When it comes to making life decisions, most parents can find themselves with mixed feelings. For instance, when a person with just one child decides that they are going to join the military, many parents can feel both pride and worry. It takes tremendous courage for someone to make such a decision, but these parents know that their only child is taking on considerable risk. <\/p>\n
Having just one child means that any statement made about them carries<\/a> a substantial amount of weight – and when it comes to joining the army, there is no shortage of opinions from those around them. On the one hand, people could express admiration as this young person has bravely decided to serve their country; at the same time other people may question why they would take such an enormous potential risk<\/a>. In both cases, however, it is important for everyone involved to understand why someone who has only one child<\/a> might choose to make the decision to enlist in the military. <\/p>\n The simple answer is that each person follows their own dreams and aspirations in life<\/a>. Even if someone else finds those dreams unusual or even unwise at times \u2013 we have to respect a person’s right under our democratic system of government to pursue any path they wish. That being said, every single parent shares an obligation towards finding out more information about their child\u2019s motivations so that they can both manage any risks involved and also provide moral support<\/a> wherever necessary. <\/p>\n Questions like \u201cWhat motivates them?\u201d Are extremely important for single-child households since many service members report feeling isolated because friends and family may not fully comprehend what causes them fulfilment from serving full-time in the army or another part of the armed forces. By understanding more thoroughly what drives each individual soldier\u2019s ambitions \u2013 whether it be travel opportunities; personal development; training or skills acquisition; service to country \u2013 an informed decision can be reached between all parties which respects both parental authority and autonomy of choice on behalf of their adult son or daughter regardless of<\/p>\n For an only child, the decision to join the Army is one with great significance and long-term implications. It\u2019s not an easy path to take, and there are countless sacrifices that come along with it. That being said, in spite of these potential challenges, there are also many advantages for an only child when choosing to enlist in the military. Below we explore some of those pros and discuss how they can be beneficial for a person who was raised as an only child.<\/p>\n First and foremost, joining the Army provides a sense of purpose and belonging absent from civilian life. An individual who was born without siblings may feel isolated at times due to their unique family structure and lack of peers growing up. The camaraderie experienced when becoming part of a military unit compensates for this lost feeling, offering solidarity and common purpose with likeminded comrades-in-arms.<\/p>\n Another benefit (and motivation) for an only child serving in the military is career advancement opportunities available through promotion hierarchies or specialized professional training courses \u2013 something which means valuable real world experience when transitioning into life post-service. Furthermore, taking advantage of special veteran benefits such as tuition assistance can provide less affluent applicants more access to higher education than their non-military counterparts upon leaving active duty status.<\/p>\n Additionally, those from single households can enjoy increased financial stability when utilizing benefits such as salary increases once skills have been demonstrated within service roles or subsistence entitlements enabling veterans to secure items no longer accessible due to geographically mobility during training\/ deployment abroad operations etc.. Such familiarity brings strong income gains ensuring sufficient provisions are made back home regarding economic pressures whilst away from family members. <\/p>\n Finally, serving in the military entails personal growth often found lacking amongst civilians -from development within organisational regimes promoting ethical conduct towards appreciation of cultural backgrounds allowing for enhanced intercultural communication & understandings throughout placements worldwide \u2013 particularly beneficial considering most only children never had the chance prior nor facilitate much travel before enlistment! This promotes<\/p>\n For an only child, considering joining the Army can be a difficult decision. On one hand, enlisting in the military offers incredible opportunities both professionally and personally and allows for unique experiences that wouldn\u2019t otherwise be available. However, there are some major cons associated with it as well. Here are a few to consider if you\u2019re an only child thinking about enlisting in the military: <\/p>\n 1) Family Responsibility \u2013 As an only child, enlisting in the military means you may have to take responsibility for your family if something were to happen to them or another primary care provider in your absence. This could mean financing their wellbeing or being responsible for all decisions related to them while overseas. Furthermore, if your parents need financial help after retirement age due to unforeseen circumstances such as job loss or medical expenses, you would face possible additional stressors trying to support<\/a> them during such times. <\/p>\n 2) Professional Difficulty \u2013 Some professions require advanced degrees and credentials that can take up most of someone\u2019s free time or can be difficult to continue pursuing through long deployments and missions due to limited internet access abroad. Studies have shown that those who return from military service find it harder than other population cohorts when transitioning back into civilian workforce roles which means enlistment