It shouldn't be that difficult to develop an expedited certification -- test out on the things they've covered, a short course on the things they have not. It's a matter of political will.

So, you know, good luck with that.

We've got VA benefit databases that don't communicate -- too bad we don't have a bunch of unemployed people lying around who could do data entry. It seems like "support the troops" only lasts as long as they're being shot at.

I've seen time in the military do people a lot of good, but until we're treating vets better I'd be hesitant to go that route.

The Merchant Marine, on the other hand... lots of order, better money, an actual union, far less killing and dying.

I've known a couple of doctors who got their degrees on the job. They had to commit to...I think, but don't quote me on this...6 years post grad service. But, hey, free medical school does not grow on trees!

This is Bobby's master plan. He has grown up around doctors because of my business. He plans to get his Bachelor's degree, then enlist in the Air Force (family tradition both sides) and have them pay for medical school. His favorite friend doctor did it this way in the Army.

I don't know if he will stay on this path at this early stage, but I love that he has an actual plan.

Yeah, it'd be better if they don't have time to contemplate sniper skills or bayonetting people. I would do that happily, Trudy. I could make some money, use my education, and clear up some messes for some veterans.

I don't know if he will stay on this path at this early stage, but I love that he has an actual plan.

I think this is part of where my concern comes from. Fireman has always been his long term goal. Even with the search and rescue work he does, that hasn't changed. Army just feels out of the blue to me.

Fifty six minutes late. Wondering if he will show at 5:30 instead of 4:30. I put a bra on, darn it.

That's not cool, with no phone call to explain. I wouldn't answer the door if he does knock now, Suzi.

Tell him he signed with the Marines, because they always clear the beach first (and show up on time).

t /snerk

Heeeee.

Total no show. Won't know if he contacted CJ until he gets home from working at the dojo.

Whatever. I'm still working anyway and now my house is clean cause I made CJ clean up for "his" guest.

I put a bra on, darn it.

THIS - is the worst part about it.

If he wants to do that, make sure you emphasis that he should have a plan or know what he wants.

My brother went into the Marines, because he couldn't fly planes (he wears glasses) and I'm not sure what the whole Marines reason was. And instead of picking something, anything that would give him skills he picked infantry. During peace time. There wasn't much for him to do and he got bored. I think he ended up finding ways to do stuff, but he also had a few small accidents (broke his toe, broke his nose, got blood posioning) and he was ready to get out.

I also had 2 cousins (brothers) who joined the Army and if I remember right, one spent most of his time trying to figure a way out of the contract the other ended up being career.

I have a number of friends and family who have served in various branches of the military and grew up a town over from the Groton Sub Base, and I do think it can be a good answer for many people. However, it's important to go in cautiously.

My friend J graduated with two BA degrees, tried his hand at music education, and eventually joined the Army because his college debt was overwhelming. The deal was that he would go in as an enlisted man despite the college education and they would pay off his debt. Long story short, he got screwed over in many, many ways. He doesn't regret joining the service, but I know he would say without a shadow of a doubt that big recruitment promises often lead nowhere—especially if you are enlisted and not an officer. He has also told me many times that he would tell any new recruit to go in as an officer candidate, whatever that took. J was in the intelligence brach of the Army--got trained as an Arabic translator--and when he was finally allowed to leave (he got stop-lossed for two years beyond his commitment), he did get a good job in contract intelligence work. But it was a rough road. If CJ wants to talk to a vet with this kind of experience, I know he'd be happy to.

Also, as I'm sure you know, no matter what he "signs up" for, there's no guarantee that he won't end up in combat. Not to say he shouldn't do it, but it's something to think about.

The Merchant Marine, on the other hand... lots of order, better money, an actual union, far less killing and dying.

Yep! One of my family's closest friends has been a captain and has been in the Merchant Marines for 40 years now. He'd also be happy to talk to CJ should he want to know more.