While I didn't vocally oppose his enlistment, I sure didn't encourage it.
It seems he has done well, was an Eagle Scout, and had two years of NJROTC in HS.
He scored second in rifle for the whole 'batch of newbies', missed first by one point. I guess all that time with Grandpa in the back 40 paid off.
He's a fine young man, but I sure don't have a good feeling about his future, not what I was hoping for.
Rule of thumb: Never patrol with more men than you can control.
Say 7 of yours, and 3 allies. 12 of yours and 10 allies.
Be sure you can wipe out all the “allies” at any time. Then, they are likely to be loyal. Some of the patrols will come back with all the loyal allies as casualties, left on the field of battle.
Give your allies every incentive to police their own. They will have to do it after we leave, they can practice it now.