"I want to join the army"

If my child was female, I'd tell her I was deeply moved by her desire to serve her country but there were better ways for her to do so. Women do not belong in or near combat. Not that she couldn't cope, I'm sure. She would be well trained in the use of weapons.

If my child was male, I'd embrace him and give him the advice I and others were given by Captain Champion years ago: "Aim low and fire short bursts."

Then I'd talk with him about the present rules of engagement and ask him if he's sure he's up for having enemies both in front of him and behind him.

Considering the confusion of our leadership, and the intentionally destructive efforts by many of our elected officials, and by people within the administration, engagement, I am astonished and impressed that so many of our young people step forward to fight in a two front war.

That would be a tough one!

Personally, I've always tried to support my children in whatever endeavors they choose, but it can be very difficult at times. My son moved to Alabama when he was 21 to be closer to his Dad and get to know him better (we have been divorced 17 years) and that was very difficult for me (for a couple of reasons). Fortunately, he moved back here after 6 months, but I also know he needed to do this for himself, to get the answers he needed in his own way.

I've always felt if they invoked the draft, I would take my son to Canada. Sorry .. but that is my son, and I'm just not that patriotic to risk his life.

He feels the same so we would be on the same page.

For someone whose son wants to go, I can only suggest make sure he understands all the implications, that he is really ready, maybe have him talk to someone who has been there ... and if he goes, support him and Pray!Pray!Pray!

An error I made .. of course, it might be one's daughter who wants to go.. I forget that sometimes.

Betty,

The world has changed. It is no longer 1968. We aren't fighting in Viet Nam. We are in a war with islam.

If your son went to Canada to avoid the draft, Canada would send him right back here where he would face serious criminal charges.

OTOH, if your son is such a wimp that his mommy could take him to Canada, he'd be no loss to the services.

I don't want a draft. I want to pay our soldiers much more and I think we should have at least a million men under arms in all services, working toward two million. This is in addition to the National Guard and Reserve which should be returned to their proper functions.

Ouch .. geez, Janus ..

It was more of a hypothetical comment .. I'm pretty sure the US will not be invoking a draft, so it's not something I think about seriously. I only meant that I wouldn't want my son to have to go, and he doesn't either. He's no wimp .. he makes his own choices. He's a 22-year-old young man who is currently enrolled in college (17 credits), works two jobs and supports himself in his own apartment. Your comment was awfully harsh.

I support our armed forces and feel for them and their families every day. As a matter of fact, I think our 'returning veterans' really get the shaft. I know some young men who are over there. I just hope that my child would never have to be forced to go. And, if he chooses to not want that career path, it doesn't make him a bad person.

This one is very close to home!

I've come to realize that if our children are happy in their lives...whatever they choose to do...we too will be happy for them.

As parents we will worry about them always, as my parents did for me... shoes on the other foot, now I understand. We need to be happy that they have found a path in life that they want to travel.

Many young people feel that our country is very important to them and want to protect it...just as there are as many who don't.. Luckly we have the ability to hear/voice both sides.

Our goal as parents is to raise our children and then of course let them go...however knowing they are happy and loving their careers/jobs whatever they are helps.

Go Army!

Janues, the only personal details I know about you are from your profile. I am really sorry you are childless, but if you had a child, would you be prepared to sacrifice him for your country?

Referring to another person's dearly loved child as a wimp is not going to do you, Betty, TBD or any of us any good whatsoever. It is most unappealing and unedifying to hear your rant.

You are right, however, to say we are not dealing with Vietnam, but you are wrong to say you are fighting Islam. You are fighting terrorism. Only a very, very few Muslim's are terrorists.