Comments on NOT MY CHOICE BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN I WON'T SUPPORT HIM

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An interesting post, since I had this very conversation with my own 16 year old.  He thought he'd get a rise out of me when he said, "Maybe I'll apply to West Point," to which I replied - if you can get in (it's not so easy - you are correct to compare it to the Ivy Leagues), I'd be proud."  If your nephew makes the decision to be a military officer, he will be an asset to this country.  Mal

posted by gapcohen on January 28, 2009 at 8:24 AM | link to this | reply

I think it is quite natural to be fearful when a loved one goes off to serve in the military.  Love and pride and patriotism all help to counteract that fear.  Whatever decision that he makes, it will be so interesting for you to keep up with his progress.

posted by TAPS. on January 28, 2009 at 7:15 AM | link to this | reply

Shelly b

What you're feeling is pretty natural and loving kiddo. I'd prefer he go to Harvard too

posted by WileyJohn on January 27, 2009 at 9:55 PM | link to this | reply

I would be worried myself. I like your approach of supporting his decision though.

posted by FormerStudentIntern on January 27, 2009 at 8:12 PM | link to this | reply

I would be terrified inside but they live their own lives of course. How

sad when families are split like yours, like mine.

posted by Kabu on January 27, 2009 at 6:53 PM | link to this | reply

Oh yes, I would be scared too. Perhaps Yale or Harvard will still win the day.

posted by vogue on January 27, 2009 at 2:27 PM | link to this | reply

Whatever decision he makes.....

rest assured that he will have thought it out and figured every angle.  If he went to West Point, he would definitely be an officer when he went to active duty.  Whatever makes him happy and fulfills his dreams and hopes wherever that may lead him will be the right decision. Thanks for sharing!

posted by Texas_Gem on January 27, 2009 at 12:51 PM | link to this | reply

I can understand

your being scared and I don't think intelligence would necessarily keep him off the battlefield; if intelligence was anything to do with it we wouldn't have been in Iraq or Afghanistan in the first place. However, I'm sure he'd get an excellent education and, with that brain, the world may well be his oyster so why not let the armed forces pay for him to see it?

posted by malcolm on January 27, 2009 at 12:19 PM | link to this | reply

Shelly...

Sarah's dads best friend went there.

It's a GREAT opportunity. They don't let just anybody in there.
I don't really know how they work things, but I highly doubt they would waste a great mind by putting him in combat. Unless things were terribly wrong in this world, he'd likely work behind the scenes on something more suited to his abilities. 

posted by Sunnybeach7 on January 27, 2009 at 9:20 AM | link to this | reply

I believe any of the colleges mentioned would be a good choice and when they do the military thing they are pretty much set for life

posted by lustorlove on January 27, 2009 at 8:42 AM | link to this | reply

I wish my son would have an idea of what he wants to do. He s also 16, but has no inclination for school at the moment. He just doesn't know what he wants to do with the rest of his life. Too many choices, too little time.... Good luck to your nephew.

posted by auslander on January 27, 2009 at 8:39 AM | link to this | reply

The way things are right now, i'd be scared for him, too.

posted by hazel_st_cricket on January 27, 2009 at 7:47 AM | link to this | reply