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Celtic Radio Community > General Discussion > A Daughter In The Army!

Posted by: Castlegrrl 27-Oct-2005, 10:35 PM

OMG!!! I am waiting to see if my youngest enlists in the Army. She took the Army entrance exam - someone tell me what it is called - ADVAP or something like that. Anyway she scored higher than most women her age and at master's degree level so, with just two years of college and oodles of life experience (good and bad) Army recruiters are trying to talk her into going into Intelligence. I am scared and happy and concerned all at the same time. She has a 6 year old beautiful boy. She called a few days ago and asked me if I would join her when she finishes basic training and help her with my grandson. I immediately said yes without even thinking a minute. I could teach English anywhere or not work if I didn't want to. She says I could just write and sing and be there for Isaiah when she is not. I don't know what to expect if she makes this decision. I will be giving up all I have worked for here and gladly - but am still afraid. She and my other two kids look like the Irish half of the ex-union but I am Native American (Navajo and Zuni) and am often mistaken for East Indian even though I am very light with dark hair. I was told that she may end up in Germany for a few years and I would be hated and that my grandson hated even more - he is half African American! Being in California I am not used to much prejudice. I didn't just fall off the pumpkin truck though, I just know me. I may be open-minded and respectful of others and their beliefs regardless of race, but I know I will have a difficult time in any other place whether it be Germany or North Carolina or where ever "we" get stationed. I have enclosed a picture for any who care to see how beautiful these two are. And yes, I will travel with her if she makes this choice. It just makes me a little queasy in the stomach and I wonder what to expect. Oh, and if anyone is wondering about the hubby in this equation, he was shot in the head in an almost fatal, mugging while coming out of a grocery store, and survived only to be quite mentally damaged and paralyzed. He became 7 years old instead of 26 instantly, and years of physical therapy and mental health care could not teach him all over again that he was married and had a loving family. They have all suffered so and I just want what is best for all of us. Can any Army moms and wives weigh in here. I would surely appreciate it. Castlegrrl

Posted by: Madadh 28-Oct-2005, 04:33 AM

Castlegrrl, Not an Mom, but an Army and Marine Dad. My son is in the Army and currently in Iraq, and My daughter is in the Marines and currently at Quantico VA. intelligence is a great job for your daughter. Most of the assignments are not in combat zones and the work is both interesting and rewarding. The test she took was the ASFAB and it is a standard test for all of the services. It gives them an idea as to what job a person has the ability to do. intelligence is very high on the list so she should be commended. I have added a picture of my two if you are interested

Posted by: SCShamrock 28-Oct-2005, 06:40 AM

Rachel, First, congrats on having a daughter that is both accomplished in academics as well as patriotic. I am not a military dad, but a former Army soldier. I would like the opportunity to assuage your fears. Most military enlistees are of a high-school education level. They will take the test, often times to discover that they are intelligent enough for highly technical careers. Others are g.e.d. certificate holders, and whether they score well or not, are most often placed in low-tech fields. However, your daughter, with two years college (you didn't say if she holds an associates degree, but I am assuming) will automatically be eligible for her commission status, which is quite prestigious in the military world. Secondly, if they are seeking her for an intelligence field, then you should rest your mind against the fear of her ever seeing combat, or even being in a combat situation. The area of intelligence where you would find commissioned officers working in field combat situations is monopolized by men, and so there is really no place for her in that arena. The most likely scenario for her is a desk job, or as part of an intelligence team in an office setting gathering and compiling information. The biggest thing you would have to contend with is all the secrecy. But then again, that beats missiles and rapid fire.

Posted by: ArizonaAmy9 28-Oct-2005, 09:03 AM

First I have to say that I am not a military Mom but had a BIL who was in the Navy and continues to serve our country in many ways (he just got back from Katrina relief duty) and I must agree with both Madadh and SCShamrock = congrats on having a daughter who is intelligent and inspired to do the best she can not just for herself but for her son! Not to mention serving this country of ours!! I also must say how blessed SHE is to have a Mother like you who is willing to uproot and move to help her raise her son!! I know my parents have helped me a great deal over the years and I don't know how I would have made it many times with out their help! You have a beautiful daughter and grandson and I am sure any move would be easier on them with you around! as side note...Madadh...what wonderful children you have raised...who went first? your Son or Daughter? It is interesting to find that your daughter found her way to intelligence...had she always wanted to go military? I have a friend whos children have both gone to West Point and they are both thrilled with their choices to go there...

