Told my parents, they are completely against it.

[djcrowley07]

So I'm 17 years old and I'm a senior in high school. I told my parents I want to join the National Guard and they are completely against it.

They said that by joining the Guard, I'll be closing the door on so many other opportunities I could have. I told them I'll be going to college, and I can't be deployed for 2 years under the College First program, but they said there's no way I'll get a college education because I'll be deployed right after 2 years and it will all be split up. They asked why don't you just go to college and decide afterwards if you still want to do it?

I told them why I wanted to join and they say its stupid. They say why would I want to get killed in Iraq? Why would I want to ruin my life?

They said it would also have an impact on everyone else in my family because they have to live each day hoping I'm not going to be deployed, and if (when) I'm deployed, they will be more worried everyday I'm overseas.

They think its so stupid that in a time of war, that I want to sign up. They don't understand why I want to, no matter what I say. They don't act like their are proud or me or anything.

I understand their concern, but I don't know how I'll do this. They make me feel guilty because it will make their everyday lives more stressful, but they don't understand why I want to do this.

I told them I'd join anyways when I'm 18 and they just cried. I want to do this so badly, and if I don't do it, I will regret it for the rest of my life, but they are making me feel so bad about it.

What do you think? Do you agree with them? What could I possibly do to get them to change their mind? Am I being selfish by putting them through this stress?

[PARecruiter11B24]

So I'm 17 years old and I'm a senior in high school. I told my parents I want to join the National Guard and they are completely against it.

They said that by joining the Guard, I'll be closing the door on so many other opportunities I could have. I told them I'll be going to college, and I can't be deployed for 2 years under the College First program, but they said there's no way I'll get a college education because I'll be deployed right after 2 years and it will all be split up. They asked why don't you just go to college and decide afterwards if you still want to do it?

I told them why I wanted to join and they say its stupid. They say why would I want to get killed in Iraq? Why would I want to ruin my life?

They said it would also have an impact on everyone else in my family because they have to live each day hoping I'm not going to be deployed, and if (when) I'm deployed, they will be more worried everyday I'm overseas.

They think its so stupid that in a time of war, that I want to sign up. They don't understand why I want to, no matter what I say. They don't act like their are proud or me or anything.

I understand their concern, but I don't know how I'll do this. They make me feel guilty because it will make their everyday lives more stressful, but they don't understand why I want to do this.

I told them I'd join anyways when I'm 18 and they just cried. I want to do this so badly, and if I don't do it, I will regret it for the rest of my life, but they are making me feel so bad about it.

What do you think? Do you agree with them? What could I possibly do to get them to change their mind? Am I being selfish by putting them through this stress?

Best thing to do is wait till you are 18 and do it then. Your parents by what you have said will most likley NOT talk to or listen to what a recruiter has to say. I have run into this before. Just wait till you are 18 and then make the dissions for yourself. It will get you greef but if you want it bad enough then you will stick it out and when your apernts see that what you told them is the truth and you did get everything you asked for then maybe they might look at it diffrently. GOOD LUCK.

[plano2001]

I know how you feel. I've talked about joining for several years, but was never fully committed to it so never followed through. Unfortunately, I'm married now at the point in my life where I am ready to take that oath but my wife is currently dead set against it. She doesn't understand why I'm willing to serve my country, ready to be deployed, and ready to fight a war and possibly lose my life for a few hundred bucks a month.

Thankfully, I'm only 24 so I have many more years of trying to convince my wife that I'm ready to make this decision, and that it's the right decision.

Don't give up on your dream of joining the Guard, but also don't give up on your parents. Yes, you do have the option of joining at 18 without their permission any more. But honestly, you should really consider their advice. You're 17 years old. You'll be 22-23 when you finish college. Is there any real harm in going to college first? It will allow you to come in at a higher rank (and higher pay), or even have enough college hours to attend OCS and have a leadership career opportunity in the Guard.

Take a long and hard time to really think about it. Make sure you know everything you can about it, that you're making the best decision for your life. If you still feel you are, then JOIN THE GUARD! But if you have any hesitation, consider waiting. The Guard will always be around. Also ask your local recruiter to talk to your parents. They deal with very similar situations every day. Many of them can be resolved with conversations with the recruiters to allay their fears. But some cannot.

[pedestrian]

So I'm 17 years old and I'm a senior in high school. I told my parents I want to join the National Guard and they are completely against it.

They said that by joining the Guard, I'll be closing the door on so many other opportunities I could have. I told them I'll be going to college, and I can't be deployed for 2 years under the College First program, but they said there's no way I'll get a college education because I'll be deployed right after 2 years and it will all be split up. They asked why don't you just go to college and decide afterwards if you still want to do it?

