Christcorp
15-Year Member
- Joined
- May 21, 2008
- Messages
- 5,385
I have another opinion, although I agree 100% with allowing the parents to decide. When I left for MEPS before BMT, I had told my mom not to worry about taking off to be with me at the recruiter's office(she took off and came). I didn't mind either way, but I didn't want her thinking she should be there. I loved what I was headed into. I do not come from a military family, but I have been raised with discipline and expected hardship. It was much better than anything I had expected. I enjoyed being away permanently for the first time.
One of the ideas I agree with most from my recruiter is that it's less than 25% physical and more than 75% mental. I had no teary eyes and my mom held it together at least in front of me. The thought of how exciting military would be made me want to leave sooner. I also had a year and a half with my recruiter preparing me since junior year.
As someone who was enlisted, went through MEPS and BMT, i have to say that going to Lackland and going to the academy are 2 TOTALLY DIFFERENT things. Not saying that your perspective is wrong, it isn't. I was the same as you. My mom and dad didn't see me off or anything. I got on a train that took me to MEPS; then MEPS put me on a plane and I went to lackland.
But the academy is different. I'd love to discuss it with you privately if you'd like.