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readers respond to advice about child joining military

parenting expert alyson schafer takes another look at the benefits of a military career.

by alyson schafer
published mar 01, 2023
read time 2 minute read
join the conversation
read time 2 minute read
join the conversation
not every job in the military involves combat
reader's response wants to emphasize that not every job in the military involves combat. getty
my last #askalyson column was advice to a mother whose daughter was interested in pursuing a career in the military. after the column was published, i received several emails pointing out the negative bias i showed in my advice. i really appreciated that each person was so polite in conveying their thoughts, especially in this era of angry tweets and online haters. i wanted to share what i learned from these emails so that readers have a more balanced perspective on teens interested in joining the military.
firstly, i do have family in policing and the navy, so i am not as naïve as some of the readers may have assumed. my uncle served in the air force. he had struggled all through school and he claimed that switching to the military was the first place he could be successful and find happiness. my cousin’s daughter also just graduated from the u.s. naval academy as a midshipman marine.
yet, when the mom asked about how to discuss joining the military, i only wrote advisements of how to dissuade a child from joining the military, while negating any of positives and readers let me know.
so let me correct that error here now. here are some of our readers’ thoughts, suggestions and other benefits of a career in the military:

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story continues below
  • the military plays an important role in the safety and security of our country.
  • many people have an interest in guns, such as hunters, and this does not make one deviant.
  • there are many disciplines in the military that do not involve combat; some examples are assisting with forest fires, floods, or ice-storms.
  • the training you receive in the military can lead to successful careers outside of the military.
  • the military helps develop discipline and regimentation so there is stability that many people can benefit from.
  • the reserves is a paid, guaranteed summer job, helpful when you are in university.
  • being in the reserves allows you to meet people your own age from across the country which can broaden your horizons.
  • you can join the militia as a co-op option to see if it’s right for you before you decide.
  • consider joining the army, navy or air cadets program depending on your interests. then you can have a good a look at it without really investing anything or restricting your career prospects. you can follow this up by continuing to the reserves, which would give you a part time opportunity to serve while following other career options.
thank you again, readers. i am always happy to engage in respectful dialogue and to learn from one another.
story continues below
read the original story, #askalyson: my child wants to join the military.
 
alyson schafer is one of canada’s leading parenting experts. she can be reached at hello@alysonschafer.com or on social media @alysonschafer.
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alyson schafer
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