My son is in the U.S. Army Calvary Scout next month he goes to Iraq can I keep him from going?
819943
Those of us who have served in the US military -- I was in the Navy about 20 years ago -- join up willingly, and we join knowing that there's always the possibility of being sent into harm's way.   \n\nI can understand your concern for your son, just as I am concerned for my brother, who's a USMC officer in Iraq right now.  \n\nBut also be proud of him, and recognize the fact that he's going to help 29 million build a new country out of the ruins left behind by a brutal dictator.\n\nAlso know that, contrary to what you may read in the liberal-dominated media, the vast majority of service personnel in Iraq believe in what they are doing over there, and are proud to be a part of it.     \n\nAlso know that most Iraqis -- again, contrary to the biased anti-war media reports -- are grateful for our help too.   Most of them know that their real enemy is not us, but the "insurgents" (they're not really insurgents; they're terrorists).   \n\nKnow that without the presence of brave soldiers such as your son, these "insurgents" would turn Iraq into an even bigger trouble spot than it already is.   \n\nDon't believe the vicious rhetoric from the extremist anti-war crowd; your son isn't going there to kill people.  He's going there to save lives.  \n\nYou and your son will both be in my prayers.   God watch over you both.
1145490
Keep the items coming.  They help the troops a lot.  I fervently support our troops and our mission in Iraq.  However, what you are doing is the proof that you can support the troops while disagreeing with their mission.  What you need to understand is that that mother is probably very sick of people saying the cliched "I support the troops, but not what their doing" from people who in no way support the troops other than with lipservice.  Her emotions are invested in a young man who is in harms way.  You should forgive her for her mistake, passing it off as the emotions of a worried mother, and continue on with your service.  And if anyone ever tells you that you shouldn't speak out against the war, tell them to go to hell.  And if they resist tell them you were told to say that by someone who believes the war in Iraq is necessary and who is sworn to protect your right to make such statements with my own life, if required.
245653
Don't stress out about it. Phones are few and far between, and the military schedules don't often coincide with the soldier's personal desires. I'd give it a few days, if not a few weeks before I'd get worried.
960054
Kelly Jo:\n\n     Yes! Definitely!  You can send over the counter medications to military members serving in the middle east. I have done so in many packages to many service members. They must be in the original factory sealed contained. Just make sure you list it on the Customs Declaration, USPS form 2976A\n\n      They are instructed NOT to eat any food that is home make,. (that doesn't mean that some aren't "bending" that rule) I don't believe you as a mother would send your son anything that would harm him.\n\n      When you do send that package, tell your son my family and I said "Thank You" for his sacrifice and service to the country. We are able to sleep safe and sound at night, over here, because fine young men and women such as he are keeping watch over the country.
669659
I am an Army brat. My dad is now a retired Lt Col. I've been to Ft. Meade in Maryland, El Toro in California, Keflavik in Iceland, Ramstein in Germany (which I am now at stationed in the Air Force), Mildenhall in England, and Ft. Lewis in Washington. I'm glad that your dad is coming home to you soon. Hope he enjoys his short break from the desert. God bless!
497901
Well its really up to him and how he wants to do this. I hope he isn't doing this just because his soon and maybe to be father in law was in the Coast Guard. The military is just like any other job. You have to enjoy what you are doing. The Army and the Coast guard are two totally different branches of the military, and they are on opposite ends. The pro's would be of course the "title" the benefits healthcare wise, housing, medical benefits, the 20 year plan, (thats the big retirment number). Salary...is Ehhh...once he hits the high E-5's and 6's he'll be making the better money kind of. Cons...boot camp..being deployed to Iraq possibly, Kuwait. He will be away from home a lot...so unless his girl friend and him decide to get married...she will be stuck at home...with the baby of course. And its a lot better if he gets married before he joins up (from experience). And as for you mom...be proud of him in whichever way he chooses. He's a grown boy now...and he has to learn how to make a life of himself and he has to define success through his family and through his career. Whatever he may choose. College, or the military, he is your son. Be proud. If he does join up. Be proud that you are the mother of an American Soldier.
