How to win over the family?

[perseverance]

Right, let's cut to the chase here, I am planning to join the military next year, I am prepared for it both mentally and physically, and I'm eager to do it, so I'm going to do regardless of what anyone thinks.

My family are dead set against it, my mother is fine with it and accepted it, but the rest of family continue to go on about it, how I will be sent off to Afghanistan and how I will be blown up or maimed or worse killed and I should think about what burden that will have on them etc - is there any way I can win them over at all?

As I say, I'm signing up whether they agree with it or not, I just would like them to respect my wishes to do something I want to do.

 

[Twitch]

Honestly don't worry about it dude. Part of being a DJ is being unaffected by the opinions of haters. Focus on the positive support you have from your mom.

 

[DJDamage]

Why do you want to join the army in the first place?!

 

[thedude4242]

I got respect for you and in advanced thank you for your service, but I know a lot guys who join the military and think when they come back people are going to fear you or not mess you with you because of then dont bother doing it.

 

[BigJimbo]

Basically your family loves you. Listen to them. They sound like good people.

Only wars I support are on XBOX and PS3. The rest are stupid and go against everything I believe in - Pretty young ladies, discobars where the lights flash from pink to purple, D&G Sport, evening turn down service, and my morning cappuccino at a place where they give me a complimentary little cookie.

 

[Julius_Seizeher]

Despite how much I love my Marine Corps and treasure the time I spent there, when I dream about those days, I wake up soaked in sweat and it takes me a few minutes to realize that I'm not there anymore.

I know for sure that I wish I hadn't inspired my college roommate to join the Marines, by wowing him with all my war stories. I should've kept my mouth shut, because he went to Iraq and got his legs blown off.

I can tell you this - if you are joining any branch besides the Marine Corps, you'll barely tell a difference in your new life. The Marines are, well...the Marines. You have to earn that title, and it never stops.

I would also encourage you to go into a MOS that affords you employment opportunities upon discharge. Sure, we combat guys get all the glory, but the things I learned how to do have no place on a resume. In addition, you should be able to get your family on board if you can say "Look, the economy's dogsh!t, and the army is a guaranteed three square and a check. In my job I won't be anywhere near combat, and I'll obtain skills to get a good job when I get out."

 

[Da Realist]

Honestly, family will be the people who will keep you down first. Love them, respect them, but do not ever let them hold you back. If you know what you are getting into and are ready to take the chance, go for it.

 

[perseverance]

Why do you want to join the army in the first place?!

It's a role that appeals to my nature.

 

[perseverance]

Honestly, family will be the people who will keep you down first. Love them, respect them, but do not ever let them hold you back. If you know what you are getting into and are ready to take the chance, go for it.

Well as my mind is already made up, there is no backing down, but it would be nice if my family could respect my opinion, even if they don't agree with it and I can understand why they worry, but I could be hit by a bus tomorrow, so I find their logic somewhat puzzling.

 

[ChalengeGuyFan]

It's a role that appeals to my nature.

It's a good thing that you don't go there to protect the 'American lifestyle' or other such crap.


There was a time when the French Legion (and similar) seemed very appealing to me, because, as bad as it may sound, I like risk and violence.

If I lived in Ancient Greece, I'd have certainly been a warrior.


But what does the military imply?
You can go to war at (almost) any age, but only once you are young and can live (some of) the joys of youth.

Are you completely comfortable with the idea of missing out on things?

That and giving away the full control over your actions and following orders like a dog.

 

[Julius_Seizeher]

It's a good thing that you don't go there to protect the 'American lifestyle' or other such crap.


There was a time when the French Legion (and similar) seemed very appealing to me, because, as bad as it may sound, I like risk and violence.

If I lived in Ancient Greece, I'd have certainly been a warrior.


But what does the military imply?
You can go to war at (almost) any age, but only once you are young and can live (some of) the joys of youth.

Are you completely comfortable with the idea of missing out on things?

That and giving away the full control over your actions and following orders like a dog.

So you'd have been a warrior then, but not now, or was it the other way around?

OP displays uncommon character in his desire to join the armed forces.

Serving in the military is not about being controlled by someone else, it is about becoming strong enough to control yourself and not turn into a bag of jello when the shooting starts.

 

[perseverance]

Are you completely comfortable with the idea of missing out on things?

That and giving away the full control over your actions and following orders like a dog.

Missing out on what exactly?

We all follow orders in one way or another, no one on this planet is fully independent and free.