Semper Fi

[glorious_spoon]

So, my youngest brother just enlisted in the Marines. He took the test on his 21st birthday and scored in the 99th percentile, which is funny if you consider that the main reason he wanted to join the military was the fact that he's continuously and dramatically failing at college.

My dad is kind of furious about it. My mom is...milder, but still not thrilled. I don't know how to feel. We've had a few military people in our family--my mom's brother was in the Army, my dad's father was in the Air Force--and I can name a dozen people I went to school with who ended up in the service, hazard of growing up in a small, poor, conservative town. I thought about joining up myself, but I disagree with the U.S. military on too many fundamental points.

I think it will be good for him, honestly, although I guess I'd be happier if we weren't fighting a handful of wars at the moment. He needs the discipline, and right now he needs it to come from some kind of external entity.

It's just--dude. It's my baby brother. I remember when he was born, and now he wants to go tote guns for a living.

Comments

[kalliel]

I remember you talking about this a bit ago; congratulations to him for his test scores, and for deciding what he wanted to do and going for it. I can only imagine what you must be feeling, though--I've never met your brother but the idea that, you know? It's a strange thought. But I do wish the best for him, and I hope it works well for where he eventually wants to go. ♥

[glorious-spoon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I mean...I really think it'll be good for him, but on the other hand, like you said, it's a strange thought.

[rince1wind.livejournal.com]

I feel for you all. It's a very scary thing, and you're not allowed to leave till your commitment is finished. I hope he stays safe and that it turns out to be good for him and your family.

[glorious-spoon.livejournal.com]

Thanks. :) I'm just hoping this turns out to be what he really wants, because it's not exactly easy to back out if he changes his mind...

[switchbladesis.livejournal.com]

Yeah-I get how that could be terrifying. A number of guys from my old neighborhood joined up soon after HS graduation, but at least they were the same age as me and didn't feel so *young*.

Anyway, I hope the best for you and your family.

[glorious-spoon.livejournal.com]

Yeah, exactly. I mean, he's not that much younger than me, but there is something different about it when it's people who are your peers.

Thank you.

[borgmama1of5.livejournal.com]

I totally understand your ambivalent feelings--on one hand, it can be good for your brother to do this, but it's very scary because of the potential for him to be sent to a hot spot.

Hug!

[glorious-spoon.livejournal.com]

*hugs back*

I'm just hoping he gets some nice, boring post in, like, Alaska or something.

Wow

[dorkiewitch.livejournal.com]

I can kinda understand babe. I know how I would feel if my brother enlisted.
But I have to agree with you, he needs the structure he'll get there, ABD I think it will be very good for him.

And most likely with his test scores, they'll give him some crazy intelligence desk job. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't. Most likely something with computers. He'll be in his glory.

Re: Wow

[glorious-spoon.livejournal.com]

God, I hope so. Knowing Aidan, though, he'll volunteer for heavy infantry. :/