Well this thread really got off topic, but at the risk of ruffling feathers on my post, here goes: @payitforward; I, too, have a son who is on an ROTC critical language scholarship. Though believe me, being a good “communicator” is neither required, nor completely created by that degree.
As well, I can see why your message was perhaps a little misconstrued by others on this thread. If my kids were ever “annoyed” by well-intentioned friends, parental friends, or anyone else for that matter, I would be having a sit down talk with them- regardless of their age. Questions of the nature that you speak of, I would never deem as “interviewing” or “interrogating” as another poster insinuated. But on the contrary, I view it as a mere conversational question out of concern, caring, and interest for my child. If my son has not thought that far ahead, I would hope he would merely say so and move on. I understand your son is polite when asked, that’s very cordial of him. But why would he later be bothered by that question at all? I have several kids, who are all highly focused and extremely passionate about their future and present position in life, and each can tell you where they see themselves in 5, 10, or 20 years down the road. Yet, none of them would bat an eye or be upset at being asked that question.
Things happen, life doesn’t go as always planned, and thinking of a backup plan or “afterwards” plan is very realistic and always a great idea. Now, do they have to discuss it? No. But be annoyed that they were even asked? I’d say that’s somewhat odious.
These wonderful, precarious young men and women posting and/or being discussed on this forum are going to encounter many uncomfortable events, situations, and questions going forward into their military careers- and personal lives. I think what a couple of the other young posters were simply trying to say is that a condition of maturity and leadership is the ability to not become so easily annoyed, but instead laugh it off and move on, or just be simply grateful for people in life who care enough to inquire about you.
And I’m sure over a cup of coffee we’d all laugh and not be offended by what’s being said, but that’s one drawback to written communication where all things can be misconstrued without facial and vocal cues to go from. So, were stuck with these silly smiles to help us out
Happy New Year to all!