Private_P, I'm from Staten Island, NY.

I didn't tell my mom I joined the Army until... after I joined. I shipped 2 weeks after I signed and told her the day after I signed. She cried alot, but not because she was sad, she was just proud, and scared. She was kind of used to it though, my brother is Navy.

See no one in my family has been in the Military except for like a distant cuzin and she is completely against this whole idea because she thinks im going to go to iraq and die. Everyones reaction is basically the same , completley shocked. I haven't gotten scared thinking about it. I dont even know my MOB yet and havent taken the ASVAB i dont think i need to worry or anything do you?

I wouldn't worry too much. Besides, by the time you finish basic training and AIT (Advanced Individual Training), that's the school where you actually learn your job, she should be used to the idea. True that most of the Army will see Iraq at some point, but you have to secure your future, and do what you think is right for you, and I'm sure once you call your mom sees you graduate from Training she will be more proud then scared. The once piece of advice I have for you is just to follow your heart and I wouldn't let anyones fear, anxiety, or anything negative stop you from joining if that's what you really want to do. She will eventually come around. My mom was scared when I told her I was going to Iraq at first. But she understood it comes with this life that I chose. Needless to say however, she was thrilled when I told her I didn't have to go afterall.

To Sum up what LT said don't let others live your life, kick ass and have fun kicking ass.

[quote:157719441a="Defesnor Fortis"]To Sum up what LT said don't let others live your life, kick ass and have fun kicking ass.[/quote:157719441a]

Whoop! (thumbs up), we've all gotta grow up sometime

Private_P

When soliciting opinions from others, realize that they are exactly that...the opinions of others. Now, we are only able to make our opinions based on our past experience. That being said, take everything that anyone says...including me...with a grain of salt. It is up to YOU to decide whether or not you should follow the advice of others.

To begin with, I will explain my situation up front. I am currently a Recruiter. For those of the rest of you reading this post, do not allow that to cause you to automatically dismiss my comments as coming from "just another lying-a## Recruiter"

Before giving you my opinion, I would like the chance to respond, from a Recruiter's perspective, to some of the opinions that have been expressed so far.

xJudgex

1:ask for a list and description of jobs that you're qualified for.
2: The length of training for your MOS
3: a more detailed description of the jobs you're interested in.
4: Available bonuses
5: Extra training you can get in your contract (eg Airborne, Ranger, Air Assault, etc...)

These are valid concerns. Of course, your qualifications are based upon your test score, which your Recruiter will not be able to determine just by looking at you. There will be a practice test that the Recruiter will need you to take...then they can tell you the answers to the questions above. However, the statement

"And don't beleive ANY promises that the recruiter gives you. If you're told you can have something you're interested in, do not sign ANYTHING until you see it in writing. I can't stress this point enough."

Don't go into the office seeing the Recruiter as an enemy. We are not used car salesmen. Although this is good advice, it gives you the false impression that the Recruiter will lie to you. Just be careful.

NCO OF THE YEAR

"also be sure to ask him/her how you can get promoted before you leave for BCt...PV2...PFC or even SPC. All the money helps...if your entitled to it, get it."

Most definitely. Normally, however, I do not go into the specifics until AFTER someone has enlisted into the Delayed Entry Program. You, the applicant, has enough to be concerned with ensuring that you are qualified. For the record, there are very few ways for you to be promoted to SPC (E-4) before leaving for BCT. Awarded a Bachelor's Degree or having a technical or civilian certification are the only ways.

laurie96d

"Also, don't let those recuriters try to intimidate you either. If you don't like what you're getting, don't sign. Those folks need you, not the other way around. This is your career that you are about to get yourself into, don't let someone pressure you into something you don't want to do. In the end, the only person that is going to take an active part in your life is you. I love the Army, but if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have gone into the MOS Im in."

You know what? If I knew then what I know now, I probably wouldn't be the same MOS either. But, like worldwideMP said, rarely does intimidation work. Now, as far as the statement "Those folks need you, not the other way around", that is a mistake. I don't "need" any applicant...I get paid every month whether or not I put someone in the Army. That does not mean that I am going to treat you like a number or a piece of meat, but if you go down to the Processing Station with the attitude of "this is what I want and this is what I am going to get because you need me", look around while you are sitting there. See how many other people are there to join the Army. I don't wish to be harsh, but the reality is, the more you want to play hardball, the less satisfied you will be with the process.

Now for my bit:

Go talk to your Recruiter. Explain to your Recruiter everything that has been discussed here...believe me, if the Recruiter is any good, they will appreciate your honesty and the opportunity to quell some of your fears. If you put off talking to your Recruiter until you are ready, and then collect more and more advice, you will hear more and more negative things about Recruiters, then the less likely you will go to take advantage of the opportunities you have available.

All of these questions are valid concerns...if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email.

Thanks for taking the time to listen, if you made it this far...

Duane K. L. France
SSG, USA
Fort Meade Recruiting Station

Thank you, Jumpmaster france for your feedback. I still have not yet met with my recruiter ..he calls me often and i keep putting it off for one because this is a very touchy subject with my mother and she is totally against the whole idea....i know i need to tell this to my recruiter. can someone get a bad reputation with recruiters and hten end up finding some one who will make it hard for them or try as much as possible to twist things? I just dont want to have a bad reputation because i keep putting this off with my recruiter. Hope you can help.
Private P
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

when you meet with him, tell him that your mother isn't to fond of the idea and he will make a house visit to discuss things with her