I told them why I wanted to join and they say its stupid. They say why would I want to get killed in Iraq? Why would I want to ruin my life?

They said it would also have an impact on everyone else in my family because they have to live each day hoping I'm not going to be deployed, and if (when) I'm deployed, they will be more worried everyday I'm overseas.

They think its so stupid that in a time of war, that I want to sign up. They don't understand why I want to, no matter what I say. They don't act like their are proud or me or anything.

I understand their concern, but I don't know how I'll do this. They make me feel guilty because it will make their everyday lives more stressful, but they don't understand why I want to do this.

I told them I'd join anyways when I'm 18 and they just cried. I want to do this so badly, and if I don't do it, I will regret it for the rest of my life, but they are making me feel so bad about it.

What do you think? Do you agree with them? What could I possibly do to get them to change their mind? Am I being selfish by putting them through this stress?

holly **** thats exacly how my conversation will go down... im gonna be 17 in April so i still got time to really think about it

[matthew.ritchie]

So I'm 17 years old and I'm a senior in high school. I told my parents I want to join the National Guard and they are completely against it.

They said that by joining the Guard, I'll be closing the door on so many other opportunities I could have. I told them I'll be going to college, and I can't be deployed for 2 years under the College First program, but they said there's no way I'll get a college education because I'll be deployed right after 2 years and it will all be split up. They asked why don't you just go to college and decide afterwards if you still want to do it?

I told them why I wanted to join and they say its stupid. They say why would I want to get killed in Iraq? Why would I want to ruin my life?

They said it would also have an impact on everyone else in my family because they have to live each day hoping I'm not going to be deployed, and if (when) I'm deployed, they will be more worried everyday I'm overseas.

They think its so stupid that in a time of war, that I want to sign up. They don't understand why I want to, no matter what I say. They don't act like their are proud or me or anything.

I understand their concern, but I don't know how I'll do this. They make me feel guilty because it will make their everyday lives more stressful, but they don't understand why I want to do this.

I told them I'd join anyways when I'm 18 and they just cried. I want to do this so badly, and if I don't do it, I will regret it for the rest of my life, but they are making me feel so bad about it.

What do you think? Do you agree with them? What could I possibly do to get them to change their mind? Am I being selfish by putting them through this stress?

It's strange how people assess risk. There are certain big city neighborhoods in America that are just as dangerous as parts of Iraq. You may be able to tone down the hysteria by reminding them that the casualty rate in Iraq is a fraction of what it was in Vietnam, Korea, and WWII. They only see the casualties on TV, not the tens of thousands that come home alive. Also, civilians aren't immortal. Civilians die in America every day, but that doesn't make the national news. It took four years for the military deaths to reach the same level as one day's worth of civilian deaths on 9-11. You're statistically far safer as a rifleman in Baghdad than you would have been as bond trader in the World Trade Center that day.

I'm guessing that your parents were your age during the Vietnam War, or soon thereafter. They still carry some unconscious misconceptions about military service. You can educate them with facts, but ultimately their reaction is emotional, and logic will only do so much to address their concerns.

Of course always respect your parents, but at age 18 your life is ultimately your responsibility, for better or for worse. Maintain your own composure and respectability, and eventually they will respect your decision (even if they never agree with it) by the mature and intelligent manner in which you conduct yourself.

[VTguard]

There will always be someone in your life (family, friend, spouse, girl/boy friend) that will not understand your desire to serve and will not want you to do it. Most people don't understand the selfless desire to serve your country. Some people will never understand and often there is nothing you can say or do to change their mind. Ultimately, it is your decision and it's your life. The choices you make now determine if you will look back on your life 10 or 20 years from now and wish you had had the courage to take charge of your life or if you have regrets and wish you had listened to your heart instead of out those around you.

[Kra]

Being 17 you have time to talk with your parents, do so rationally and listen to them and thier concerns. I recommend writing thier concerns down after your conversation and getting the information together, present them with the information and show the positive approach for your choice.

Family support is one of the most important things we can have in this life. I am 39 years old and just joined the Guard. I am a prior service member active and reserve, my father is a retired Army officer and my brother is a 1st Lt in the Guard. My family worries about my brother getting a deployment and just like yours the chances he could be wounded or killed. Make no mistake nobody wants that to happen but it is a reality, slim but a reality. Back to my situation, I discussed everything with my family mom, dad, brother and 10 yr old son whose stepfather left for a 2nd deployment 2 weeks ago in Iraq. Logic, reasoning and my desires to reaffiliate with the military were given. Now with a strong military background within my family there were mixed emotions, yet when I presented my reasons they understood the choice of the National Guard over another branch of service.

