Would you?

[buttstroker]

Just finished wiping the tears from my eyes after watching our President present the CMH to Michael Monsoor's parents, live of FOX, and hearing the commentator speak of what our hero's mom had told the other two SEALs. She essentially stated the Tom Hanks line from Saving Ryan's Privates, for them to earn her son's sacrifice by being the best men/husbands and fathers that they could be, but that she later felt bad because she thought that maybe she's now put too much pressure on them.

Anyhow, back to my question, not would you jump on a grenade to save your comrades, but would you let your child serve in a combat position?

My one and only son will, in fourteen short years, more than likely be asking me to allow him to serve in the armed forces, just as his dad asked his parents to allow him to raise his hand and join the delayed entry program at age 17.

[Requiem]

I don't want to over-simplify, but just my opinion on a complex question.

If we all would act with courage, honor and do what we know is right then the world might be a nice place. Until then we will all look up to those who do act with courage and honor and pronounce them hero's.

[fritzmeister]

The path of men is not always an easy one.

What would you have done if your parents had told you, "No, you can not join the military."?

My 13 year old son wants to join the Air Force. I don't discourage him at all, but I make sure that he knows what he may be getting in to (as far as I know). I was never in any military branch, but have had many friends & family and have their stories to pass along to my son.

Give him pause to consider if it really is for him. Help him along, and support his choice.

[SgtWKPII]

I do not have kids, but I asked my father what he thought of my combat tours, and he simply stated, "If you didn't do it, then who? This country wasn't made from the fathers and sons staying at home for the sake of their family, but by the fathers and sons going out and fighting for their families."

[Grunt101]

I served 8yrs in the U.S.Army Infantry and served 2 combat tours during that time Op Just Cause 89-90 Panama and Op Desert Shield /Storm Saudi/Iraq, and I am a 100% Disabled veteran. That being said, I would expect my children to serve if the need arises. I have seen WAR upclose and personal, but /and I would still expect my children to answer the call, anything less would be disgraceful. I don't expect everyone to agree, but I've been there and this is my opinion. Thanks, Jason

[thejoe]

Like my father, I was turned down for enlistment which turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me (met my wife in the meantime). But, I know that if I ever have a son and he wants to join the military, I won't discourage him.

My surrogate father (long story) was a 20 year veteran of the USN and he discouraged me from joining because of the fact that the military was a political machine and, in his opinion, not worthy of my time at that point (this was 2001). I can see where he's coming from. However, I fully believe that reformation will come from a core of honest, hardworking, intelligent NCOs and Officers and who will make up that core? I certainly hope my son can fulfill that call.

I guess we'll see what the Lord has in store for us.

joe

[Radio Relay]

May God bless and keep Michael Monsoor, and may God comfort Michael's family.

My Dad served in combat in three wars. I served in combat in one war. There was no question that I would serve also. It was a given.

As to whether I or anyone else could fall on a grenade to save your buddies. As with anything, circumstances at the time would dictate. I actually thought about this many times during my tour in Vietnam. I think anyone could and would do it, if no other choice was available. However, I think I might try to toss it back first.

BTW it is possible to survive falling on an grenade. Check out this Medal Of Honor citation:

Gunnery Sergeant Alan Kellogg, U.S. Marine Corps (then S/Sgt.), Company G, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. place and date: Quang Nam province, Republic of Vietnam, 11 March 1970. Entered service at: Bridgeport, Conn. Born: 1 October 1943, Bethel, Conn. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company G, in connection with combat operations against the enemy on the night of 11 March 1970. Under the leadership of G/Sgt. Kellogg, a small unit from Company G was evacuating a fallen comrade when the unit came under a heavy volume of small arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior enemy force occupying well-concealed emplacements in the surrounding jungle. During the ensuing fierce engagement, an enemy soldier managed to maneuver through the dense foliage to a position near the marines, and hurled a hand grenade into their midst which glanced off the chest of G/Sgt. Kellogg. Quick to act, he forced the grenade into the mud in which he was standing, threw himself over the lethal weapon and absorbed the full effects of its detonation with his body thereby preventing serious injury or possible death to several of his fellow marines. Although suffering multiple injuries to his chest and his right shoulder and arm, G/Sgt. Kellogg resolutely continued to direct the efforts of his men until all were able to maneuver to the relative safety of the company perimeter. By his heroic and decisive action in risking his life to save the lives of his comrades, G/Sgt. Kellogg reflected the highest credit upon himself and upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.

[welcome to hell]

I would have no problems with my kids serving. When I first thought about enlisting, I was 17 so I needed my mom's signature. I didn't ask if I could go, I told my mom that is what I wanted to do. She had no problems with it. My dad said and continues to say I should have gone to college first. I am now out and he said 'I told you so'. He thinks I failed in the military. I wouldn't do that to my kids.

[chromechicken]

"Allow" your kids to serve? What are you going to do, not sign off on it and make them wait a year to sign the paperwork? They will still ship out about the same time. I did. At 18, they don't need a permision slip from mommy to go shoot hadji in the face (or whatever job you sign up for).

[Dotagious]

On delayed entry? No. I would allow them to turn 18 and make that decision. Otherwise, yes.