Many parents who have a child taking into consideration military service will have questions about this option and conflicting emotions. It is only normal to want your child’s happiness and health in any future they might be seeking.

As you begin to discuss their choices with your child, consider this page as a checklist of the important milestones that occur during military career preparation, joining, and training.

How are you doing so? Physically prepare yourself, and the mind follows. You should be skillful enough to be a great team player, whether through sports, band, or club activities, while in high school or college. These skills will benefit you in the long run during your military training.

Requirements for Eligibility:

Your child must be an eighteen-year-old U.S. citizen or 17 with your signed permission to join the Military. He or she will need a diploma in high school or GED, so encourage him or her to stay in school and keep good grades. If your child wants to be an officer, then a four-year college degree would be needed.

It’s not like a regular civilian job!

No matter what your recruiter tells you, being a member of the U.S. Armed Forces isn’t just like having a civilian job. There will always be someone in the Military telling you what to do, when to do it and how to do it — and you have to do that. They’ll also force you to do something you don’t want to do, or advise you in a way that makes you mad.

Boot Camp: Realities:

The Military Boot Camp is like nothing you have ever had. The rigid routine and absolute control of every aspect of your life, and this can be infuriating at times.

It is the job of the training instructors (T.I.s) and the drill instructors (D.I.s) to mold you according to military way of thinking (that includes self-discipline, sacrifice, being loyal and utter obedience) or it can be the other way around if you don’t follow these rules.

They do this by giving you continuous physical and mental stress while at the same time teaching you the basics of military rules and policies, etiquette and customs of your particular military service.

Physical Warfare:

Most of the trainers will make you learn different things and take you through various martial arts and the techniques of hand-to-hand combat. In the Marines, they also have to pass across a five-colour belt system: red, blue, white, brown, and black. Each recruit is required to qualify for his or her tan belt to earn the title of “United States Marine.”

Hours of Mental and Physical Challenges:

During this time you’ll be challenged with mid-of-the-night wake-up calls. With little food and sleep, you’ll be asked to go through challenges. You may be challenged to work as a squad, lift or break apart, to succeed when one or more falls.

Read More: 4 Pieces of Helpful Advice for the Veteran in Your Life

Physical Examinations:

Each army branch has its own set of physical fitness tests which will determine your physical fitness. These assessments are provided in basic training in the period to ensure you are not just preserving but also enhancing the athletic capacity.

Understanding of Vietnam Service medal:

You will be told about the importance of Vietnam Service Ribbons. The Vietnam Service Medal is a medal of the United States introduced during the war. In 1965 it was approved by executive order. The medal of the Republic of Vietnam Campaign is what is known as a foreign award, a military decoration or medal awarded to American troops who helped in a conflict in that country. Almost always these two medals are awarded at the same time alongside the National Defense Medal.