could be a major barrier should you ever wish to pursue certain career paths<\/a> down the line. <\/p>\n 3) Social Struggles \u2013 As an only child, isolation when away on mission can become debilitating quickly – friends made within your platoon will often disperse once service has concluded leaving former members of the army often becomes lonelier than when they enlisted. Also different social customs among countries could make it hard for soldiers coming back home feel comfortable fitting back into their communities after adopting foreign cultural behaviors while serving abroad. <\/p>\n Ultimately enlisting in the military comes with great adventure and camaraderie but there are also many complex factors attached which should be considered before taking any action. Only by approaching this decision based on careful<\/p>\n Step 1: Determine Eligibility: <\/p>\n Regardless of your family size, you must meet the United States Army qualifications which include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, being between the ages of 17 and 34 years<\/a> old, possessing a high school diploma or GED, having no felonies on your record and not currently owing debts to the government. Those are the only requirements for enlistment in the Army! <\/p>\n Step 2: Research Your Options: Once you have determined that you meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined above, it is time to take a look at what type of roles may be available to you within the US Army. As an only child, you\u2019ll need to consider any additional responsibilities that come with being an official member of the armed forces before making a decision about which type of position to pursue. You can learn about careers within each branch through informational websites or enlisting office visits for more tailored information relevant to your experience\/qualifications if needed. <\/p>\n Step 3: Consider Any Required Testing\/Training: Particular branches might require additional tests such as aptitude tests or physical<\/a> fitness tests in order to make sure their soldiers are properly prepared for duty overseas. The same goes for necessary on-the-job training options that should be examined before committing yourself to any particular path within military service. <\/p>\n Step 4: Speak With Recruiters & Counselors: Speaking with recruiters or counselors who have knowledge about military life is always a wise decision when it comes time to sign up for service; these people will likely provide valuable information regarding potential long-term career prospects and guidance concerning lifestyle commitments during deployment periods (such as contact with family). They can also provide insight into financial resources associated with serving in active duty too \u2013\u2013make sure you ask questions and do your own research so there are no surprises later down the road! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Step 5: Submit An Application To Join The Armed Forces: Lastly, once<\/p>\n Q: How old do you have to be to join the Army?<\/p>\n A: To join the Army, one must be at least 17 years of age, but in some cases applicants aged 16 may also be eligible with parental consent. <\/p>\n Q: Is it possible for an only child to join the military?<\/p>\n A: Absolutely! An only child can absolutely join the military. The only requirements are that they must meet recruitment standards, including physical and mental health<\/a> evaluation and aptitude tests. In addition, individuals must also be a U.S Citizen or legal alien in order<\/a> to enlist in the armed forces. <\/p>\n Q: Will I receive special privileges if I am an only child? <\/p>\n A: No, there are no special privileges granted solely on being an only child. All potential recruits will still need to pass all applicable tests for entry level training or advanced individual training depending on the branch or specialty selected. <\/p>\n Q: What should I consider prior to joining the military as an only child? <\/p>\n A: If you are an only child looking into joining the Army, there are a few important things to remember. First, it\u2019s essential that you\u2019re making this decision on your own and not as a result of family pressure or pressure from any outside source. Second, even though parents cannot sign off on enlistment papers until their son\/daughter is 17 years old without waiver approval; enlisting at such a young age may require additional preparation and support<\/a> (both financial and emotional) depending on your particular circumstances. Finally, since you’ll likely become part of a new family away from home – attend pre-enlistment workshops or local recruiting events so you’re aware of what joining entails before taking this step!<\/p>\n 1. Joining the Army as an only child offers unique opportunities to develop independence \u2013 When entering the military, having a close-knit family isn’t always the norm. As an only child, this gives you unique freedoms and responsibilities that many of your peers simply don\u2019t have. It\u2019s a great way to learn how to take care of yourself and be independent in a professional setting, although it may come with some loneliness or isolation due to different experiences than other members of the unit. <\/p>\n 2. Quirkier family benefits are available for single soldiers \u2013 Although one might think being an only child would give them less chance at receiving special benefits from the military, this is not necessarily true! There are several quirky ways that those with no siblings can still receive recognition and rewards from their service. For instance, the Military Commissary system allows One Sibling Membership card holders<\/a> to purchase grocery items using part of their Combat pay! <\/p>\nPros of Joining the Army for an Only Child<\/h2>\n
Cons of Joining the Army for an Only Child<\/h2>\n
Step by Step Process for an Only Child to Join the Army<\/h2>\n
FAQs about How an Only Child Can Join the Army<\/h2>\n
Top 5 Facts: Joining the Army as an Only Child<\/h2>\n