Military Service

T41B · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 11:17 PM

Hi everyone I'm new to this site and I'm looking for some suggestions or advice on a current situation I'm in. I'm currently a member for the Canadian Army and one of my friends wants to join however because hes under 18 his parents have to sign his paperwork in order for him to get in. But they don't want to because there afraid it will affect him and the church so if anyone can offer me any suggestions or advice on what I can tell them or him about this situation would be great, Ive tried telling them my experience's but so far its had no affect and they still wont sign his papers and the Army is what hes looking to do for a career.

pam · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 11:21 PM

How long before he turns 18?

T41B · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 11:26 PM

Jan 20th 2013

pam · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 11:33 PM

It's just over 6 months away. Then he could join without a parents permission right?

T41B · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2012, 11:44 PM

Yes but it takes 4-6 months for the papers to go through processing anyways and ive tried explaining that to his parents but they still refuse to sign them. And by them doing that he'll have to wait until after hes graduated to join which means hes gonna miss out on the opportunity to get work experiance from it and it also means he'll miss out on the training he could start right away after graduation

pam · #6 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 12:13 AM

It doesn't sound like he has much of a choice though.

annewandering · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 02:27 PM

We gave in and signed the papers for our son. He is now a recovering alcoholic with severe PTSD. I say the parents have the right idea and should stick to their guns.

applepansy · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 06:09 PM

Its important to honor our parents. Its even one of the ten commandments. He doesn't have long to wait. He should honor his parents, do what they ask. Then when he doesn't need their permission he can do what he wants. But I hope he will always honor his parents even while doing what he wants.

applepansy · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2012, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T41B

Yes but it takes 4-6 months for the papers to go through processing anyways and ive tried explaining that to his parents but they still refuse to sign them. And by them doing that he'll have to wait until after hes graduated to join which means hes gonna miss out on the opportunity to get work experiance from it and it also means he'll miss out on the training he could start right away after graduation

In the Northern American continent we generally live well into our 80s. Your friend is 17. Even if he waits 6 months now, then another six months after he turns 18...a whole year. Lets even say he has to wait until he's 20 for the experience you're talking about. He will have at least 50-60 more years of life to get that experience.

Its also very likely that his parents know him better than you do. He should listen to them. Nobody in this world loves him as much as his parents do.

rameumptom · #10 (**permalink**) 07-05-2012, 07:03 AM

This is one of those times when a young person can learn two things: patience, and respect for his parents' wishes. One of the Ten Commandments tell us to "honor thy father and thy mother". To continually question and try them is not to honor them. Wait until he's eligible and then apply. That is what the vast majority of us who have or are serving had to do.