What is the best way to talk a young adult out of joining the military?

blearyboy

A good start might be a documentary like Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11". You could also try "Control Room" (a behind-the-scenes at Al-Jazeera) or "The Power Of Nightmares" (a staggering BBC documentary about the war on terror).

More effective may be introducing your son (I'm guessing it's your son) to veterans of recent combat engagements. Stories of life on the ground may change his mind.

For the record, I don't think talking someone out of joining the army is either unpatriotic or cowardly. The US government has engaged in a conflict with lousy reasons for joining, and no exit strategy. I get sick every time I hear the "they knew the risk when they signed up" argument. Yes, military people agree to risk their lives when they put their uniform, but they should expect their commanders to only risk their lives when absolutely necessary.

clifton_woodruff

Don't, everyone won't have the same experience as you.

broken_pole_texas

You can't support the troops unless you support their mission. Let me ask YOU a question.......Do you want our troops to succeed at their mission? If they don't succeed, MANY more of them will die. The number of people dying in this war is NOTHING compared to past wars. The military is currently in the best shape it's been in for years. And now that YOU'VE left, it's in even BETTER shape. Thanks for your service. And thanks for leaving. There are others who GLADLY serve and who have GLADLY served in the past. I am one of those. Consider yourself blessed to have worn the uniform of the finest fighting machine EVER.

THEFOX

I agree but what can you do? I'm a firm believer of USMC General Smedly D. Butler that are military is being exploited. There are two things worth fighting for that is the Bill of Rights and our homes, not for foreign investments by the rich overseas.

USMC Veteran Cuba/Vietnam 1960-65

nay

But if nobody fight who will. Who will defend us and our home. I am a young adult. I am married and my husband is in the navy. I will be leaving for boot camp in Sept. for the coast guard. There will always be people making bad choices. Reather it be in the military or regular job. But it is the big picture that counts. I have a home, my family, and the freedom that men and women in the military fought for me to have.

Black Sabbath

Perhaps this young adult will be one to help correct the problems you see with the military.

cucumberlarry1

If you want to talk to a specific person or a few specific people, have lunch with them or get into a situation where you can talk for a long time. Ask them to hear you out, and tell them specifically what your problems with the military are. Have a calm, meaningful discussion, and listen to what they have to say, as well. Then respect their decisions, knowing you did what you thought was right.

If you are talking about mass communication with people you don't necessarily know, you could make a website or an interesting blog. Every time I want to know about something I'm thinking about doing or want more information about something, I search the web!

wi_saint

Service to a person's country is a personal and private decision.

The corruption that you speak of comes in cycles, at all levels of command.

I served from 1990-1994, and still believe that it was a life changing good decision overall.

Do Not Target Anybody To "Talk" Them Out Of Serving.

You will do a greater disservice to them.

Mrsjvb

so you think that all Officers are corrupt? trust me, that ain't so.

and to assume so is an insult to all the men and women who are tasked with leading todays' enlisted personnel.

shocktrooper342003

I just love people like you who try to impose their will on their kids. If the system is so corrupt, like you say, then let him join so he can work to change it. Hell, I agree with you to a point that things are done badly. Things could be streamlined better, and some rules should be rewritten to reflect the current times, but turning your back isnt going to fix it.

ur a 10, pregnant & near level 2

Explain that this war is wrong, and is not worth getting killed over (that the troops who are there need to come home). I pray that none of my sons will have to go there.

I like the idea of one of your other answers about bringing the young men to military funerals and VA hospitals.

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

Calling the US military a corrupt organization is a serious charge. You better have some facts to back up your claim or you will just look disgruntled and bitter.

I think both officers and enlisted are worthy of our support. But that's only my opinion.

Sashie

Just point out to the youngsters that they will be sent to fight, and possibly be killed, in totally unnecessary and unwinnable wars ... seriously, there's absolutely nothing wrong with serving your country, but ... it is the COUNTRY that should be served, not the weird bunch in the White House and their cronies in big corporations ...

meathead

I believe your experience in the service must have had some positive points to it, or you would not have stayed 12 years. That is unless you were in the reserves or guard. Anyhow, whatever positive thing you got out of serving must have been worth something. Why would you want to steal this from a young person. Going to fight in a war is part of the job of the military. When you are in the service it is not about right or wrong, it is about learning discipline and taking orders and learning respect to and from others. If a person wants to join the service because they just want to get away from things, so what. The military is a good way to learn about life and freedom. Maybe you should listen more on why this person wants to join , instead of thinking how to change their mind. After all, it is their choice and not yours to make.

asssholejohn

YOu served 12 years, so ill buy what you say, But instead, of trying to talk them out of it, why dont you give young people, an honest pro's and con's view. I have enjoyed everyminute of my military service, and you could discourage someone, that could really excell, and be successful at it. Point: it might not be good for you, but it could still be good for others

jstaguy58

WOW! just like all the other guys since 1775! LOL

Lore

Tell them it is not a joy ride. mom and dad won't be there in their times of fear, being shot at etc. the government owns them then. they will tell them what to do, how to do it and when to do it. It could be a good term if not sent into the war zones. There is no guarantee on that. They will also be different. Grown up beyond belief and perhaps war memories to last for a life time.

kissy972001

Give them a full scholarship to college

Michael A

It is hard to talk someone out of serving who loves their country, but if they are ambivalent and only care about themselves then it shouldn't be that hard. Just remember, when the going gets tough blame it on a corrupt organization and all will be better. Instead of trying to make the organization better just quit. That is the way the country gets better!

â™« Smile the while you kiss me..â™«

Did it give your life meaning to ask ? You've already condemned anyone who disagrees with you!!!!! Your statement was so sarcastic and defensive......I think I'll go to another question.

Terisu is gone now

Take them to a military funeral? Have them talk to grieving parents? Take them to a VA hospital to talk to all the amputees?

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