My One-and-Only Son, yesterday....

[TheGDog]

My One-and-Only Son, yesterday.... went back for his MEPS in DTLA earlier this week, got cleared, and also sworn-in (Eek!) to the US Air Force!



It's a... "Unique" feeling to be in. On the one hand, it's military service, so there's always that "chance" something bad can happen. And I had to wait a DAMN LONG TIME for him to come into being (he was born when I was 38yo). And as I like to say "I know my luck." (Bad) So that aspect... will forever have me feeling nervy while he's in there.

But, I've been trying to console myself with the thought that, he's got my genes in him, so they'll know from his ASVABS (sp?) he's not stupid, and he's on the slim, string-bean (water-polo players body type) side... so I'm pretty sure they'll see that he is of greatest use in some other kind of role besides combat.

At the very least... it'll be "fun" seeing him have that rude-awakening to the way you have to hold-in letting your discontentment about the current situation unfolding in front of you show, when it's superiors that you're interacting with.

In the times he's invoked that kind of a nerve in me... and I've had to step outside of being "Dad" for a second here and there and check him on stuff, occasionally harshly. I kept reminding him how he has NO IDEA how much he's going to have to learn to just sit there and shut-up and suck it up when he's in that enlisted situation. So it should be amusing to see how this aspect rapidly causes him to grow-up and mature more, in terms of holding his tongue on the replies.

Feel free to chime-in to this thread with little tidbits of info I should probably know about, and prepare for. Thanks.

 

[RockAndSage]

My One-and-Only Son, yesterday.... went back for his MEPS in DTLA earlier this week, got cleared, and also sworn-in (Eek!) to the US Air Force!



It's a... "Unique" feeling to be in. On the one hand, it's military service, so there's always that "chance" something bad can happen. And I had to wait a DAMN LONG TIME for him to come into being (he was born when I was 38yo). And as I like to say "I know my luck." (Bad) So that aspect... will forever have me feeling nervy while he's in there.

But, I've been trying to console myself with the thought that, he's got my genes in him, so they'll know from his ASVABS (sp?) he's not stupid, and he's on the slim, string-bean (water-polo players body type) side... so I'm pretty sure they'll see that he is of greatest use in some other kind of role besides combat.

At the very least... it'll be "fun" seeing him have that rude-awakening to the way you have to hold-in letting your discontentment about the current situation unfolding in front of you show, when it's superiors that you're interacting with.

In the times he's invoked that kind of a nerve in me... and I've had to step outside of being "Dad" for a second here and there and check him on stuff, occasionally harshly. I kept reminding him how he has NO IDEA how much he's going to have to learn to just sit there and shut-up and suck it up when he's in that enlisted situation. So it should be amusing to see how this aspect rapidly causes him to grow-up and mature more, in terms of holding his tongue on the replies.

Feel free to chime-in to this thread with little tidbits of info I should probably know about, and prepare for. Thanks.

Write him real, actual letters.

 

[fatbacks]

Write him real, actual letters.

Good advice. I have the letter my old man gave to me the day I left for the army. One of my most cherished possessions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[huntnidaho]

My oldest son just sworn into the USMC at the local MEPS a few weeks ago. Very nervous and proud of him, too. Some buddies of mine that served in the Navy mentioned sending real letters as well.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Real letters and clean photo's that are replaceable.

 

[TopherDave]

My dad was in Iraq when I was in basic training. Got 1 letter from him, he told me he was proud of me and I remember crying my eyes out! But they want to here all about the little things going on at home too. I remember wondering what the corn fields were looking like. I was only 17 when I went to basic training. I use to get sticks of gum smuggled in letters. And my gf’s perfume. But I think it’s changed a lot in the 20 years since I’ve shipped off.

Statistically speaking, your son has a higher change of something happening while driving or riding in a car. It’s one of those everyday tasks that we always overlook.

It’s all good stuff on many levels. From physical fitness, discipline, to shooting and most importantly meeting a wide variety of people have having to work with them. It’s going to set your son up for many things life has to offer. Be proud and try not to worry. It’s just the weaning process.

 

[TheGDog]

HaHA!!.. Just had a funny thought.. I'll muck around and hand-write him a letter in cursive, BUAAAHAHAHAAAA...!!!

 

[Godzilla123]

But, I've been trying to console myself with the thought that, he's got my genes in him, so they'll know from his ASVABS (sp?) he's not stupid, and he's on the slim, string-bean (water-polo players body type) side... so I'm pretty sure they'll see that he is of greatest use in some other kind of role besides combat.

Does he have an idea of what he wants to do? His MOS or "job"? I wish someone had sat down with me (outside of the recruiter) and talked through my MOS choices. Might be something you can help him with...

 

[TheGDog]

Does he have an idea of what he wants to do? His MOS or "job"? I wish someone had sat down with me (outside of the recruiter) and talked through my MOS choices. Might be something you can help him with...

He's thrown out several possibles. They were all decent. One of em I remember being Cyber Security.

Can't remember the other top ones he spouted off. I'm deep into 'puters so of course that one stuck in my head.

But I've talked with him at length about how you have to pick wisely and pick something where you can see it can open the door to other greater opportunities later on down the line. And how you want to avoid stagnant choices that lack any possible upward mobility.

So I think he should be fine there.

Another important thing I told him was to USE that time in there to gather a buncha contact information from dudes you run into that have a good head on their shoulders, and realize the potential that you bring to the table as well. I've explained to him for years how having a larger contact circle can prove invaluable when you might need help in learning about positions opening up, or getting hooked up with an interview. The more people that know about you and your skillset, and your work ethic... the less likely you are to hit a "drought" in terms of employment.