Take your time DO NOT rush into decisions, the Guard will be great for you in school and in your future careers. Get your family onboard with your decisions, let them express thier concerns and beliefs. Respect whatever they say, disrespect will only build hostilities.

Best of luck in your future endeavors.

[logcutter]

You want to serve,,,,,,I say OUTSTANDING! When you turn 18 just do it and dont look back. This is your choice and right now your country is at war and needs every man and woman who is willing to stand up and be counted. I did six years back in the eighties and just reenlisted because I feel my country needs me. Good luck. HOOHA

[NCCorleone]

DJCrowley,

I was on the phone with a friend of mine who's currently in the Navy. I told him about wanting to join the Guard and he cracked up. "I can remember being in elementary with you, and you saying you wanted to join the Army" he told me.

Well, here I am a decade and a half later, finally on my way. I'm 19, have been to 3 different colleges, have lived on my own for a year now, graduated top %5 of my High School class, and have a fiance.

I broke the news to my mom in November, and she said a lot of the same things your parents have told you. "Wait until you finish college." "You're going to be deployed." "You're closing lots of doors." etc...

The advantage you, and many other members here, have, is that you're not even old enough to sign the papers on your own yet. This is a good thing, and is designed for a purpose. Take some time, and reflect, research and soul search. Is this something you REALLY want to do? Before you answer "Yes!" automatically, I suggest reading some books (The Devil's Sandbox, Operation: Homecoming - Really Recommend this one, even Black Hawk Down), watching some videos/documentaries from every spectrum (The Voices of Iraq; Gunner Palace, Mission: Accomplished etc) and taking some time to yourself, after having learned what you're getting into and again asking "Do I REALLY want this?" I've been seriously contemplating this since October, and won't go to MEPS until July. Why? Because, I want to be entirely certain I want to do this, and I'm making the right choice.

My advice (aside from the above) wait at least until you're old enough to buy tobacco. ;)

[gsimes]

Please let me give you a little advice.I'm 53 years old and never served a day in the military and it is the biggest regret of my life,and I'm in the process of trying to get an exception to the policy ruleing so that I can join the National Guard ,they said it cant be done but you just watch, I will be able to enlist serve 8 years and be able to salute my own daughter. Ilove this country,grew up in a time when the draft was in effect and I had a high number and never got called,got married raised 3 kids,one was in the Navy and is out but is going in the Guard, {my baby} my daughter is in the Guard right now and going to be a 2nd lieutenant when she graduates.Don't do as I done,Join the Guard there will be plenty of time for life and family,you wont ruin your life,your parents will still be there they will adjust ,and I believe they will come to support your decision to serve your country and be part of something larger than yourself,you are not being selfish,your parents will still love you ,they are your parents.good luck.

gsimes

[XNikkiX]

Here's another story for you. I'm a 26 yr old mom of 2,fiance of my boyfriend for 12yrs. It took me 8 long months of sorrow for him to come around and agree to me joining. DO IT FOR YOU. Take your' time, read ALL of the message boards. If you still feel this is whats in YOUR heart, then DO it. If you feel a tiny ounce of regret joining, this is not your time to join. I believe you need to WANT to join 100%.
My family doesnt agree, but i'm an adult, capable of making my own decisions. My joining will only concern my fiance,kids and my mom, NOT MY UNCLES OR GRANDMOTHER ETC... I am doing this for my family, closest to my heart. I think the benefits outweigh the risks joining. For me, I have no other choice in life, I MUST join, for the self discipline and for the money and education.
In those 8 months there was not a single day that I didn't think about joining. I finally got fed up and basically cried to my fiance, and told him this is what im doing. He wasn't happy, he's also prior service. I always hear, its the wrong time to join, but is there ever a SAFE time to join??? We do it cause it's what we want to do, nobody forces us to sign a contract.
It's a major deal...relax and look into it all you can, and ASK ASK ASK QUESTIONS! No question is dumb!
Understand what you are up against, fully! Let your family know, write down your risks and benefits, if it works for you...do it. If not, mybe it's not time yet? The military isn't going ANYWHERE, it'll be here for you, whenever YOU are ready. But I suggest nobody doesn't go because family doesnt want them to. YOU are making the sacrafice, it's your choice.
I can totally appreciate wanting to serve while everyone at home supports you, but sometimes it doesnt go like this. I pretty much figure when i'll be on my uncles **** list, but it's my life! If someone can be that selfish and never speaks to you again because you are serving your country...TO **** WITH THEM! My grandfather served...Take care guys, AND KICK AZZ!:mad: