Military with children?

[rabernet]

Sorry I haven't been on lately, I've had a lot of personal issues going on. Basically I would like people's opinions and advice on being in the military WITH children involved.

Every since middle school, my original plan was to join the military after high school...until I got pregnant at 17. Obviously, that changed everything. Since my divorce, I've been in one semi-serious relationship, and one very serious relationship that has crashed and burned. I've lived on my own with my son, and I am SO grateful for my job, but I just barely get by. I can't go to college more than one class at a time because I can't turn down over time for school, I can't take online classes because they are so expensive, and I feel like I am stuck.

My son is 5 years old. My parents are willing to take over custody for ANY reason (basic, job training, deployment). He also has his father, as much as I dislike him, he would take him in the event of a long deployment. I feel like the Army Reserves or National Guard would really benefit us for the long run. I mean, they will pay for my school, I could afford online classes AND work full time, PLUS get paid for my work done with the Army. It's only one weekend a month and 2-4 weeks in the summer (when he's at his dad's house anyways). Less people are being deployed right now, but I know I can't bank on not getting deployed. I guess I'm looking for a little guidance. I NEED to do something more with my life. I don't have any crazy skills that will get me far, I don't have a college degree to fall back on. I really want the achievement and the experience. The veteran status could help me for life.

The only thing stopping me right now is my son. I'm scared that I'm being selfish by leaving him. I really feel like this will help us later on. I want to give him the best life he can possibly have, and I'm doing okay now, but I'm capable of so much more I just haven't had the opportunity. I feel like this is an opportunity just waiting to happen, the only problem is I have to sacrifice 6 months minimum + possibly 15 months (for deployment) with my son. Are the long term benefits really worth that? Please help lol.

Leah,

I'm not going to read any of the other responses before I respond. What I bolded - you are NOT being selfish. You are carefully considering what will be BEST for you AND your son in the long run. I think that makes you an amazing Mom - no matter what you eventually decide to do!

As for the child aspect - my boyfriend grew up with his dad gone a LOT with the Navy. To this day, at age 51, he fondly remembers his experiences as a military brat. And he's so incredibly proud of his father. Though he never joined the military himself, he proudly wears clothes (t-shirts, sweat suits) emblazoned with "Navy" on them.