101739
Sorry.  There's nothing you can do...just remember that your husband has made a commitment to his country.  Remember that what he's doing, he's doing for the good of you, your unborn child, and the entire nation.  \n\nHe chose to serve his country - be proud that he has the courage to do so, and pray for his safety.  \n\nThat's all you CAN do.
1160213
well dont send anything that the Company Commander will be able to rip him apart for..they like to open mail, and if there is some good personal pictures, or nicknames they will eat your son up with them..\nI was in the Coast Guard..and any letter is nice, just about what is going on..but dont make him feel like he is missing something, make it sound like things are boring there right now and he is better off where he is, the last thing he wants to hear is that he missed so and sos BBQ, and all the fun everyone is having..encourage the whole family to write not just Mom, but Dad, siblings, close friends and cousins
599270
Sorry, but you will not be able to.  There are a variety of reasons, but the most important is your son's safety.  OPerational SECurity (OPSEC) will prevent you from knowing the exact location of your son.  You will have a general location.  Also, he is still in transit.  He will contact you when he gets a chance.\n\nThank you, your son, and your entire family.
546201
Hey girl My husband just got back from a year long deployment but he was gone for a total of a year and a half. I was pregnant with our first child and it was hard! Here are some tips that helped keep us together:\n\nWrite a journal between the two of you. You write in it for a couple days and tell him EVERYTHING that happens then send it to him and ask him to do the same.\n\nDon't freak out if he doesn't call you. Remember no news is good news. If something happens to him they will know and will contact his family who will contact you.\n\nTell him everything when he calls, big stuff first and then the little stuff. All they want to hear about is something outside of the war. If he starts talking about it, listen. He probably needs to get it off his chest. \n\nCommunication is key! Write him letters every once in awhile. Let him know you always think of him. Send him cards when you see a cute one in the store, there doesnt need to be a reason. Send care packages just to let him know you care. Send something for each and every holiday no matter how small.\n\nYou will be ok. Get involved with his FRG she will have all the updates you will need and there will be other wives and families and gf/bf's that are going through the same thing you are.\n\nMy husbands unit only lost 15 people out of thousands. They are taking many measure to provide ultimate safty. Don't worry too much just be there for him and keep him in your prayers. If you need to talk and you don't have anyone there to talk to contact me. I am a soldier my self so I may be able to answer some ?'s.
465432
urrhh thats kinna scary..\n\num..i think you should send him to one of those boot camps for like the kind for the kids who dont listen to their parents..yea i think you should totally do that\n\nGOOD LUCK!!!!!\n\nAsoo<3
904252
depending on how long you have been gone, you are already in trouble... and the correct term is U.A. You are already flagged and they will wait for you to come to them... they will not come looking for you unless you make it obvious were you are, then they have to, but it is easier for them to wait on you to mess up and get arrested for desertion, then they will come get you and you will be eligible for the full penalty of the UCMJ, which includes imprisonment with only bread and water rations and death... your best bet is to turn yourself in and talk to them about your issues, tell them you don't want to go and will not go. They can not force you to go back to Iraq... honesty with them is the best best bet for you....\n\nET2 (SS)
609046
Hi. My husband was in the marine corp. and now he is in the army. You can call or email the USO  or the post office and ask them if they still do care packages for troops. You can go to school/church/or around your community and collect snacks, toiletries, international calling cards, big quantity of items can be sold in Sam's club. for women and men to Iraq. Thank you for thinking of our soldiers and troops. God bless you!
