This is about deciding college for a 17 year old. Let's not be overly dramatic, seriously.I hate to break it to you but, in the military, there are many “my way or the highway” situations. That’s the “real world” for us in the military. You think I wanted to leave my family behind when I went to Afghanistan or Iraq? I did sign up for it. I had to do it the government’s way (my way) or face UCMJ (highway).
As staff officers, we recommend. The commander is the one who is paid to make the hard decisions and assume risk when necessary. What he/she says goes. It’s HIS/HER way or the highway.
And, BOTH my parents served in Vietnam and my husband was an outstanding Marine. So, I get it. So does my kid. Again, super judgey. I get the 'real world.'