Who wants to join the Army? They do.

Chicago Tribune ^ | June | Jason George

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Karen Dandridge, Richard Forrest Jr. and Rolando Medina all graduated from high school last week and live only a couple of miles apart, but they never ran with the same crowd until now.

The U.S. Army has brought them together.

Fresh from proms and final exams, they have made the life-changing decision to volunteer for the Army, even as public opinion of Operation Iraqi Freedom sags and casualties climb. Like the 73,373 nationwide who raised their hands for Army duty last year, these three came to the South Holland recruiting station with their own reasons for signing up.

They will be welcomed into a military that has struggled lately to fill its ranks. Last year, the Army missed its goal of enlisting 80,000 active-duty soldiers by 6,627--the largest shortfall since 1979. Enlistment of both African-Americans and women has particularly suffered in recent years.

The three recruits all live in Calumet City--a town that closely resembles the nation as a whole when comparing economic and social characteristics, including the number of veterans as a percentage of the population.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote to James Monroe that every citizen should be a soldier at some point.

"This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state," he argued, believing that service improved both the military and the man.

This does not happen today in the United States, of course. There is no universal conscription. There is no draft. Instead, people like Dandridge, Forrest and Medina elect to serve.

Their motives range from patriotism to pay. Although their paths to the Army have been their own, they now enter this new endeavor with similar measures of fear and fortitude.

[ReaganCowboy]

"I (state your full name) do solemnly swear to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and to bear true faith and allegience to the same. I will obey the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the officers appointed over me. I take this obligation freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So help me God."

I don't care what color your son's uniform is -- when he says those words, or some form therefore, he's OK in my book. And you must have been pretty good parents for him to see and respond to the need of our Nation.

As for my service, I'm just an old Army guy. Now at the twilight of my career, I'm mighty glad to see more men coming up to replace old Reagan Cowboy's like me.

Here's what you can do...get a copy of the oath of enlistment, or oath of commission, and read it. Learn what each word and phrase means. Then teach it to him, and tell him what it means to you. If he understands the oath, and desires to fulfill it -- that's a man you've raised! A mighty fine man!

[Dog Gone]

You didn't hijack the thread. Your comment was well within the thread topic.

If you had done like so many do, turned a thread into a discussion of how we can blow up illegal aliens at the border, THAT would be a thread hijack. ;-)

[bad company]

My son came to us last week and said he was interested in joining the military and wanted our advice as to which branch to join

First, how athletic is he? The Army and Marines are very physical. Beyond that what does he want to do with his life? What are his interests? The reason they are behind in enlistments is that they are replacing some of the military that Clinton got rid of., so many fields are going to be available to him. Be patient. Be persistent and make the recruiter earn his paycheck. Some jobs do not translate well to the outside world, others ensure you have a job when you get out. Feel free to get with me with whatever questions you have. I come from a long military family and live in a military town. I'd be happy to help your son get the most out of his military experience.

[babydoll22]

Thanks.

Computer illiterate here. Wish I had known before hand.

I just wanted to apologize to everyone.

[Eagle Eye]

I spent seven years as an Army recruiter, recruiter trainer, Station Commander, and Operations Assistant at HQ...and earned all the awards.

I also worked in a multiservice setting with and against the other services.

Recenlty I have seen the other services in operation in Iraq and Qatar.

I can't be totally unbiased but I'll help you ask the questions that matter and explain the process to you. I have no agenda and it matters not which branch, including reserve or guard, they choose.

I've been out over a decade but have kept in touch with some things....so the technology has changed but the overall system is still the same...interview, ASVAB, physical, session with the counselor, enlistment into delayed entry and accession into active duty.

So ask and I'll try to help.

[fnord]

which branch is dependent on his goals and aspirations. each branch has something unique to offer.

by all means, talk to all the recruiters with him and you can probably determine who to believe and not.

if he has any questions, posting them on FR would garner quick and honest answers.

good luck, souonds like a great kid.

[Centurion2000]

Enlistment of both African-Americans and women has particularly suffered in recent years.

I wonder why?

[Coop]

Another poster said I had highjacked this thread which was not my intent. For that I apologize.

I think that comment was in jest. Your question fits in exactly with the topic of this thread, and it shows you want the best for your son. I hope whatever he ultimately decides works out in all of your best interests.

[Criminal Number 18F]

Oh, cripes! I wasn't being negative about "thread-hijacking." I thought I was making a joke. Now I'm embarrassed.

Best of luck to you and your son!

cheers

-=K=-

[glaseatr]

The short answer is to have him talk to all the branches. I would even encourage you or your husband to go with him when he does.

I looked at what skills my son was lacking in, and figured the Marines would give him a better skill set in which to live the rest of his life. His mother was screaming Air Force and still is.

[Coop]

I just noticed your tagline. My sincere condolences on the loss of your brave nephew. And my sincere thanks for your son's service to our country.

[Coop]

I took it as a joke. :-) Don't be embarassed. Sometimes sarcasm doesn't translate well on the 'Web.

[Jotmo]

Ah yes, subs.

200 men go down, 100 couples come back up.

Or so I've been told.

[bmwcyle]

Only gays tell that joke, you must be gay.

[Jotmo]

It was told to me by an ex Sub mariner. (Sea Wolf) So, draw your own conclusions.

Don't let your imagination get carried away with you now.

[babydoll22]

Thanks.

Sorry I misunderstood.

God bless you.