A mother's worry

Sampia

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2014
Messages
275
I was going to add this to the one about military family threats but I see it is closed. I know I worry too much. But after what happened in Canada, soldiers being targeted, I worry that our sons and daughters who walk around campus in various types of military uniforms may present as easy targets.

Nothing to do about it really except to tell them to remain alert. Perhaps the time may come when they are not allowed to wear their uniforms while walking along campus. I know that at my DS's University when there are various types of protests going on, they are told to not walk alone and to avoid certain areas. At one demonstration, one of university professors actually spit on one of the students in uniform. If they have to watch their backs from "normal people", it is more worrisome with the greater risk from radicalized Muslims/ISIS.

Now more than ever we need the brave men and women who step up to protect our country. But as a mother, I feel more and more worried and wish I could tell him to leave his uniform hidden.
 
Agreed Member!

I can only say if this worries you, what about when they commission and drive to base/post everyday. If you have visited a base than that would make you go into an insane fear because everyday at 8 am cars line up to get on base for the duty day. They could just take a page from the DC sniper and targeted them before they get through the gates. Or for that fact target them as they exit at 4:30. Heck most military members that purchase homes off base live in certain neighborhoods. They could target them there. Gas stations grocery stores and CVS would be prime pickings too.
~ Honey, I am on the way home do you need me to pick anything up is a common phone call, and if it is Monday, the commissary is closed! If the gas station on base is packed, they will fill up off base. Trust me, much easier target than trying to find that odd cadet in a ROTC uniform on campus.

I lived. On Ft. Leavenworth on 9/11 and many of our neighbors had friends that died at the Pentagon. It didn't stop the military when sending Bullet to the Green Zone in 04 ordering him to show up at BWI airport in uniform. Talk about easy targets! When DS winged from UPT in April, there were several military members in uniform at San Antonio, Dallas and BWI when we were going out and returning
~ Terrorist will get a bigger impact by hitting a military installation, or a place like where I live where many take mass transit. DC area and just sit outside a metro station and you will send an insane message. College and the first thought by the media will be VT and Columbine.

I do not mean to be harsh, but as far as worries, this one even today with my DS driving on base in his flight suit did not even cross my mind. Car accident is still at the top of my list.

Twenty five years ago my SIL asked me point blank when I was pregnant with my DS, shortly after Bullets squadron lost a jet, if I was worried about him dieing in the jet? I looked at her and said are you worried about your DH dieing on the NJTPKE? He is a salesman and travels hundreds of miles a day. He has a higher chance than Bullet statistically.

If you don't want to live on Valium until the day he leaves the military than I suggest you heed Member and my perspective....a car wreck is more likely to happen than anything as a ROTC cadet or an AD member.
 
Last edited:
Nothing to do about it really except to tell them to remain alert.

Now more than ever we need the brave men and women who step up to protect our country.

But as a mother, I feel more and more worried and wish I could tell him to leave his uniform hidden.

I think member LG is right on.

You're a mom and it's normal to worry. My wife worries about my son's deployment-I hear his 8 month deployment is 1/2 over today. Don't think you're alone. Don't get obsessed for you advise is spot on "be alert and know what's around you"-everyone should do that.

As parents, there will always be that anxiousness inside, that's healthy but you cannot let it consume you.

Trust them. They are smart about a lot of things and they will be alright. They are honorable otherwise they would not have volunteered to wear the uniform.
 
Macdill AFB has sent an email requested that all military personnel not wear uniforms, t-shirts, caps or any other identifying military clothing off base and remove all military reference from Facebook and Twitter. Southern Command thinks they might be a target. Makes it hard to pick up your laundry. God help us.
 
I understand your concern but I do think your kid will be safe.

After 9/11 there were some restrictions for wearing uniforms in some cities, for fear of being targetted.

I was the Coast Guard's liaison for a DOD program that took us to Colombia. On the C-17 flight there, we changed into civilian cloths and told the civilians with us "My name isn't LTJG LITS anymore, it's just LITS." They didn't have to call me by my rank anyway, but some did. Anyway, we wanted to be clear that we were not to be singled out as members of the military or officers.

