How To Tell your family that you want to join the military.
It can be difficult to tell your family you want to join the military, because they may react with anger, fear, sadness, and other emotions that you can't control.It is important that you talk to your family, even if you are scared.To make the discussion easier, do your research in advance, have solid reasons to back up your decision, and be open and honest about your choice.
Step 1: Prepare for the discussion.
Your family is going to have a lot of questions, and they want to know how and why you reached this decision.Think about a few questions they might have and write down your answers in advance.What branch of the military do you want to join, how long of a commitment will it be, and what kind of training and education will you get?
Step 2: First, tell a family member.
It is possible to get the support of one or two close family members before you tell everyone else.Pick a family member or close relative that you think will be sympathetic and understanding of your decision.It is possible to get prepared for reactions that you might expect with the help of your friend.You may want to have a practice conversation with this family member to help prepare you for the real thing.If your family reacts in a way you didn't expect, you might be thrown off guard.
Step 3: Schedule a meeting with your family.
A family meeting is a good way to discuss your decision with your family at the same time.You don't have to include extended family, but you should discuss your decision with parents, siblings and children.Let your family know that you want to get everyone together.It's a good idea to schedule a time when everyone is free.The meeting should be held at a time when everyone can relax after work or school.If there are immediate family members who live out of town, you can include them on a conference call or video chat.
Step 4: Tell them you made the choice.
When you are ready to tell everyone that you want to join the military, it's best to do it right away.They will ask questions after the dialogue is over.To start, say something clear and understandable, such as: "I want to join the military"
Step 5: Let your family know what you need.
Getting help from your family is part of the discussion.You can help facilitate this process by telling them how they can support you.Tell them how they can keep in touch, such as by letters, phone calls, or emails, and how often you want to talk to them when you're away.
Step 6: Tell us about your reasons.
Unless you can explain your decision to your family, they may think you aren't serious.You can use the research you have done to explain to them: What kind of job you're aiming for, the pay scale and career path, and what you expect to gain from the experience.
Step 7: Answer questions honestly and openly.
Your family is more likely to accept your decision if you are more candid.If you are secretive or unwilling to answer questions, they will think that you aren't making the right choice.If you don't explain your decision, your family may think you're just trying to run away from something.Prepare answers for the why-type questions, such as why you want to join the military.Don't make up answers.If someone asks a question you can't yet answer, tell them you'll figure it out and respond later.
Step 8: If your family tries to stop you from joining, be prepared.
If you meet the requirements, you can join the military.Although they may try, ultimately the decision is yours, and only you can decide what's right for your life.It is important to listen to the concerns of your family.You must be at least 18 years old and have parental consent to be enlisted.Academic qualifications are restricted by height and weight.
Step 9: Don't react to guilt in a way that makes you feel bad.
Some people try to get their way by making others feel guilty.You can manage this tactic if your family tries to make you feel guilty about joining the military.Tell me how important this is to you.Let them know that you see what they're doing and don't appreciate it.Reframe guilt as gratitude in a way that doesn't make you feel guilty.This guilt trip is a sign that your family cares about you and wants the best for you.
Step 10: It is possible that your family is concerned about violence.
When you join the military, there is a chance that you will be killed in the line of duty.The violence associated with a life in the military may become a preoccupation for your family.Let them know that only a small percentage of enlisted service members die in the military.It is possible that you will never be deployed and may never see war, depending on your time in the military and your duties there.
Step 11: Your family may be frightened.
It's possible that your family is scared, angry, and panicked about your decision because they love you and care about you.If you remain calm, the discussion could get out of hand.If there's a good chance you'll be deployed, you should understand that panic is a common reaction to a family member joining the military.You need to assure your family that you love them.This will only increase tension if you become angry or heated yourself.Listen to your family using active listening techniques.While a member of your family is speaking, look in their eyes, nod their head, and focus on what they're saying.Use a soft, love voice to calm your family.Show them that you understand what they're going through.You could say, "I understand that you're worried about my safety, but this life decision is really important to me."
Step 12: Talk to a person who can help you find a job.
A recruiters job is to advertise the army, talk to applicants and potential recruits, convince them to join, conduct interviews, and assess applicants.A recruiter can answer questions, explain the process, and take your information to get the ball rolling.The U.S. Army has a website where you can find a recruiter.If you're having trouble talking to your family about your decision, you can ask a recruiter to come to you.
Step 13: Talk to people who have served.
Recruiters are biased because they are trying to convince you to join the military.Talking to people who have served and who aren't being paid to recruit you will give you a better idea of what life in the military will be like.Good candidates for recently discharged veterans are friends, family, or a civilian counselor.Ask them about their time in the military, whether they enjoyed it, and if they would recommend it to someone else.
Step 14: Understand why people don't want you to join the military.
Knowing the pros and cons of joining the military will help you make an informed decision.You might have to go to war if you join the military because it won't alleviate problems in your life and will only put them on hold.
Step 15: How will your skills apply to civilian life?
When you join the military, you will receive job training, but it won't be applicable when you leave and return to civilian life.When you're looking at joining, ask yourself how your skills would translate to a civilian job.Many employers are hesitant to hire veterans, and this may make it difficult for you to get a job when you leave the military.
Step 16: Determine the amount of money you can get for education.
Depending on the amount of time you spend on active duty, you may have to extend your initial four-year contract to make sure your education is paid for.If you want to have your education paid for, you have to serve a certain amount of time in the military.
Step 17: If you're prepared for the worst, figure it out.
The number of years you have to serve is dictated by the contract you sign when you join the military.Many first-term contracts are six years long, and during this time you might: Be deployed to a foreign country have to fight and kill Have to risk your life psychologically, including from things like post-traumatic stress disorder