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You didn’t LET him do anything. HE is going because he wants to do this.

this is HIS decision—you are just being supportive.

One of my nephews is 18 and joined the NJ National Guard. He completes Army basic training on Jan. 20th. Then off to Missouri for the Army school he chose. Then, to college courtesy of the Army.

He absolutely loves it. His older brother is a third year cadet in a great school, under a full four year Army scholarship. He will become a commissioned officer upon graduation in 2012.

Both are Eagle Scouts.

And they love doing what they do. And they both are doing this to pay for their college education.

Your son will learn so much in the service, and what he learns and the confidence he gains will serve him well through his whole life.

Some advice:

1. Get everything the recruiter says IN WRITING, especially your son’s MOS. No verbal promises. They don’t count.

2. Learn how to salute—PROPERLY. There is a proper way.

3. Never, ever leave your rifle. Anywhere. Anytime. You will pay dearly for that infraction.

4. Tell yourself each day—this WILL be worth it. Each night, you are one day closer to graduation for basic training.

5. No matter how menial or dumb you think the task is, do whatever the drill sgt. says to do with the utmost of your ability

And tell your boy thanks, for protecting my freedom. you raised him right.

(Don’t worry—moms are all overprotective of their children. You can’t change that—just help her through this)