Of course.... we could do nothing for our haircuts. I'd guess the way we carried ourselves probably outted us too. And then.... we were escorted with military vehicles around the city... so there was that.

And then there was the time a participant in the group requested the Star Spangled Banner in a weird club.... yeah.... that was a give away too.

In the end, I LOVED Colombia.

In the United States, your kids should be fine, in or out of uniform, don't worry.



The Coast Guard Academy is in New London, CT, just across the river from Groton, CT, and the sub base. It's pretty obvious, from the haircuts, goofy glasses and poor fashion sense, who the sailors are around town (or at the mall).
 
Macdill AFB has sent an email requested that all military personnel not wear uniforms, t-shirts, caps or any other identifying military clothing off base and remove all military reference from Facebook and Twitter. Southern Command thinks they might be a target. Makes it hard to pick up your laundry. God help us.

This was sent out to some other bases a few weeks ago.

Stealth_81
 
Some Parents of the USMA Class of 2018 have asked the parent coordinator to check with USMA leadership about travel in uniform.
smiley_nosmile.gif
smiley_freak.gif
I really can't believe these parents...my God, I hope their children are braver. The odds of the plane crashing are higher. I hope they don't change the uniform travel rules, I was looking forward to seeing my plebe in his dress gray at Thanksgiving.
 
Some Parents of the USMA Class of 2018 have asked the parent coordinator to check with USMA leadership about travel in uniform.
smiley_nosmile.gif
smiley_freak.gif
I really can't believe these parents...my God, I hope their children are braver. The odds of the plane crashing are higher. I hope they don't change the uniform travel rules, I was looking forward to seeing my plebe in his dress gray at Thanksgiving.

Your post makes made me wonder, why does the USMA require the cadets to travel in uniform. Not making any judgement at all, just wondering. ROTC cadets are not allowed to travel in uniform. My son who is stationed in Hawaii has never flown in uniform and are told not to, they frown on even stopping at the store on their way home if they're in uniform.

Don't come down to hard on these parents, when I was stationed in DC in the 70's we were required to come to work in civilian clothes and change at the office, then change back into civvy's to go back home.

Sounds like the AF has already started addressing this issue. Right or wrong, precautions are seeming to be put in place.

I agree, the odds of something happening are extremely low, unless it happens to you.
 
Your post makes made me wonder, why does the USMA require the cadets to travel in uniform. Not making any judgement at all, just wondering. ROTC cadets are not allowed to travel in uniform. My son who is stationed in Hawaii has never flown in uniform and are told not to, they frown on even stopping at the store on their way home if they're in uniform.

Don't come down to hard on these parents, when I was stationed in DC in the 70's we were required to come to work in civilian clothes and change at the office, then change back into civvy's to go back home.

Sounds like the AF has already started addressing this issue. Right or wrong, precautions are seeming to be put in place.

I agree, the odds of something happening are extremely low, unless it happens to you.

It's my understanding that plebes travel in uniform. Optional for upperclassmen.
 
Your post makes made me wonder, why does the USMA require the cadets to travel in uniform. Not making any judgement at all, just wondering. ROTC cadets are not allowed to travel in uniform. My son who is stationed in Hawaii has never flown in uniform and are told not to, they frown on even stopping at the store on their way home if they're in uniform.

Don't come down to hard on these parents, when I was stationed in DC in the 70's we were required to come to work in civilian clothes and change at the office, then change back into civvy's to go back home.

Sounds like the AF has already started addressing this issue. Right or wrong, precautions are seeming to be put in place.

I agree, the odds of something happening are extremely low, unless it happens to you.

It used to be required for CGA swabs and i think 3/c. That may have changed.

This is our country and we shouldn't change for anyone!

What needs to be changed is the way we let people come here and screen or profile those here- sorry no PC for me.

Where do you draw the line if you don't-not you LITS-haha.
 
I think member LG is right on.

You're a mom and it's normal to worry. My wife worries about my son's deployment-I hear his 8 month deployment is 1/2 over today. Don't think you're alone. Don't get obsessed for you advise is spot on "be alert and know what's around you"-everyone should do that.

As parents, there will always be that anxiousness inside, that's healthy but you cannot let it consume you.

