I am a mom of a 20 yr old son, trying to help him find his way. College doesn't seem to be working for him, getting into trouble. He's not against the idea of joining, just doesn't know if it's for him. And, I want to know if it will help him with structure and discipline and respect. Unfortunately, he is a cocky young man needing to grow up.

He will certainly get structure and discipline. (Maybe more than he can tolerate. ) I think military service is a terrific way for a young man to "find his way." It worked for me. I strongly recommend it.

Robert Carr

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And, I want to know if it will help him with structure and discipline and respect. Unfortunately, he is a cocky young man needing to grow up.

The Coast Guard has over 200 years experience in sorting out cocky young men's attitudes.....

I have a 19 year old that must be reading the same book that your son is reading

I agree that the service would be the best "attitude adjustment" that he can receive. Plus, one way or the other, it will give him direction. I wish you the best of luck. Let us know how it turns out.

Some get Dishonorable Discharges and are screwed for life.

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Some get Dishonorable Discharges and are screwed for life.

If they do then it was a self inflicted wound and they are the ones that screwed themselves for life, the military didn't do it to them. Frankly, it ain't that hard to do well. Just keep your nose clean and do what is expected.

I have seen new recruits go through "The Island" on nothing but three (3) words.....SIR, YES SIR!

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Originally posted by auxman:
I have seen new recruits go through "The Island" on nothing but three (3) words.....SIR, YES SIR!

OMG when I went to OTS, it had just been 'renovated' by a bunch of Academy grads who were trying to shape up us bunch of doctors, attorneys and clergy. A large group of us from the West Coast were considered late because we couldn't start travel the previous day and it took all day to get to Alabama.

The very first thing I said when I was being grilled was "Sir, yes sir!!!"

I got a very sharp look and was told, "This is the Air Force, we don't sandwich our words with sir"

I'll never forget that moment for as long as I live. It was the beginning of a very interesting few weeks.

I agree with most posters, I think a stint in the military for most young persons is a definite plus. I also agree with Stan's opinion on other posts (Ex_GM), that if your son doesn't want to go to sea, or if he wants to hang around home, have him join the Air Force

Ex_CG_GM I agree wholeheartedly with you. What I'm saying is some people just aren't cut out for miltary life. Military has turned many a youth around. Did me. What I'm saying is if your given a Dishonorable discharge it follows you for life.

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if you're given a Dishonorable discharge

Like most things in the military, these aren't given. They have to be earned.

Robert Carr

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Originally posted by Ex_CG_GM:

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Some get Dishonorable Discharges and are screwed for life.

If they do then it was a self inflicted wound and they are the ones that screwed themselves for life, the military didn't do it to them. Frankly, it ain't that hard to do well. Just keep your nose clean and do what is expected.

Well Said

The military is a great place for a man to grow up. He will always have a place to lay his head, food and benefits. Right now the CG is the hardest to get in to. If he needs a lot of help to see the light. Have him look at the Marines. Something about Marine Corps Boot Camp that will change a boy in to a man in about 90 days.

It is only a good idea if he wants to go. If he goes simply to get you off his back he will most likely hate the service and probably you by the time he is done.

If he elects not to enlist, or continue full-time as a student, "encourage" him to leave home, get his own place, and pay his own bills. Too many 18+ young men and women choose to remain in the nest until well into their twenties, then are shocked to discover how difficult it can be to paddle your own canoe. Extended adolescence helps no one.

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Extended adolescence helps no one.

Got that right!

In addition, the service is an excellent way to complete the process of "growing up". You still have adult supervision but you also are being given more responsibility and will be held accountable for managing that responsibility.

I can't help but agree with Sgt Broomfield, not only did the values of the Corps help me throughot my life but also learning how to take care of myself, nuts and bolts, laundry and cooking as well as kicking butt.
I know civilian men who are absolutely certain that, should they ever learn to fry an egg they will immediately be transported to Market Street in San Francisco where they will be wearing nothing but a pair of chaps.

Your parents should have taught you that way before you joined the military.

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Originally posted by Lzemo:
Your parents should have taught you that way before you joined the military.

Mom was visually challenged, I was 15 before I found out that it was possible to make toast without a fire extinguisher. Now there are smoke alarms...

Yeah that was kind of a jerk comment I made. I'm a Nurse, a male in a pretty much female environment. I here allot of women talking about how thier husbands/significant others can't cook, wash cloths do dishes etc...anyway I'm done here, turning it back over to the CGAUX issues...take care.