My son is currently a high school senior. He's talked about joining the military since he could talk. He always spoke of the USMC. As a jarhead, I was more than pleased with his plans.

As he grew older, I asked him what he envisioned himself doing when he was 40, and he mentioned something in the health field. EMT/Paramedic, nursing, maybe even medical school. As much as I hated telling him this, I told him there were better options than the Marines.

So he researched, and decided on becoming a Combat Medic in the Army Rangers. We got a call tonight that he will have a 68W MOS, with an Option 40 contract. This will guarantee he will go through RASP (Ranger Assessment and Selection Process). After speaking with numerous current/former Rangers and Recruiters, my son is more than excited to attempt the training. It is no joke, the Rangers are a Tier 1 Special Operations Force, almost a separate entity from the Army. And they get a lot of cool things to play with.

It's a process. He will got through Basic, then AIT (Advanced Infantry Training), then Combat Medic School. Following that, he will attend RASP, and then Airborne school. (Those paying attention may note that the Airborne requirement has been changed in the process). Following RASP, he will attend SOCM (Special Operations Combat Medic) school. It is arguably the most intensive combat trauma school in the world. They even go to various trauma units around the country to get "real life" experience dealing with gunshot/stab wounds, etc...

It is a process. Barring injury, probably about 2 1/2 years of training. But it's his dream, and it scares the shit out of me. But I am so proud of him. My son is becoming a man.

He signs the dotted line on Friday. Swears in at a later date. Ships out at the end of June 2021. Holy Shit.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ASKSmith,

While I would question his decision to join the Army I think having a plan like that is wonderful.

As a veteran you know to tell him don't let anyone tell him he cannot do exactly what he wants (thought you marines tend to drink the kool-aid and just agree with everything )Some will use him to fill a hole or quota and he'll get lost in the system.

Tell him to MAKE what he wants happen.

I love my career and the job itself, and while I would love to be hitting 20 this year I would never have been able to stick with it 20 years ago as an 18 year old. My level of patience and my mouth would have never fit.

AIT is Advanced Individual Training, not Advanced Infantry Training. I've read it's a pretty tough course at Ft. Sam in SATX.

June 2021 will give him plenty of time to physically prepare though basic these days is pretty easy so if he shows up in great shape, it's likely he won't be challenged. From friends who recently left "the trail" as a Drill Sergeant, basic has changed to be much softer and easier.

You should rightly be proud. I am sure that your influence has guided him in his path.

Edmond, I am unfamiliar with Army acronyms, I am just a dumb jarhead.

He's the captain of his cross country team. He runs a sub 5min mile. His 3 mile times are about 17 minutes. Half marathon times are about 1:30. He ran the USMC marathon last year in DC. He does "Murph" style workouts with a 20lb vest. He is not hurting in the physically fit department. He's been rucking with a 60lb ALICE pack. I don't mean to boast, but he is MOTIVATED.

Not sure what his ASVAB scores were, but his recruiter said he was more than qualified. He took his physical, and no issues.

He's taking college level courses in high school, but can't wait to get to RASP. He's bored with high school, and not really the college type.

Ottosig, I told him to take advantage of everything he can. GI bill, TSP, whatever schools he can take, even if they don't apply to his MOS.

Maybe even get commissioned. Who knows. The future is his...

Congratulations on your son’s decision.

We currently have a nephew going through basic with a RASP slot when finished. He is motivated too!

We are very fortunate to have a few family members on SF teams and it was discussions with them that motivated our nephew to try out. Funny story...when we were together for Thanksgiving last year and he said he wanted to enlist and try to get into the Rangers one of our kids took him outside, put him on his shoulders and proceeded to run up and down our hillside for several minutes. He then put him down and said “now carry me” he got about halfway up the hill and collapsed. I think it was at that point he realized that there is a lot of work behind qualifying to make the team. So far, he’s doing well from what we hear!

This happened to me:
Sitting in class at SP school, an officer came in and asked if anyone wanted to go to Military Working Dog School. I declined.
A week or so later, same officer came in and wanted people for EOD School. I declined.
A Squadron Commander who liked me offered to get me into Bootstrap to become an officer. I declined.
Dont I wish now I had taken advantage of opportunities literally handed to me while I was in the service.
The old military adage "never volunteer for anything" was bad advice for me. Dont let your kid miss out on the opportunities he may be offered.

Just tell him to take it one step / one day at a time.

Congrats and I wish him the best.

great video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWAAzdHqr-Y

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Nothing but the utmost respect for your son and the decisions he has made. Based on your description, I suspect he will have a very successful military career.

That is fantastic. May he become one of the best.

Be proud of your son. My one regret in life was that I didn't enlist and serve our Country. My Dad was a combat medic in Vietnam. Bronze Star w/V device among other awards. He's a proud veteran and I'm proud of him...

Navy will keep him out of the mud, get him a shower every night, and at least two hot meals.

Congrats. My son was in the army for three years, got out, and is now finishing his degree (this fall) to get his commission in the navy next spring.

quote:

Originally posted by ASKSmith:
The future is his...

Congratulations to both of you. You for doing something right to help mold someone willing to take the challenge and him for taking the challenge.

We owe individuals willing to serve a great debt. We owe their families even more.

Thank You.

LS1 GTL, I had mentioned to him becoming a corpsman. His basic response was he didn’t want to be attached to a team, he wanted to be part of it.

This is his decision. I am only offering guidance. He wants to be the “tip of the spear”. His training, post military, will give him a multitude of options. Maybe he’ll retire from the service, who knows. To be young and have choices again, LOL.

My boy is shopping recruiters right now for a June enlistment. I know what you are saying.

JLJones, keep us posted. I am kid of surprised how fast this happened. We started talking with his recruiter maybe 2 months ago. But we told him he will not sign up without an Option 40. All the Rangers/Recruiters we spoke with just said to be patient. We definitely had time on our side. I guess I’m going through the “cutting the cord” syndrome. My son leaves the nest to spread his wings. 18 years went by fast.

Congratulations to you and your son!

My son joined the Air Force in June of last year, is based in South Dakota, but currently is deployed in Kuwait. I am continually amazed and proud of him, and I know you will be as well.

quote:

Originally posted by ASKSmith:
JLJones, keep us posted. I am kid of surprised how fast this happened. We started talking with his recruiter maybe 2 months ago. But we told him he will not sign up without an Option 40. All the Rangers/Recruiters we spoke with just said to be patient. We definitely had time on our side. I guess I’m going through the “cutting the cord” syndrome. My son leaves the nest to spread his wings. 18 years went by fast.

Tell me about it. It took me almost a year to get him to consider anything outside of the family business (marines). I have been advising him to find the best deal. We’ve met with the army and they dangled a Option 40 contract. The marines only offered him a chance. We ll visit the navy and I’m forcing him to also talk to the AF.

He wants a special operations billet in SF, Marsoc or NSW.

Congratulations and kudos to your son for not choosing the path of least resistance.