OSUT Grad Gift ideas B4 jump School

[vwa1999]

It's hard to fathom that you just snitched on your son. I'm sure he'll appreciate that. At least he'll have stories to tell about how interesting Jump School got.

I had permission to snitch. He's a big boy, he can handle it. Plus, you never know, there might be a few honorable people out there who actually DO want to mentor the boy. So true about the stories, as it stands he is loving the diversity at Ft. Benning and has been telling stories since he's gotten there.

[CharliePC]

I had permission to snitch. He's a big boy, he can handle it. Plus, you never know, there might be a few honorable people out there who actually DO want to mentor the boy. So true about the stories, as it stands he is loving the diversity at Ft. Benning and has been telling stories since he's gotten there.

Wendy,

Don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way.

It's one thing to come here and brag about your son and ask about gifts... good.
It's another to give his roster number and talk about mentoring.... not so good.
You need to let him do this on his own steam.

He's made it through basic training and AIT.
He's now at Jump School.
IOW, he's turning into a man.
He can handle this without his mother's intervention.
In fact, at this point your intervention is more of a negative than a positive.

Respectfully,

[Gato Rojo]

Let me echo the words of wisdom from my brother, CharliePC!

My favorite cousin, 11 years older than me, was the son of a Two-Star General. Like his dad, he was a West Point grad. He excelled in everything at the Point and graduated in the top 5% of his class before going into the Air Force to become a Jet Fighter Pilot. He then went to Korea and flew 100 combat missions in F-80s and then F-86s. He had everything going for him.

And then, after 10 years, he suddenly resigned and left the service.

Why would a man who seemingly had everything possible going his way, doing a job that he loved, quit after investing 10 years and being halfway to retirement?

Because his mother felt that she had to intervene and protect her "little boy!" She had learned that he was about to be reassigned to a hardship post and felt that this was unfair, so she called the pentagon and raised hell with the "career development" folks and got him reassigned to a cushy stateside post.

She also got his personnel records folder permanently flagged as "PI" (for "Political Influence") which ensured that he would not progress in the normal career path with his contemporaries, and would never have a shot at Command assignments, the holy grail for career officers. His career was at a dead end, he faced the fact, and got out.

All because his mama couldn't face the fact that her boy was now a man and could look out for himself. I know that her intentions were for the best, but her ignorance of the realities of the military culture destroyed the very thing she wanted to help.

If my point is too obtuse, I'll state it plainly; Please do not ever ask for anything for your son that he is physically able to ask for himself; no good can come of that, and disaster is more than likely to follow.

[vwa1999]

I believe you all have taken something simply meant and twisted it beyond recognition. Thank you. If I could remove all posts I would at this point. I am very proud of what my son has accomplished on his own, I have not done this, HE HAS. I believed it when someone said they would mentor - meaning help HIM improve upon what he's being taught. As grown ups I believed what was said, now I'm finding it to not really be true. I'm getting bashed here for no good reason. I expected some ribbing but this is getting ridiculous.

[CharliePC]

Lighten up Wendy.
Nobody is "bashing" you.
As a matter of fact, Gato and I both took pains to be respectful.

Most of the advice given in this thread was for your benefit.
What was just said was for your son's benefit.

With all due respect, you don't understand the rules of the waters in which your son is now swimming.
You came here for advice.
Be wise and take it.

[Gato Rojo]

Hi Wendy,

Once again, let me echo the words of my esteemed brother, CharliePC.

We realize you meant well, and we both wanted you to know that when a boy ceases to be a boy because he has become a man, everything changes.

The military is a closed society with it's own distinct culture. Your own lack of the understanding of that closed military culture is clearly demonstrated in your message to which i am responding here. You are completely misconstruing our messages and taking them as criticism of you; rather than as friendly (and i do mean, FRIENDLY) warnings of the danger that your lack of understanding of the culture exposes you (and more importantly, your son) to.

Please go back and re-read my original message. No one is shooting at you, we understand your motivation and admire it, and you for raising a real man. You've done well, very well indeed.

We'd just hate to see him get off on the wrong foot because you don't understand the culture and don't know where the lines that should not be crossed, lie. I am not exaggerating the negative impact that this unfamiliarity can result in.

Bart

[vwa1999]

I understand what you are both saying, thank you. I apologize.

[CharliePC]

Nothing to apologize for.

[Gato Rojo]

Agreed, you have nothing to apologize for, and thanks for understanding. Good luck to your son!