Trust them. They are smart about a lot of things and they will be alright. They are honorable otherwise they would not have volunteered to wear the uniform.

Sampia, you are always going to worry. There even may be bigger things to worry about. But the worry will always be interupted by moments of immense pride! It is worth it.

CGA, God Bless your son. Best wishes for a speedy and safe return. I know what you are going thru. It is getting colder over there now. The bad guys hate the cold. They can't move around as well. It will be colder and colder the next 4 or 5 months. That is a good thing.
 
You'll travel in uniform in the real military, and that requires training too.
 
It used to be required for CGA swabs and i think 3/c. That may have changed.

This is our country and we shouldn't change for anyone!

What needs to be changed is the way we let people come here and screen or profile those here- sorry no PC for me.

Where do you draw the line if you don't-not you LITS-haha.

It was required as of 8 years ago, I believe 3/c could travel in a suit, but generally on orders folks were in uniform.
 
My years as a neuro-critical care nurse have shown me how life can be taken or tragically changed in an instant. Victims of violence, accidents, etc. I know I may worry more than most mothers because of the things I've seen. But my son says they get briefed frequently about safety so that does make me feel better.

I am very proud of him and would not ask him to step away from this, because indeed, there are always things to worry about and I certainly keep my worries to myself.

And example of worry--other's, not mine--a funny but sad story. My DS is platoon Sgt. this semester. They had to change their campus building after it had been at that location for decades. They were not exactly welcome in their new building. One morning at the start of the semester they were carrying their fake weapons out to do some maneuvers. It was probably still dark. Someone in the new building saw two people with weapons running around outside their building and called the police and the area went on lock down. My poor DS was freaking out trying to contact all of those underneath him to make sure everyone was safe. Once he heard the description that there was one fellow with the rifle and one short chubby guy without a rifle he realized his platoon was the cause of all the ruckus. He was totally humiliated and felt responsible. I think since then they've had to paint all of the rifles a bright yellow.
 
Last edited:
I hope they don't change the uniform travel rules, I was looking forward to seeing my plebe in his dress gray at Thanksgiving.

AMEN! Watching him walk down the gateway in that hallowed uniform...well, its hard to type just how I feel.

I certainly want to cherish seeing it as many times as possible. :thumb:
 
Sampia, I would think whoever called in the "gun scare" would have been humiliated, not your DS! And, it does sound as if that might have been more of a "let's get those ROTC kids" than "OMG! Someone has a gun!"

OK, as a parent of two sons who went thru USAFA and are now AD thru UPT:

Of course, you may have concerns for your ADULT child. You always will; comes with being a mom.

Do you worry each day that you will be hit by a car? Probably not, you just get on with your life. Our sons and daughters are as prepared as we can make them, to meet any contingency. Pray for their safety! Yes, worry! No.

Stonewall Jackson's quote may help you:

"Captain, my religious belief teaches me to feel as safe in battle as in bed. God has fixed the time for my death. I do not concern myself about that, but to be always ready, no matter when it may overtake me." He added, after a pause, looking me full in the face: "That is the way all men should live, and then all would be equally brave"
 
I remember when USAFA had an active shooter drill. Some 4 degree was returning his drill rifle to the armory at the time. Someone called in that they saw the "active shooter" on the T-Zo with an M14...Security forces had the actor running around in an orange vest with a paintball gun. Can you guess the confusion that followed?

:eek: :yllol:
 
Your post makes made me wonder, why does the USMA require the cadets to travel in uniform. Not making any judgement at all, just wondering. ROTC cadets are not allowed to travel in uniform. My son who is stationed in Hawaii has never flown in uniform and are told not to, they frown on even stopping at the store on their way home if they're in uniform.

Don't come down to hard on these parents, when I was stationed in DC in the 70's we were required to come to work in civilian clothes and change at the office, then change back into civvy's to go back home.

Sounds like the AF has already started addressing this issue. Right or wrong, precautions are seeming to be put in place.

I agree, the odds of something happening are extremely low, unless it happens to you.

It's my understanding that plebes travel in uniform. Optional for upperclassmen.
 
Back
Top