Posted by: Madadh 28-Oct-2005, 09:05 AM

Amy, My Daughter went first than my Son. I was active duty Army infantry for three years and then 6 years with the New York ANG. I have also been 20 years in the intelligence community. So you can say they followed in dad's footsteps. Side note, the proudest day of my life was when my Son graduated from infantry school and I was able to go and place my infantry rope on his shoulder.

Posted by: ArizonaAmy9 28-Oct-2005, 10:05 AM

That is funny Madadh as I was looking at pic trying to decide who was older...I guessed it was your daughter (she looks more mature)....so little bro followed in big sissie's footsteps...or sort of...ok..well they both followed in the family way but interesting. My BIL went to Navy straight from High School...was the best thing he EVER did...as he needed to grow up and going to college would not have done it for him. Plus now he has...just over 20 years in the 'service' so...he'll be set to retire pretty well off....Still my best wishes to you Castlegrrl, your daughter and grandson...

Posted by: Monarchs Own 29-Oct-2005, 04:45 AM

I am surprised that the Army is considering the Intelligence for her job. After two years of college you daughter should consider going Officer career instead. She might need some more college but the Army gives scholarships. Intelligence usually means they would have her loads of times overseas, well at least from here they go a lot - since we are also Airborne (meaning we jump out of airplanes). But in any case - Intelligence is a job with loads of secrets. Meaning she can't talk much about her job. My friends husband is Intelligence and he is now over there in Iraq for the 3 rd time. My husband used to work for Intelligence Companies in the Army and said - lot of women and they get deployed as much as the rest of the guys. He worked down there with loads of them. My husband who just came back yesterday told me 5 minutes after he arrived that he will likely go back in a year for another tour of 12 months and he is only a cook (LOL). The Army provides a good healthcare system, but your daughter needs to remind her that she has to leave her child with someone of you while she is gone. That can be quite hard sometimes. So the responsibilty might fall on you. I personally love the Army life(well most of the time) and my husband just renlisted for 6 more years in February of this year and will in the end have at least spend a total of 20 years in the Army. So far he has spend 10 years in the Army - so only 10 years more to go. But your daughter should consider going Officer or Warrant Officer. If she is enlisted now - meaning going in as Private she can later on go Green to Gold program - which means going from Enlisted to Officer. If she doesn't hold a degree yet - she can finish it after she attended Officer Candidate School or Warrant Officer Candidate School. They give her a certain amount of time to finish her degree. As for Germany - I am german and I don't know who told you that you or your grandson would be hated. In Germany we only dislike people who come to our country and live of the Social Secruity and unemployment - which is understandable no doubt. But Americans don't fall into our systems so the Germans are very friendly towards Amercians in 98% of the cases. Especailly around the bases over there people are loving Americans because they bring good business and friendships. But Germany is closing down bases down there with a few exceptions. So going over there is not so easy anymore. Also your daughter can request her frist duty station (it's called the Dream Sheet - you write down your wishes and most likely you will get one of those you picked - but it's not a gurantee). And just a short note on the side - Recruiters tell a lot of bull...... to get anyone to join. Hope all works out as well.

Posted by: Castlegrrl 29-Oct-2005, 08:11 PM

Madadh, you have beatiful children! I appreciate your insight everyone: Monarch's Own, Arizona Amy, SCShamrock! All of you have given me food for thought. Yes, we know the recruiters talk lots o' bull and she is one saavy girl and saw right through. It is hard to tell from the photo but she is a bit of a Lara Croft bad-ass with a very sweet side. The recruiter saw that and considered her nursing two year trial and knows she does NOT want to be a nurse. She does not have a degree but is strong, smart, tough and quick on her feet and they also could see what tragedy had turned her into. I will follow her to where ever she gets stationed and raise her wonderful son while she serves. I love them that much and more than I can show them in this lifetime. I remember very little of my Dad's Army National Guard days - he got thrown from a horse and was seriously injured. Looks like I'll end up an army Grandma - unless she changes her mind. Thanks to all who responded. You are golden! Rachel the Castlegrrl

