This is a question for those who are interested in enlisting in the military, or who have already enlisted. The ongoing war on terrorism abroad has made some folks less supportive of their loved ones joining the military than they may have been in the past. I was just curious to hear what reactions people have had to hearing about your intention to join the military. Have loved ones, family, friends, and acquaintances been generally supportive of your plans, or have you met with resistance?

My family was very supportive when my brother and I joined the Army, though a little disappointed that we chose Army over Air Force (dad's retired AF). Now he's over that minor disappointment and is constantly bragging about us at his VFW and Legion meetings. And it wasn't just my family. We are from a small town and have received tons of support from everyone we know.

I will say I met with some resistance from friends when I enlisted and even now when I come home, some of them still don't understand why I joined the Army, but overall they've grown to accept it and be supportive.

It's a little weird for me, as I've chosen to tell only a few people of my decision to enlist. There are some personal reasons which factor into the decision, but part of it is that I expect to encounter a lot of resistance and people who want to "talk me out of it". Some of the folks I know like to think of themselves as pro-military, but have changed their tune since the war on terror has begun. I only have a month before I ship to basic, and don't want to spend it in a series of debates and arguments trying to justify my decision. The most important person in my life, my husband, has been very supportive, so I feel that I am good to go. It might not be the right way to go about it, but I think a lot of people I know will find out I've enlisted after they get a photo from BCT graduation...

My family has been very supportive. My mon occasionally though seems less than enthusiastic about it. She likes that I am in the military, but not that I am in Iraq. She is against the War. She tries not to bring it up to me though.

I have noticed that older people seem to be more supportive of people in the military.

I also noticed that people in the south are more supportive as well. I was recently stationed at Fort Lewis, and you saw a wide array of people from supporters to protestors. Once I arrived at Campbell though, I saw almost nothing but Supporters.

SGT HAMMY-- You must be in 101st. Say hi to any 3ID brethren over there for me (I think Ballad is where our 1st or 3rd Brigade are at).