Their job is to answer questions, you won't even need to provide your name. Based on the previous response, the form seems to be pretty clear about 'one parent's signature' is all that is required. However, you don't want to march down the road and be surprised and it's too late to do anything.
Okay, good point. I'll go ahead and ask my ALO about it.
Sorry about your Dad. Keep the faith and God Bless your Desire to Serve. We wish you the best of Luck.
Thanks, I appreciate the support!!
The OP should keep in mind the possible consequence of having one parent doing something the other parent doesn't support. If your mother signs the release, you get what you want. However, your mother lives with your father (I am assuming as such).
A better option to convince your father to let you make your own decision on which college you will be attending. If you won't attend a SA, is your father going to fully paid for your civilian college? He can't have it both ways - if he insists no SA, than he is really saying he will pay for your college.
I totally understand your logic and that makes sense, my dad would probably give my mom a lot of trouble for that, seriously. The concept of paying for college probably wont work on him because he'll quite likely tell me that I don't really even need to go to college. (When I petitioned him to allow me to leave a charter school for public where I could take AP courses this year, he told me to my face that what I was doing was enough (All a's in regular classes) and that I didn't need to, and couldn't succeed in AP classes. {On the contrary, I just finished this semester with a 4.0 unweighted/4.3 weighted GPA lol })
OP, Member does make a point.
I hate to be snarky about it, especially in dealing with a teenager and his parent (almost always come down on the side of parents, who through age and cunning, are usually correct), but perhaps you can point out to your father that until your JUNIOR year (called 2*), you are not obligated to serve in the AF nor even continue on at USAFA, and you will still not be charged any fee, and can keep the pay you earn. That might give Dad some breathing room.
What are Father's objections? I always envision some latent hippie profile but there can be legitimate reasons why parents might object to their children serving their country (I don't personally know of any).
My dads key objection, and please don't take offense to this, but his exact words were "you're going to be a killer" in reference to me becoming a fighter pilot. He knows that the USAFA is my best bet so I assume he wants to do anything to hold me back... Other objections are (most are just generally against the military), he feels that I should use my life wisely, and not just throw it away "to be killed," that I will just be injured in general, his religion (Seventh-Day Adventist) scorns on any type of work on Saturday, and there are so many more weightless 'reasons.'
When you say "latent hippie," you're close. With all respect that is due, he is honestly just an unpatriotic person who never yearned for success, essentially a "screwup." I hate to say that about the person who helped make me, but honestly it irritates him when I succeed. For example, I was really excited about my GPA this past semester (4.3
), I calmly and diplomatically decided to tell him about it (had to share my excitement), not in a taunting, rude, or prideful demeanor; but much like a kid coming home from school and telling their parents how their day went. He proceeded to get angry and tell me how I spend too much time studying, and how its just a grade and not worth the effort, how, this is him quoting me, my "relentless pursuit of greatness" was not necessary, and so on.
It's unfortunate, but one of my quotes I motivate my friends with alot is "Nothing worth having will come easily." Also, just incase you are curious whether or not I'm rude or disrespectful to him, I am not. Despite everything, I always address him objectively and diplomatically. I'm actually known for being very diplomatic in all conversations and people will literally ask me to come settle disputes for them.
Remember if and when you do move forward, if it is without emotional support, you are never alone at an Academy. It is like marrying into a big family. We are all here for you (Can't you hear the little violins)
Thank you!!
1. You only need 1 signature
2. Your mom is an adult. There's a 99.9999% chance, she was with your dad in a relationship before you were born. Assuming both are your biological parents. She could handle herself before you came along; I'm sure she can make up her own mind on signing if your dad is against it; and whatever that does to their relationship. Again; she's an adult and doesn't need your help.
3. Unless you have family friends who are lawyers, don't jump at contacting a lawyer about emancipation. Most will charge you just for speaking to them. It isn't worth the cost if your mom will sign.
4. Once your mom DOES sign, for all intent and purpose, you become emancipated. E.g. Once in the military, you are allowed to sign forms, contracts, etc. even though you are under 18. (That's why your parent(s) are signing. To give you emancipation). If you get into trouble in the military, they aren't calling your mom and dad. YOU will deal with it. Even if you're still 17.
The best thing is to get your dad to be at least "Neutral" about it. Play to HIS emotions. Ask him about HIS DREAMS; HIS GOALS; especially things he WISHES HE HAD DONE and regrets NOT DOING. Ask him if he wouldn't want YOU to be able to follow YOUR DREAMS, GOALS, etc. "Basic psych 101". Put HIM in YOUR SHOES. Don't talk so much about the military, as much as about goals, dreams, ambitions, etc. Best of luck.
Good points! Check out my response to fencersmother for a better idea of how he thinks... Thank you!!
Thank you so much everyone for your comments, I appreciate it!!!
