dots completely between Iraq, and A-stan and the homeland, but I believe in my heart also that our being there means they won't be here.

I've rambled enough. Too many tears to type more right now. I've got skin in the game now and I couldn't be more proud of my soldiers.

Semper Fi, Marines.

[PBLESKO]

I am a PMM & agree w/gehrij- & as SGT7477 said - it has 2 b in our heart. When r son first joined, another MM told me her son knew it was in his heart & they couldnt change his mind, my eyes welled & i then knew what she meant cuz its in r sons heart 2. Both joined at 18. Their son is now 29, ours is 20. God Bless You & your Family

[smh3065]

My oldest Daughter is in the process of joining. As I think about it, its kind of scary. Though it is her choice, not mine. I will stand by her decision. I will be a proud Dad the day she graduates from PI.

I have the benefit of knowing what she is getting herself into. I spent 8 great years in the Corp. If she goes though with it I know she will have the same.

[buggoffextco]

As a parent, I would worry for my son but, if that is what he chose to do I would support the decision. I'm a bit prejudiced, of course, if he's going to join something, then I would want it to be my Marine Corps. Whatever my almost 16 year old decides, I'll still be as proud of him as a parent could be.

[ringoffire]

As a parent my advice to you is to present your plan in a mature way...don't get frustrated with them or mad if their reaction is negative. After you tell them, give them some space so they can think about your decision...keep the lines of communication open, even if they don't agree with you. If your heart is in it and they wont sign the consent, you can always wait until your 18 and then join.

My oldest son, who is 15 now, has always said he was joining the Marines, since he could talk. Since he will graduate HS at 17yrs old he needs a parent consent. Every few months he will bring it up and make sure I will still sign the waiver, lol, and I will. It's something he has always said he wanted do, and I will be shocked if he changes his mind. Some days when he gets on my last nerve, I wish I could sign the consent earlier!

[usmcdanno]

Folks, always remember that it is a privilege to serve in our Corps. I have a nephew, who from the time he could speak, that said "I wanna be a "Barine" just like you uncle "Nanul". He's had juvenile onset diabetes since the age of five. Although he's 32 years old now, 280lbs, a competitive body builder, and the picture of health, he still so much wants to have served, but can't. Think about having a child that wants to do something so badly and you don't support them......and then think again that you are blessed with a healthy child that is willing and wanting to serve our great nation.

[mamamarie]

My first thought was The Marine Corps??? Of all of the branches available he had to go this route. Maternal Grandfather was Army, Paternal Grandfather Navy. I am still the nervous parent but support him 110%. Once I saw him at graduation from Parris Island I was truly in awe of what he has become, he now carries himself with pride and purpose and it was the Corps that was responsible for this change. He is currently at BRC starting his 3rd week and though it has been tough he has continued to give it his all.
I am one proud Mama.

[usmcdanno]

BRC is a MONSTER. Your son being there and making it to week three says a lot for his character, believe me. It's inconceivable for most people to realize how badly one must want something to complete this training.

[mamamarie]

Thanks a lot. He seems happy to have made it, I think mostly he's happy he is no longer in MART/RIP that was the most difficult training he's been in thus far.

[gofigyer]

It has to be in your heart to be one of us, people don't understand unless they have Earned OUR beloved title, Good Luck.

At age 7, my son politely informed everyone at our Thanksgiving dinner table that when he grew up, "he wanted to be a Sniper," and being a smart lad and seeing the horrified looks on all of our faces, he quickly added, "but not because I want to hurt anybody - but because I want to SERVE MY COUNTRY!"

So, was I surprised 13 years later when he informed me that he would be enlisting soon; proudly - No. He's now a Lance Corporal in Japan and into his 2nd year as a Marine.

"when you stand with me, you never stand alone" from The Warrior Song

gofigyer (1 Marine-2008); (1 Army-2010); (1 proud mother)

[redhammer]

I came home after signing the contract without my parents' knowledge. When I told my Dad, he started to cry and said "Oh, Jesus Christ, NO Dave...NO!" I left 17 days later for boot camp. He told me years later he expected me back in 2 weeks. He started ending his phone calls with "Keep me proud". I stayed for almost 21 years.

My own daughter came to me wanting to join the Army. She had a friend that joined. I asked why she didn't want to join the Marines. She said that as long as she could remember, I had always said don't join the Army or Marines. The Navy and Air Force had better schools/opportunities that could lead to jobs on the outside after her hitch. I did the right thing, and asked her to see the Marine Recruiter. She signed the contract that day and has been in for a little over 5 years now. She's a helicopter mechanic by MOS, but has been on Marine Security Guard Duty for the past 3 years. She's getting out in a few months...too many years away from family. Over 4 of her 5 years in were spent overseas with 5 Christmases, Thanksgivings, etc spent away from home.

It's a good life...but tough sometimes. I wouldn't trade my time in for any reason. it was the best thing I've ever done.

[SGT7477]

At age 7, my son politely informed everyone at our Thanksgiving dinner table that when he grew up, "he wanted to be a Sniper," and being a smart lad and seeing the horrified looks on all of our faces, he quickly added, "but not because I want to hurt anybody - but because I want to SERVE MY COUNTRY!"

So, was I surprised 13 years later when he informed me that he would be enlisting soon; proudly - No. He's now a Lance Corporal in Japan and into his 2nd year as a Marine.

"when you stand with me, you never stand alone" from The Warrior Song

gofigyer (1 Marine-2008); (1 Army-2010); (1 proud mother)
Is he a Sniper?:flag:

[Nate2004]

I am not a parent, but when I told my Father I wanted to join the Marines and I had already gone down to the recruiting station the first thing he said was "well...you never did listen to what I told you to do did you? Did I not say "Don't join the marines, join the air force!" which I respectfully replied "Nope! You highly suggested that I shouldn't" My Father is was a Marine, saw some pretty crazy stuff, and felt he had seen it so I wouldn't have to. So the next question he asked was "If I won the lottery would you still do it?" my reply made him(in my eyes) proud "Of course I would, because I know if I do, it will be something that I will forever look back on and be proud of my decision." So just make sure YOU know why you want to join, so you can ease their worries knowing that it is in your heart.