Some Questions, regarding USMC!

Where I’d go for my last supper:

They will be serving oysters when your done.

 
Alright, so I'm in a bit of a distressed situation...

My dad did sign the "forms" that allow me to go to MEPs, and technically join the military. When he did this, he seemed to be so supportive, now he is the exact opposite. Unfortunately, I am getting shamed for my decision, and although I didn't sign the contract yet, is there anything he can do to not let me go? He keeps claiming he never signed the permission/final form, is there any such thing?

The only way, I see that may stop me from going this way, would be to get a big financial package from Embry Riddle, which notifications on aid, come out within the next 2 weeks.

Any thoughts? I know what I'm doing is dangerous, he fears I'm wasting "4-years" of my life, by going AD...

I need some help, how can I convince him? I know this must be difficult, as a single-parent, but I need help, not the distress.

Thanks!
 
@MichaelT2022 - how old are you? I suspect you are under age 18 and thus the need for parental signature. I believe you said you enlisted, have a contract, and a report date. So I am struggling with what additional parental signature might be needed.

I always recommend this book to families struggling with the situation you describe: Keeping Faith: A Father-Son Story About Love and the United States Marine Corps

I am not going to get into the psychological aspects of your Dad's concerns, parenting, or how to present your case. Perhaps you can check out this book from your library and set a goal of both of you reading it?
 
What's your address? I'll drive down and smack your dad in the back of the head for calling 4 years in the Corps a waste of time.:mad:

You are confusing me a bit. Are you or are you not currently contracted with the USMC? If so, and 17, then yes, your dad did sign the papers.
And what's up with Embry Riddle? Even if you get a financial aid package, will the USMC let you out of your contract?

Go do your 4 years, keep your nose clean, weight down, and your little thingy in your pants, so that at the end of your enlistment you will be more mature, more focused, and have a G.I. Bill that will let you go to pretty much any school on the gov'ts dime. Then with degree in hand, you can apply for commissioning, if you still want to do that.
 
I would talk with your recruiter to see where you stand. BUT when talking to him/her I would speak in general terms just like a fact finding mission. If your dad is your road block it cant be too long before you turn 18 and at that point he will not be the concern. Only thing between you and shipping out is time and you pulling the pin.

I am no expert in relationships but I think you need to tactfully sit down with DAD at a good time and have a heart to heart. I know this can be tough for some but lets be realistic there will be tougher tasks to accomplish if you become a Marine. Plus it would be ideal if everything with your relationship with your dad was squared away prior to shipping out. Make him part of your journey, talk about graduation from boot camp and how he can be a part of that. It is an awesome day!
 
What's your address? I'll drive down and smack your dad in the back of the head for calling 4 years in the Corps a waste of time.:mad:

You are confusing me a bit. Are you or are you not currently contracted with the USMC? If so, and 17, then yes, your dad did sign the papers.
And what's up with Embry Riddle? Even if you get a financial aid package, will the USMC let you out of your contract?

Go do your 4 years, keep your nose clean, weight down, and your little thingy in your pants, so that at the end of your enlistment you will be more mature, more focused, and have a G.I. Bill that will let you go to pretty much any school on the gov'ts dime. Then with degree in hand, you can apply for commissioning, if you still want to do that.
I enlisted, but I never signed the final contract, until I have to return to MEPs a month before I ship.

So I am currently a Poolie in the DEP, I have no obligation to anything at the moment.
 
Another thing:

Does anyone know, I was informed by my recruiter, that there is a law that exists, stating since I've called in multiple times to work, for "military-training-purposes." The place of employment is not able to fire me since this training is mandatory? Any word on if such a thing exists?

Thanks again!
 
Maybe have a recruiter have a sit down with you dad, too. I dont get the sudden change in opinion. USNA/CITADEL/enlisting are all paths to serving. Does he think enlisting is a waste? Bc absent an appointment, you aren’t an Officer, either. And should you still pull an appointment, you can go! I’m confused. Good luck.
 
I wouldn’t play games calling in and using a law that is intended to protect reservists that are activated for drill or deployment. Get a schedule from your recruiter and be proactive with work and ask to be scheduled around your poolie events. If you try to play these games once you are in there will be as they say hell to pay. I would not tempt your employer they may pull your punk card.
 
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Another thing:

Does anyone know, I was informed by my recruiter, that there is a law that exists, stating since I've called in multiple times to work, for "military-training-purposes." The place of employment is not able to fire me since this training is mandatory? Any word on if such a thing exists?

Thanks again!
You're probably talking about the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act, which was originally intended to ensure veterans called up to go to war got their civilian jobs back when they were done with duty.

Today it ensures reservists don't get fired for doing their drills or if they get activated. It does some other cool things too, like letting us get out of certain leases/rental agreements when we PCS.

Since you just posted that you're not officially contracted, it does not apply to you. Sounds like your recruiter if talking out of his/her rear.
 
Approx how soon until you are 18?

Right there is your plan B if it’s needed.

And if lack of parental support stops anyone 18+ from serving that is 100% on the recruit.
I turn 18 in August, so I would literally be in boot-camp on my 18th birthday lmao
 
Maybe have a recruiter have a sit down with you dad, too. I dont get the sudden change in opinion. USNA/CITADEL/enlisting are all paths to serving. Does he think enlisting is a waste? Bc absent an appointment, you aren’t an Officer, either. And should you still pull an appointment, you can go! I’m confused. Good luck.
He thinks it's a waste, because he doesn't support be going to become a soldier. He states that even after 4-years there are no guarantees you're gonna be alive/or injured. He supports me becoming an officer, he just thinks I'm wasting time by going AD, instead of just doing ROTC next year at school
 
He thinks it's a waste, because he doesn't support be going to become a soldier. He states that even after 4-years there are no guarantees you're gonna be alive/or injured. He supports me becoming an officer, he just thinks I'm wasting time by going AD, instead of just doing ROTC next year at school
And he doesn't think officers get hurt or killed?

Just change your plans, get a MEPS appointment after your 18th birthday, and the soonest ship date you can.. Seems like I recall another 17 year old doing that 43 years ago.
 
Michael, talk to your recruiter ASAP. Find out if your dad needs to sign or not.

If he does then ask the recruiter to get you a September boot camp date. I am sure recruiters have a lot of experience with parents.

And September or Oct ship date gives you more time to get fit.

Now is it possible you are having second thoughts about being an enlisted Marine? Honesty counts.
 
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