Broke the news to the parents today, i thought I made the right decision..
I finally told my parents today that I was going to MEPS on Friday. I wanted to make sure that I had a definite answer before I even opened my mouth. When I told them I was hoping for encouragement. Instead my father called me a ******* idiot and said "Wow i've heard it all". My mom just stood there and said "Why would you want to come back in a body bag"? My dad, his brothers and father were all in the Navy. Now I guess my dad is against the military talking about having absolutely no freedom and the pay sucks. IMO its not about money at all but they dont seem to understand that. They say I'm a smart kid and that I have everything going for me so they wonder why I would even consider joining.
Personally I know this decision is up to me and its my life. But having no support base kind of sucks. My girlfriend supports me but who knows how that will be after boot. So here are some things that they mentioned. Could you please provide me with some more information so that I can further talk to them tonight?
1) 1st paycheck sucks because uniforms etc are deducted.
2) No matter the MOS you choose the Marines can still place you wherever they want outside of your "field of preference". Example I chose intel but could be placed in infantry.
3) You will have no time for college classes at your duty station.
4) Military literally owns you in the sense that all of your freedoms are taken for the entire 8 years of service. (I dont know what my father why trying to get at but thats the whole idea of a contract..)
I dont know if my parents think I want to enlist because of pay. If they think that then they are entirely wrong. I would just like some input so that I have definite straightforward answers next time I bring it up.
Thanks