Parents dont want me to join?

[wesley]

Parents wont let me join!

[LRSU_Dog]

You are not alone in your situation, there are many people who have an uphill battle in this area. Being in the National Guard does not enatail any particular political beliefs - there are soldiers from accross the political spectrum who serve proudly.

Ultimately you need to have a plan and sound reasoning as to why this plan is important to you, because in the end having the support of your family makes life easier on a soldier - that support is a great thing!

What I would recommend is this, try to speak with a Professional Recruiter in the best way you can, you can locate a recruiter on this website and send off an email to get things started. You can try to get an idea of what jobs you are interested in - which you need to take the ASVAB to know what you qualifiy for.

Doing this will help you take the time necessary to look at your future goals and the benefits offered - and make it possible for you to make your case in a sound, confident, and educated manner. You should also try to involve your parents in the "learning" process" of what a National Guardsman does both within our communities and in support of our National Objectives. There is no guarantee you might not be deplyable after you finish High School, are fully trained, and have reached the age of 18. However this is a bit in the future for you...

Convincing anyone of your desire to be a soldier takes education on the subject, a bit of selling and marketing - but above all the ability to state your case while being true to yourself and your convictions. Become familiar with the Army values and the Soldiers Creed to create the basis for how you pursue this - and best of luck!

[Specialist Purdue]

There is nothing that I can tell you that is going to change your parents mind set. If they will not let you sign up at 17 you will have to wait till you are 18 then you can join on your own. You are not selling your soul to Uncle Sam you are simply serving your country. Bottom line do what you want and feel is best for you and don't let anyone talk you out of it.

[AbnMtn]

The main thing you need to convey to your parents is how important this is to you. While you're talking to them, don't antagonize with them and become confrontational. Some parents really don't know what service to the country really is and it's up to us to educate them. Other parents just know as much as what the media shows day in and day out which is the negativity of what 's currently happening with our Armed Forces.

Always know that no matter what, they have what's best for you in mind, worry about you and wouldn't want anything to happen to you. Never downplay their feelings for you no matter how bad you want this to happen. Just continue to talk to them and see if you can convince them to talk to your local recruiter. Whatever happens, don't hold it against them. If it's not meant to happen now, then wait until you're 18 to join.

[Chris89]

Well happy early birthday. I have a couple of suggestions for you. Have you talked to your parents about joining and why you want to and what benefits you may receive? Two tell them that they should have faith in you and let you talk to a recruiter with them. Because what a recruiter will do is talk to your parents about options. Let them feel more trusted with it. Also bud I see your point and they do want you to join but they are just really scared for you.

Also, you will not be sent to Iraq until you finish school and finish basic training and AIT I can grantee that

If that doesn’t turn out just join when your 18!




Chris

[sendkeys]

Im 17(I turn August first) and my parents do not want me to join the guard. They will not even allow me to talk to any recruiters. I really want to join and I plan on going to college. What should I tell them. My fathers a pastor and a democrat and thinks that joining the army is "selling your soul to uncle sam." My mom feels the same way and is worried that Ill be sent to Iraq. What are the chances of that. What can I say to them to convince them otherwise.

Maybe you should try to find some common ground. Talk to them about a non-combat job? You can change jobs later. Maybe look into joining for the lowest years you can? Then if it works out re-list.
As for your father his view to me is right "in a way". I love our country but i wouldn't trust our government When you sign the line they own you, to a point. But your soul is your you can do anything you want even say no i don't want to"do something" but with everything you will pay the penalties. If you do join remember to stand up to your friends and always do what you think is right, Don't just fit in.

I'm kind of with you parents i think 17-18 is to young to join but that's just my view. Heck you can do it when you're in your 20's only couple years.


But no matter what, Do what you want but listen and talk to your parents. Make sure they know it's your life and your going to do what you think is best.

[patriot007]

what do i say to them, how do i say it,??

[Specialist Purdue]

Be calm and very respectful when you ask them if you can join, then go throu the reasons of why you want and think that it will be a good experience for you. If they still do not want you to join you might have to wait till you are 18. It might not be the thing that you want to do, but the wait might give you some time to study up so you are ahead of the game when you join.

[guard61075]

I think that parents should be fine with you REPRESENTING our COUNTRY.
Plus you are 18 or so when you join, You should be able to make your own choices.


Do what you want.

Try talking to them. Present them with the benefits. And the knowledge. They should/will listen

[catie11]

Ya know what I did. I joined when I was 17. I told my parents that if they didn't let me sign up for the guard when I was 17 and stay close to home that the day I turned 18 I would go active duty and get stationed somewhere overseas. They signed the papers. I have been in 3 years and I am now going active duty. I think I've waited long enough.

SPC Kinnick

[guard61075]

I agree. I think that you should just ask them first. Then if they say no try to give them facts. Try to keep peace. If you want to join their has to be a way to get it. Good Luck

[AbnMtn]

You've gotten some good advise from a lot of people in this forum. But ultimately, you know your parents better than anyone of us here and how much you value your relationship with them. I can tell you this much. No matter how bad you want this to happen it is not worth damaging a good realtionship with your parents. If you have to wait until you're 18, then wait until you're 18 and they should respect your decision at that time.

[wesley]

Thanks everyone for the advice!

[AbnMtn]

You're welcome. Keep on checking the postings on the forum to stay informed.

[two2fly]

Balance your reasons for joining against your parent's reservations. A long responsible conversation is in order. Joining the military will change your life forever, even if your enlistment is only 2-3 years. It's a commitment not made lightly and your parents understand that. But, if your commitment and resolve is strong and your reasons are responsible, your parents might see a different side of you. The bottom line is: know what you're talking about and present your side of the debate in a mature and responsible manner. Serving your country is an honor and a privelege, despite political reservations or fear of harm.

[LRSU_Dog]

Your best route is to first know the particulars of what you want, and what your goals are... You cannot sell anyone anything if you do not believe in what you want to pursue (and I am not talking about car salesmen - I am talking about parents and thier children).

Even if they do not agree it may be a good thing to involve them in the information gathering aspect of the process, to include talking with recruiters and other soldiers. If you have, in your heart, a desire to do this, then you should also have a sound plan you are building to attain your goals, which include being a soldier, doing a soldiers job, and taking advantage of the benefits afforded to soldiers for thier service (such as education, bonus, etc.)

Simply waiting until you are 18 does not help the matter, unless joining is your only goal - realize that regardless of what you think now, your parents will always worry about your choices, and want to be protective of you. I know this because I enlisted at 17, and had to have parental consent to do so. So I know you are better off including them in your future plans to gain thier understanding of all of this - it also makes your life easier if you have support from your parents.

In most cases you will find, that if you have a sound plan, and sound resoning, include your parents in the process, that even though they are against it, it may become easier for them to learn to support your goal of being a soldier. Look at the short and long term, and always keep the realities of being a soldier in view - be honest with yourself and your parents.

Best of luck!

[guard61075]

Your parents just need some more knowledge. Talk to your recruiter about your problem, they might have some info on what to do. Maybe if you know someone that was in the national guard you can ask them to talk to your parents over dinner or something.


Good Luck