Kazi:
dont be offended by posters. One of my firsts posts on this service academy set off a ring of fire. That's the curse that is part of the blessing of this forum. overall its a great forum and INCREDIBLY helpful but make sure to stay thick skinned. (what ever happened to whistle pig???)
For a smart kid (GPA 4.3 due to AP courses), why should Naval academy be a choice. Questions ringing in my head.
Perhaps it is your
fault that your son is choosing to serve or has some
secret patriotic bent. What I mean by that is perhaps you have instilled some exemplary qualities in your son
besides just his smarts that makes him want to serve and lead?
Like I said we dont really come from a military background (father-in-law served long enough to have a cup of coffee and cady at an army golf course forever ago-) so that wasnt why our son set about this path. However, reading over his various service academy essays and hearing him speak at the American Legion Hall after his boys state experience I learned more about what was driving him. Also reflecting on how he grew up gave us some clues.
~Who knew that having an uncle with disabilities that lives with us would teach him responsibility (IE as a five year old he had to take his 25 year old uncle to the bathroom at the movie theater)
~who knew that not giving out allowance or paying for chores would have him having to figure out a way to make money and thus a work ethic
~who knew that not settling for poor grades would teach him to try harder
~who knew that having a father extremely interested in history would teach him about our past
~Who knew that his mother being an active member of the local chapter of The League of Women Voters gave him more interest in civics?
~Who knew that by moving to a very conservative community would expose him to patriotism and parades -come on the uniforms are cool
~who knew that the sport he chose at 3 years old would teach him to lead and push himself
~who knew that not allowing the tv and video games on would give him a chance to learn to use his mind AND body
~who knew that saying "I love you, have fun and be productive" when he leaves the house in the morning would make him think
I love this country, it would be fun to go to a service academy and I will indeed be productive'
Everyone on the board has their reasons that their son or daughter ended up wanting to join the military. It may be family history, a mentor they met, a book they read, a teacher they had, the community they grew up in. If you think about the choices you made in raising your son you will see why he is choosing this path. and you will see that you are partly 'to blame'.
My suggestion would be to read his essays (he has to write a bunch!) talk with him-not to him. engage in reflective LISTENING. you'll get it.
How often they are sent to fight .... sent to war, say in Afganistan or Iraq?
I get your concerns here. I share them. I dont have the answer to that or any guidance. Hurricaine12 (a poster who I think is a cadet at USNA) has a tag line under her posts that I really think is beautiful. "This is the world. Have faith." I have found myself reflecting on the quote at times.
My son is only a rising senior in highschool just starting the process as well-PM if you have any questions or concerns -Im not sure I can help at all but I can be a support.
Good luck to you and your family.