The best information often comes from people who have been there. So we’ve collected video interviews detailing people’s experiences with the Military. Listen to parents discuss how they felt when their child brought up military service. Or see what veterans have to say about the qualities they developed in the Military. It’s all here, in their own words.
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Whether they were inspired by money for college or a deep desire to see the world, our subjects saw enlistment as an opportunity to claim independence and pursue career goals. See how military service helped fuel their ambitions and start them on the path to fulfilling careers.
No one ever said military service was easy — rewarding things seldom are. Follow our subjects through Basic Training as they discover untapped inner strength and complete increasingly challenging assignments with newfound ease.
Recruit training reinforces the importance of working as a team. Even as individuals develop leadership qualities, it's the group dynamic that keeps a unit working like a machine. Find out how the idea of teamwork — and friendships made during service — hold strong in civilian life.
The physical transformation that comes with recruit training is just the beginning. Many enlistees relish the responsibility that comes with military life, and see it as an opportunity to grow as a person.
After retiring from military life, the skills recruits develop carry over into civilian life. See how our subjects took what they learned during service and put it to work in the private sector.
Most parents never forget the first time their child mentioned joining the Military. Hear how these parents found out and what their initial reactions were.
Even the most supportive parents might have questions about a child's decision to join the Military. See what these parents asked to make sure their children had thought the decision through.
Recruiters can be a great source of information for young adults and their parents. Hear about real parents' experiences and learn what to ask.
For many parents, Basic Training is the first time their child has lived away from home. Learn how parents cope with the demands boot camp places on them and their children, and the sense of accomplishment felt by all upon its completion.
The Military offers continuing opportunities for both formal education and life lessons. Find out what these parents think about the learning experiences their children have encountered in the Services.
For military parents, learning their child is going to be deployed raises a whole new set of questions and concerns. Hear how these parents coped with their children's departures and what gave them comfort during this time apart.
Military service can have a dramatic effect on young servicemembers, both physically and mentally. Here, parents share how service helped their children develop confidence, determination and more.
No experience comes without challenges, and the demands can be high for both military servicemembers and their families. In this clip, parents share what was difficult for them and how they found support.
When a young adult serves, his or her parents may find themselves faced with popular military misconceptions. Hear which false impressions these parents encountered and what they did to set the facts straight.
We asked military parents, "What would you tell another parent whose child was considering service?" These responses provide valuable advice for families and a firsthand perspective on making the decision to serve.
Having a strong support system is important, not only to servicemembers but to military parents as well. Here, parents share the resources and organizations they turn to for encouragement and guidance.
"Everything started with the Military."
"I found a reserve of energy."
"Don't let the team down."
"I became a mature adult."
"It was the launching pad."
Finding Out
The Discussion
Recruiters
Basic Training
Training and Skills
Deployment
Transformations
Challenges
Misconceptions
Advice
Support for Parents
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