First Reaction When Your DS/DD Decided to Apply?

I think it is like if you go to medical school...doctors now will try to dissuade you. If you can see yourself doing anything else, then do that. But if that is the only thing you can see yourself doing, then go ahead.

For you, you can decide to try for a Service Academy and live a military life right away, or go ROTC and have a more typical College life before you join a service.
 
I think it is like if you go to medical school...doctors now will try to dissuade you. If you can see yourself doing anything else, then do that. But if that is the only thing you can see yourself doing, then go ahead.

For you, you can decide to try for a Service Academy and live a military life right away, or go ROTC and have a more typical College life before you join a service.

Thank you! I want something different, and have experienced college life through upward bound. Life there was boring so I will probably apply to SA or SMC!
 
DS said about halfway through 7th grade that he intended to go to USNA. I said " You and a lot of other kids want to go there too. What is plan B? " His response was " I don't need plan B, I'm going to make sure I'm one of the kids that gets in and serves my country by being in charge of a boat or submarine some day." We fully supported his applying; what worried me was how heartbroken he would have been if he hadn't gotten in. It is all he talked about since seventh grade. He is now a 2C.
 
One twin was 100% onboard for USAFA from the summer before senior HS year. The other guy... more contemplative, weighing pros and cons.

For Fencersfather and I, we were very pleased they went together, and knew that their education would be top notch. For parents of identical twins, I think we were more concerned about them being separated than we were about their college choices.

Both flying their airframe of choice now, married, one with 3 boys, one with 2 girls. In many respects, a great life. Only downside: deployments and LONG missions away from home.
 
The desire to attend a service academy was the best bug that could have bitten my DS! Sophmore year of high school, he set his sights on applying, and was told he better get his A game on, and keep it that way!
 
PROUD
RELIEF - No tuition payments and guaranteed job upon graduation.
ALARMED - One woman’s reaction to learning that DS1 was applying to West Point was “and you are OK with that?” Another said she would be devastated if her son went into the Army. NIMBY at its finest.

DS1 wanted West Point as early as middle school. I supported him, but quietly hoped he would go ROTC. Near the end I came around and was OK with West Point. In the end he got the dreaded TWE and a 4 year AROTC scholarship. He is currently an MS3 and is loving having the regular college experience.

DS2 wanted nothing to do with the military. Then he got an athletic recruiting email from USMMA . He went on an overnight visit and was sold on Kings Point. He is currently a Plebe and is thriving there.
 
first, shock and confusion as we have no military history in family and no clue about academies. then once DS informed us of the why and the how , we felt immense pride and gratitude for his choices.
 
My DS told me when he was about 11. Once I looked into what USAFA was, I was proud!!! I knew we had a long road to getting there but believed in him. He never wavered. I remain supportive and very proud!
 
Surprised..... then I cried..... but then realized that my daughter is perfect for the military. I am so incredibly proud of her and feel that it would be an amazing honor for her to serve her country like her father and grandfather. Got 2 nominations-1 for USN and 1 for USAF! Now we sit and wait and hope that one of the two accepts her. #gonavybeatarmy
 
DS came home from middle school where they had been investigating careers in school. Since his plan in 6th grade was to be an astronaut (naturally - LOL), he figured he needed to go to USAFA to get to be a pilot first. His career goals have changed and matured in the intervening years, but his drive for a SA never did. Once he went to summer seminars, it was all about USNA. I am amazed at the long term drive and determination of DS and so many of the applicants. (I am not sure I was thinking further than my plans for Sat. night at the same age.)
 
Tremendous pride. We see that our DD is well suited for a military life. Definitely relieved after she attended USMA SLE last summer. She loved every part of it. She was with her people. Now as we wait, she has 3 noms to USMA and one to AF, she is also moving forward with her other Plan A, a 4-yr ROTC. Just going through the application process and nomination process during her junior year, has set her apart from her peers in her tenacity, organization, and goal setting. Our pride is in her willingness to serve and protect our country. There is always a little trepidation but this is her life and her choice and our choice to support her.
 
Tremendous pride. We see that our DD is well suited for a military life. Definitely relieved after she attended USMA SLE last summer. She loved every part of it. She was with her people. Now as we wait, she has 3 noms to USMA and one to AF, she is also moving forward with her other Plan A, a 4-yr ROTC. Just going through the application process and nomination process during her junior year, has set her apart from her peers in her tenacity, organization, and goal setting. Our pride is in her willingness to serve and protect our country. There is always a little trepidation but this is her life and her choice and our choice to support her.

Could not agree more. I think the PROCESS itself is such a benefit! Real life stuff. Whether an appointment is received or not, I saw such growth and maturing during that (almost) year long process.

Best of luck to all those waiting to hear! Very exciting times!
 
DD told us at the end of her Junior year that she wanted to apply to USNA all or nothing. That was a little disconcerting and out of the blue but proud she had made her own choice. She had visited on a High School cruise during that year. Late start but she got everything done. Appointment and acceptance. I-Day, PPW and Visit Weekends for three years and Mom was OK. Then came "I am going Marine". Mom did not handle that one well at first. Then Graduation and TBS. Still proud but always scared a little bit as any parent would be seeing your child as an adult.
 
Back
Top