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Unfortunately throughout history parents have sent their children to war. Sending our children into the unknown is not something we want but it is however a necessary duty to defend our way of life.

Parents have been sending their children to war since our country was founded. America would not be the greatest creation in Democracy if not for our children fighting to protect it. Once a child has turned 18 it is their responsibility to make decisions that affect their life. A parent's role must switch from guidance to support.

If my child approached me at age 17 and informed me of their desire to enlist and needed my permission I would hesitate. I would make a few points on their decision. The first point would be to ask them if our country needed them today? In cases like WWI and WWII our country needed to build an Army rapidly. I would be more apt to allow them to join in cases such as these as opposed to the Iraq War. Though debatable, we have the numbers we need to sustain pressure. The second point would be that I would want them to graduate High School before leaving the country for an unknown amount of time. Third, I would explain to them that once they have made this decision it is final. There's no turning back.

The important key is that once they are 18 it's their decision. I would prefer that it was myself going off to war rather than my child. Like most parents though, age is quickly taking its toll on my key operating abilities to fight. Endurance, eyesight, hearing, flexibility, etc. are just some of the strengths that youth transcends over their parents.

The U.S. will always need our children to fight for the causes we deem necessary. It is not an easy choice and no parent wants to see their children in harms way. It is however their decision and we can only support their choice. A strong Home Front is vital to a strong Front Line.

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