quahog- he went through MEPS on Thursday. He had already taken his ASVAB and scored well. He had speeding tickets in the past, so that is what the hold up is right now, making sure he has done everything he was supposed to do (pay fine and community service). However, we were under tornado watches here on Thurs evening and Friday and the computer system link from the military to the police was down, so they haven't finished checking it out. They also had to speak with the bank where he has a loan to be sure he would be okay not paying for a while when he was in basic and AIT. He had another speeding ticket after turning 18, and has to go to driving school, I think that is on Feb 1, so unless the military can work their magic and get him through sooner, he will be home til then.
Rubydoo1, he is going in for military police. He wants to do forensic science when finished with the military. They actually said he will do the criminal justice part in the military and can take on-line courses for the other classes he needs, so he can go right into forensics when he is out. They said he would be "closer" than others, but not as close as infantry. Obviously, he will be the police on base but, honestly, when not on base I am not sure what "closer" is going to mean.
I wouldn't dream of holding him back from what he wants to do. When he was 17 he was all over the place with where he wanted to go, first choice was Marines....I wouldn't sign for him then until he talked to each of the branches and found out what each offered. He ultimately had settled on Army National Guard, but is going to go active duty for 4 years as opposed to one weekend a month/2 weeks a year (Like his cousin did). I watched him in this last year after he graduated work a job and do very well, but after being laid off 2-3 months ago he went downhill quick (note the speeding ticket above) and really felt he was going nowhere. Since his speaking to the recruiter his confidence has come back and he has that sparkle and excitement in his eyes again. I know this is a good thing for him, but like you said, that doesn't make it much easier as a mother. We have instilled the necessities in them to get through life and we must have done one hell of a job to have them want to serve our country....I have already decided what it is I want to say to him before he leaves...now I just need to be able to say it (let alone think it) without crying!!! I want him always to listen to his gut and follow his heart that way he will know what is right and true for him and he will be able to look back and say he has lived a life of no regrets. (see, tears in my eyes just typing that!)
Mochiah/a.k.a. Sue
cervical fusion 2006, with great result
L4-5 surgery with cages, plates, and screws in 2005, I have continued pain
MEDS: Fentanyl patch, Norco, Celexa, trazodone, and Parafon Forte
Im going to smile like nothing is wrong, act like everything is perfect, and pretend its not hurting me.