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There is something intrinsically wrong with the question "Would you send your child off to war?" Why? Because I would not send a child to war. To me, the word "child" implies a young person under the age of twelve. Or it could be an extremely immature person who is mentally handicapped. Any country who would send children to war should be condemned by all good people everywhere.

However, if I had an adult son or daughter who wanted to join the military and protect their country, then I would do everything in my power to support them. I would drive them to the recruiting station. I would make sure that they knew the UCMJ and what military life entailed. In short, I would give them the tools to help them survive their decision.

Remember, the volunteers in the military services are proud to be in the military. They are doing a service no one else will. They love their country. They love their families. And, they want to show their appreciation to their country and family. To imply that they are children with no other options is to denigrate their sacrifice to this country.

It is not easy to see your adult son or daughter decide to go into harm's way. But, the point to this essay is that is not YOUR decision as a parent. Adults make their own decisions. Once you have rasied them, you're role has changed from parent to advisor or friend. Parents, it is time to be proud of the choices your son and daughter are making. If it is hard to be proud, then look at what they could be choosing in the culture today.

In Nevada, many young people are involved with crimes involving drugs. The main drug of choice is meth. Or how about the young man who killed five students in NIU. Or the young man who killed the students in Virginia Tech. There are so many ways that young men and women can go into harms way that have nothing to do with war.

As for myself, I spent six years in the U.S. Navy. It was a really good experience for me. I learned that I was smarter than I thought. The Navy detailer looked at my ASVAB scores and gave me the option to go into electronics. I learned how to study. Electronic schools in the military are advanced study.

The Navy gave me the opportunity to mature in a way that I couldn't in my hometown of Vernal, Utah. The opportunities in the military are numerous. I hope that when your son or daughter decides to go into the military that you will support their decision.

Learn more about this author, Cyn Bagley.
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