re: HS aged son has expressed interest in joining the military

Tell him to not choose a middle ground so-to-speak. Depending on the type of person he is, have him choose either something he can apply on the outside (i.e. something mechanical or medical) or special warfare. If he's gonna "fight", have him get trained up and surround himself with, and be a part of the elite.

quote:

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The romanticized vision of being in the special forces is what he’s seeing more so than learning a trade.

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Actually just read this. I HIGHLY suggest the USAF special warfare (biased of course). They have a few Spec Ops career fields I think he'd enjoy if he is that type. And now it's a straight pipeline opposed to when I went thru it, so he'll go to ALL of the schools before going down range. Also explain to him the best way you can that war is unlike anything he can imagine, and that it will stay with him forever.