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.

My father was in the Army during WWII. My sister and I both joined the Army back in the 70s but we were idiots.

She was some kind of electronics repair person and it didn't translate into anything on the outside.

I was an MP and went straight to college after I got out and studies Theatre.

YmilitaryMMV.

So true. I'm definitely no expert; many people here have a lot more direct experience than me.

Hubby went Coast Guard so as not to offend his Naval father and Marine mother and Everything Else Uncles. Though no one else was Air Force. That was Not Done.

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.

Right. But this is where I can't argue with him. His long term goal is fire and/or SWAT team related. Not sure what the chance of injury there is compared to the military, but they are all high risk.

Thanks everyone. If/when we ever do talk with the recruiter, I'm sure we will both have more questions and I'm glad there is a variety of experience here or one degree away.

I know a bunch of people who have gone Navy but don't know anyone who had gone into the Army in recent years.

One of the guys at karate is apparently Army JAG (just learned this a moment ago) and has offered to help CJ with any paperwork if things go to that point. I don't see this guy at the dojo often, but I may need to make a point to catch up with him there to pick his brain.

Yeah, CJ should keep ROTC in mind too...

I'm picturing CJ muttering, "Dammit, Auntie Buffistas, I'm just *thinking* about things!"

Heeeee. Probably. But the more information the better.

Update on the boy front. I picked him up at 7am because he has a court date at 8:30 and I took him for breakfast first. He tells me he has a place to stay. Girlfriend I met a couple days ago is going to get a place for them today. She is currently with parents. So I ask what she does for a living, as parents do. She's a stripper. Makes a bundle. I told him I have known several women that paid the bills stripping and that is not a problem for me. She is actually quite adorable. Hugged me and stuff. A bit short for him I would think, but whatever. So at least he has a roof over his head and a reason to shower, ya know. His phone got shut off last night so there's that complication.

So I feel a bit better. I just want him to fix stuff himself.