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panader0

(25,816 posts) Tue Jul 2, 2019, 01:29 PM Jul 2019

My two sons are in the Coast Guard.

Actually, the younger son is quitting to become an Army Ranger. It's an
elite group. I have always been a pacifist (except for a few bar fights),
so I don't know where he gets this urge from. He thinks the CG is too tame.
He'll make it, he's tall and strong, lifts weights and runs marathons.
He knows my reservations about this--being sent into conflict for some
stupid reason. By a president trying to boost his polls...
But he's determined, and way too big and strong for me to argue with.

6 replies

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My two sons are in the Coast Guard. (Original Post) panader0 Jul 2019 OP

It is really hard to let them become adults and think for themselves. redstatebluegirl Jul 2019 #1

Good luck to him, but you do't just become a Ranger. rsdsharp Jul 2019 #2

He'll make it. I have no doubt. panader0 Jul 2019 #3

Is it possible to visit a veteran's hospital with him before he finalizes his decision? Perhaps see diva77 Jul 2019 #4

I didn't mention going to a hospital, panader0 Jul 2019 #5

So sorry about this - but please don't blame yourself diva77 Jul 2019 #6

redstatebluegirl

(12,265 posts)

1. It is really hard to let them become adults and think for themselves.

Reply to panader0 (Original post)

Tue Jul 2, 2019, 01:35 PM

Jul 2019

Especially when they don't share our values. Sending good Karma hoping for his continued safety, Army Rangers are really bad ass that is for sure.

rsdsharp

(9,195 posts)

2. Good luck to him, but you do't just become a Ranger.

Reply to panader0 (Original post)

Tue Jul 2, 2019, 01:58 PM

Jul 2019

The Ranger course only has a 42% graduation rate.

panader0

(25,816 posts)

3. He'll make it. I have no doubt.

Reply to rsdsharp (Reply #2)

Tue Jul 2, 2019, 02:08 PM

Jul 2019

I'll post his graduation photo when it happens.

diva77

(7,652 posts)

4. Is it possible to visit a veteran's hospital with him before he finalizes his decision? Perhaps see

Reply to panader0 (Original post)

Wed Jul 3, 2019, 01:25 PM

Jul 2019

the physical therapy center and get a feel for some of the grim realities of war.

panader0

(25,816 posts)

5. I didn't mention going to a hospital,

Reply to diva77 (Reply #4)

Wed Jul 3, 2019, 01:35 PM

Jul 2019

but I did ask him to talk with some veterans. He has a glorified
view of military service. He says the only reason he went in the Coast Guard
was because of me, that I didn't want him in combat.
My dad, his grandfather, was a career Air Force officer, with 50 combat WWII
missions. My son asked about his medals, and there are several, so I
mailed then to him. He made a frame to display them. I don't get it myself.
My biggest enemy is me.

diva77

(7,652 posts)

6. So sorry about this - but please don't blame yourself

Reply to panader0 (Reply #5)

Wed Jul 3, 2019, 04:21 PM

Jul 2019

...sounds like you have made a great effort to steer him away from combat.

Here are a couple of veterans against war organizations -- maybe you can corner him and get him to visit these links (or maybe you already have tried) --

Iraq Veterans Against the War
https://www.ivaw.org/

Veterans for Peace
https://www.veteransforpeace.org/ -- exposes true cost of war & militarism

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