Do you think it's right

jhb90277 · 09-09-2007, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teethandclaws

Just to let you all know, I got a letter from the school, in the first day of school packet, which asked that if I did not want my senior child's information shared with the military, to sign the paper and return it to school.
I don't know if this is routine in other school districts around my state, or if they are doing this in other states, but I was happy to see the choice given to the parents here.

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Ah, yes, the first day packets. We do them online and then print what we're supposed to turn in, but on the first day, they still send home a bunch of forms identical to what we filled out online. At least they're cutting down somewhat on the paper.

teethandclaws · 09-09-2007, 09:13 PM

I have 3 kids in the same school district, so I get everything in triplicate. I don't think my school district likes trees.
They only sent my senior home with the paper on the military question though, but it asked about my other kids in the school system too.

KnightOfSappho · 09-09-2007, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teethandclaws

I have 3 kids in the same school district, so I get everything in triplicate. I don't think my school district likes trees.
They only sent my senior home with the paper on the military question though, but it asked about my other kids in the school system too.

Maybe it would be good for you to suggest that the school(s) compile an email list to cut down on the paper?

Nightrider · 09-09-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teethandclaws

Just to let you all know, I got a letter from the school, in the first day of school packet, which asked that if I did not want my senior child's information shared with the military, to sign the paper and return it to school.
I don't know if this is routine in other school districts around my state, or if they are doing this in other states, but I was happy to see the choice given to the parents here.

Sounds like a good policy. I would be interested to know if in fact they are doing this in other states. . .

I just don't believe that recruiting high school kids in a certain fashion to serve in the military is right - it's an overextension of authority in my opinion. After all, they are just kids, and can be easily manipulated into signing up by our government. . .

I won't go into how I feel about government schools in this thread, but I find it disturbing that some of these kids are being taken advantage of.

Anyhow, just my two-pents. . .

sgtdmski · 09-09-2007, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forester814

That was one of the many exciting and innovative features of the Patriot Act.

Whether it's right or not (and it's not), it's legal.

Thank our president for that one!

Actually No Child Left Behind did that one, not the Patriot Act. So include Teddy Kennedy in your thanks.

dmk

sgtdmski · 09-09-2007, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Jaggers

Military recruiters want dumb high school students - and the dumber the better. If the Congress does not reinstate the draft for compulsory military service so that President Bush has enough warm bodies for use as cannon fodder for his foreign wars, then the Pentagon will just resort to press gangs to meet their quotas. An administration that is not adverse to violation of a citizen’s constitutional rights for the sake of national defense, would likely find sufficient justification for such action.

Nice try, but the military is not after the dumb high school students. Potential recruits are require to take the ADVAB and actually score a specific score in order to qualify.

We have an Army that is highly technical. When I was in the infantry everyone joked about the Dumb Grunts, but we were far from dumb. We have the training and the skill to use state of the art communication devices, satellites, weapon systems, not to mention be able to interpret data and react to the situation on the ground.

Nice try!!!!

dmk

sgtdmski · 09-09-2007, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Jaggers

The nation honors its brave men (and women) in arms - but how many would do their service? To fight for king and country is a noble end, but few end nobly in its cause. What sane person would trade peace and liberty for the drummed discipline of barracks life? The bright days of parade pass in review to the blood-spattered battlefield where row upon row march to their death. What good then are soldiers but cannon fodder? For what cause did they fight and for whose honor did they die? How soon their glory fades.

Their glory never fades. Those of us who served, who are serving and who will one day serve will always remember their glory and what they sacrificed. Perhaps you can explain why the Military's reenlistment rates are surpassing their goals each of the last 5 years.

Old soldiers never die, nor do they fade away, they are remembered and their traditions honored by the men and women who serve today and who will serve tomorrow.

dmk

jhb90277 · 09-09-2007, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnightOfSappho

Maybe it would be good for you to suggest that the school(s) compile an email list to cut down on the paper?

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Our district used to send newsletters home with the kids each Wednesday, but now the Wednesday bulletin comes via email. They have made an effort to cut down on paper waste, but more can be done.

KnightOfSappho · 09-09-2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmchugh

Just out of curiosity: Most HS seniors are 18 years old. Age of majority and all that. Should they still be required to have parents present at the meeting, or are they allowed to make their own decisions?

Many are 18 and many are 17.

In either case I think that the initial meeting sould be with both (especially if the first contact was underage.)

At 18 they are certainly allowed to make their own decisions, but it does not necessarily mean that a parent be present.

kmchugh · 09-13-2007, 04:07 PM

In the end, I still hold that it is just a phone call. HS students who are not interested will tell the recruiter to "buzz off." Others will ask questions, based on their own interest. Whether or not the student talks to recruiters isn't really relevant. If they are under 18, they cannot sign without parental consent. If they are over 18, like it or not they have reached the age of majority and can make the decision without parental input or interference.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a veteran of 14 years in the US Army, medically discharged with a knee injury. I was never a recruiter. What I find disturbing about this thread, reflecting a trend in our society, is the attitude of some that the military will never "get" my kid. I can't really elaborate on it more that that, and as a father, a bit of me understands. Still, it troubles me deeply for what it may hold for our nation.