Posted by: Shamalama 01-Nov-2005, 12:42 PM

First and foremost: I congratulate your daughter for even considering serving her country in this way. For this alone she earns respect from me. Second, I am humbled by your committment to her by voluntarily following along and shouldering the burden of caring for her son, allowing her the freedom to pursue a career in the Army. You have earned my respect. Third, your daughter and grandson are beautiful people. You should be proud. My ex-son-in-law went into Army Intelligence after completing four years in college - part of one of those "we'll pay for college if you'll work for us" arrangements. He spent two months in Arizona at a special Army facility learning about Intelligence. He was then sent to Japan where he looked after "things" in the Pacific (re: North Korea). He was supposed to stay there awhile, but he got promoted to Captain and was sent to Iraq. Army Intelligence involves (usually) working in countries other than the US, and I think it almost always guarantees working well behind any battle lines - the Army is going to do all they can to protect one of their Intelligence people, because training and maintaining an Intelligence person is like the Air Force with their pilots. Each culture has its own prejudices, with some more tolerant than others. Sometimes I wonder if living in certain areas of the US would be any better; be it Germany or North Carolina, I think each area has its own "likes and dislikes". Such is human nature, and I fear that you could be exposed to it whether she is in Army Intelligence in Spain or a pizza delivery person in Oklahoma. A "difficult time" can be anywhere, and therefore it is something that is beyond your control. My son just finished his four years in the Marines, and he noticed that every place in which he was stationed (from Washington to Hawaii to the south Pacific to Afghanistan) had its own peculiar prejudices that he had to deal with. You can only control the condition of life within the walls of your own home, and you sound like the kind of person that will make the home a place of safety and love. Just grab up your harp and fill the home with beautiful Celtic music.

Posted by: gallesjrrt 01-Nov-2005, 01:57 PM

I'll add my compliments to those of the others. Congratulations on your daughter and grandson. I'm sorry, I'm in a rush so I don't remember who said this, but I agree - have a care with what the recruiter says! Army recruiting is down, and with various schools and colleges giving the recruiters are hard time ... Anyway, I'm not saying that the recruiter is misleading her, but have your daughter get things as "guaranteed" as she possibly can before she commits herself. I give her top honors for even thinking about taking on this risky career under these circumstances, regardless of how good the benefits are. About your own situation, I've heard the same rumors of hatred of anyone who looks Middle Eastern in Europe, but I think you have to take them with a grain of salt. Whatever the area may think, there are always people who take individuals as just that - individuals who can prove their worth or worthlessness for themselves. Also, please correct me, those of you with experience, if I'm wrong - IF she goes to Germany, you'll probably be in base housing, so you should be surrounded by other army familes. A co-worker has a son who finished his BA from St. Olaf's in MN and then went on to Intelligence - though he was stationed in Japan (he'd spent a year there teaching English as a Second Language prior to his service career). When he returned, he was accepted into the International Relations program at Yale, where he completed a Masters Degree. He now has a good job in the DC area using his experiences/education in a positive manner. Whatever choice you and your daughter make, I wish all of you nothing but the best for the future!

Posted by: Castlegrrl 02-Nov-2005, 01:26 AM

My gosh you people are wonderful! Shamalama and gallesjrt - you have given me more food for thought. I am an English teacher and an ESL teacher so being in any foreign country does not scare me and I would most likely want to work - though just kicking back and writing and caring for Isaiah would be nice. I know this will not be easy if she makes this choice and Tracy is being careful - she is a smart girl but wants an honorable career and the ability to care for her child. She says she also hopes that a few years of hard work would pave the way for her to be in a position to care for me too. I have beaten cancer had some rough years raising my kids alone and have always wanted to see Japan and other places before I die, so maybe I will get the chance to live in a foreign country while I help her to keep Isaiah safe and secure while his mommy serves. Again thanks for all your insight, encouragement and respect - I must admit I am still sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what will happen soon if at all. Good health and happines to all on this list . . . you have lifted me up to a higher place when I had a little season of well warranted concern. Rachel the Castlegrrl

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