831396
They pretty much work with you and what you want as much as they can.  However, you shouldn't need a "break" from BCT.  It's only 9 weeks and it's better to get it over with.  You'd be better off to try to work it so you can go to BCT, have Christmas at home and then start AIT.  Honestly, you don't want to be forced into taking Christmas exodus.  I don't know if it's changed, but exodus used to count toward your leave.  Kinda like mandatory leave.  If you take exodus that soon after joining, you'll be in the hole for leave days.  I know, because this happened to my hubby.  Then, when he came down on orders for Germany directly after AIT, we had no time together because he had no leave saved.  He went strait overseas and it took me 6 months to get there.  Just something for you to think about.  Ask the recruiter if exodus counts toward leave because if it does, you don't want to start in the hole.  \n\nAlso, in all honesty, you and your family need to learn to spend time apart.  Especially holidays.  I know you don't want to hear this and some will think I'm mean, but it's the Army life.  Our daughter is 9 and hubby has been home or able to help for 2 Halloweens.  He's been gone about half of her Christmas' and in our 18 years, I can't even tell you how many missed holidays or special days.  It takes a special and strong family to be a military family.  I hope you and yours are prepared for the lifestyle.  It's a hard life, but it's a good life.\n\nGood luck and thanks for your willingness to serve!!
452805
First of all, it's adorable that your son wants to "See army trucks"  He sounds like a cool kid and a badass.\n\nSecond, the link in the post above me is a good source of Military bases and their locations; but it isnt all you need to know.  The kind of trucks your son is talking about are called M-35s, M-900s, M-1078/83's and Humvees and they are NOT at every military base.  I would hate for you guys to travel all the way to a base to find that they dont have prime movers.  So make sure you call ahead and ask for those trucks.\n\nAs far as talking to a General, that's pretty unlikely.  Generals are very rare and very busy.  I couldnt talk to a General if I wanted to.\nBut if you need help with the truck issue I'd be happy to help any way that I can.
669951
Possibly .. I mean, here we have a solider who is going into a battle front and he may/may not be wounded, shot down, captured, all of the above, I personally want to thank him for defending our freedom's but as you can see this might have a "unfortunate" outcome. It is nice that you found someone that admires you and you him, just keep in mind of the possibilities that await you and all of the other families that have loved ones in Iraq right now. I don't want to tell you this is wrong or try to "throw salt" on the game in any way. BY ALL MEANS keep in touch with him he will need the correspondence, and if you "solider boy" make it back home, take some time to thank him properly.
232255
To join the military is a big adjustment period.  Let alone with a child already.  First you have to realize that there isn't one job in the Army where you can say 100% that you will not deploy.  Now deploying means anywhere from Kosovo to Iraq.  I have two children of my own.  I didn't have any when I joined.  Due to training, Temporary Duty in places where I'm not stationed, and Deployments I have missed both child births, both first steps, and both first words.  Is it hard?  Of course.  Is it worth it?  I believe it is.  Now also realize I'm an Active Duty soldier.  When I deploy it involves a lot of training before hand which means weeks away from home and long hours before I'm gone for a year.  For NG and Reservists deploying means "mobing" at an Army base for up to 6 months followed by a year long deployment.  As far as the push ups and the climbing goes. Ask your boyfriends father to teach you the correct push up form and start working on it before hand.  The minimum you have to reach by the end of training is 40 pushups, I believe, for the age group you're in.  Basic Training is hard but not impossible.  When things get hard just remember that you aren't the first female to go through it and you won't be the last.  I'm also an Army Brat.  My dad served two tours in Vietnam as well as Panama, Somalia, Bosnia, and the first gulf war.  I'm extremely proud of him and he helps me in my current carrier when I have leadership challenges.  Your boyfriends dad may or may not tell you what you want to hear.  He has a tough job though and I couldn't really blame him.  However my recruiter worked for my dad at one point so I got straight answers.  Ask him and when he tells you see how it makes you feel.  This is a decision you have to make for yourself.  You are responsible for raising your child and if this is the best way you can then go for it.  Is it better for a child to have a homeless family who's there all the time or a taken care of home who's parents are gone for periods at a time?  Granted that there are in betweens but I hope this kinda puts things in perspective.