Joining the Military=Not a Good Reaction

I am very ambivalent on this one.

In the one hand i have the utmost respect for anyone that does military service. I wouldn't want to do it in a million years, so more power to those that do.

However, if you have a husband/wife, and kids, and then you go in, i can't help but think it's a bit selfish. You're putting your own life in danger, and that directly affects your family...

I went into the Army right out of high school because I knew I wanted to be a Police Officer and being a female I thought this would look great on a resume. I got way more out of it than that. Being in the military taught me that I could push myself to do whatever I wanted, and it was a great learning experience.

I also served time as a Drill Sergeant so I have seen many times that soldiers are there and they are sad because their family didn't support them. My best advice is to sit them down and talk to them about everything. Ask why she wouldn't want you to join the military. Chances are its because she is worried about you and your safety. Many people think the worst case scenarios when they here the dreaded "I want to join the military".

When I told my parents I wanted to do it both of them were against it. I compiled all the information I could, and sat them down and talked to them about it. If they had any questions or concerns I made sure I done my best to answer them for them. It is your choice, and you have to do what is going to make you happy. Do not let your family sway your decision, chances are after you are done with your Basic Training they will be more open to the idea and be proud of you.

Sounds like Bunny 876 is someone to talk to more. She certainly has been there.
If your grandma is over 60 she probably remembers when women were just beginning to join the Academies and to serve with men.l
There were a lot of disconcerting stories back then and she's probably thinking about that as well as her baby leaving home.:frown:
We were an Air Force family for over 20 yrs and considered it a great way of life.:happy:
In this day and age when jobs are scarce and health insurance is so high, the military makes a lot of sense.
You get free health care, training for a job (one of the things you have in writing from a recruter), the possibility of travel.
Things that you can mention to your grandma.
As for danger--we can get killed driving our car down the highway!
Good luck in whatever decision you make and that you reach your weight loss goals!! :drinker:

But driving our cars is a necessary risk.

Intentionally putting yourself in a dangerous location and scenario isn't.

I would agree with you somewhat on that, but some people have it in them that this is their life. If no one went above and beyond "necessary risk" we would not have military, fire fighters, police officers, nurses, or paramedics. That list could go on and on. I believe that yes for some people the careers they choose are necessary risk because it is in their makeup to do these careers and make these choices in order to be happy.

To the OP if you need to talk more, email me I am willing to talk to you and give you my experience. Granted everyone is different but I may be able to help you be able to talk to your grandma more. I have done this for several women who want to go into the military. Another great benefit is my education for my Associates Degree was paid for and my current work on my Bachelor's degree is being paid for by the military. There are a lot extended and short term benefits that come with the military.