How to tell parents I want to join the Marines after my first semester of college?

Well…

First understand the different ways they may respond. They may forbid it…as a knee jerk response. They may cry. They will be fearful of the very true possibilites that you will face danger. Please understand that parents don’t raise their children all the way to college age with out worry. They probably feel they are in the home stretch… you know, a big sign of relief. This may take them a short while to understand your reasoning and your desire to serve. It is important not to get angry at them. What they feel is love, fear of loosing you, all normal parent stuff.

I would suggest that you think hard on why you feel the need to do this. Convey those feelings to your parents. Make sure you explain that you have thought it through. Once they see that this is something that you are passionate about they will begin to accept the fact that you are a man and your are choosing this path.

I am assuming that you will be going into officer candidate school? If so, talk to your recruiter. Take the aptitude tests and find out what MOS’s that you are interested. It is a specia;ty, as in airwing with ATC or pilot and such or do you want to go infranty and serve with the grunts.

All of this information will prove to your parents that this is a well thought out decision. If they disagree, then you need to tell them that you love them and really wanted their support but, you have to follow your dream.

You may be surprised and they may reluctantly be happy for you. But rest assured, they will come around.

congrats, be careful, hit the ground running and keep your head down….. Oorah devilpup… semperfi

Well the bottom line is it’s not their choice. You tell them however you feel its easiest for you. Don’t worry how they’ll react, in the long run they will love you no matter what you do after all they are your parents. I think it takes a lot of courage to make this decision…just be sure it is what you really want to do. Their is no changing your mind one you’re in. Best of luck to you, trust me some day you’ll look back and realize this is nothing compared to the chalanges you have faced in Marines.

I meant to mention…. you can join as enlisted or as officer. Talk to recruiter before you make a decision. Joining as an office, after a certain amount of college places you in a position to not only be a marine, but, to be a marine leader. It affords you a hands on advantage that the enlisted do not get until after they serve time and reach non commissioned officer ranks.

The pay is most certainly better… You will be taught everything you need to know in officer candidate school.