I mentioned several weeks ago that I would be going with my son to the Marine Recruiter. We not only sat and talked with the Marines but also the Army and Navy.

The Marines and Army standards are so low that I told my son that he was welcome to choose any branch, but I could not in good conscience be 100% supportive of his decision if he decided to join the Army or Marines. Make no mistake, I hold all branches of our military in esteem, but first and foremost this is my child.

Army and Marines have lowered their standards to the point that it is no wonder that they have gang issues.

You must only score a minimum of a 21 on the ASVAB to join either branch. If you went to any Special Education, no worries, you’re in. If you have any number of felonies except for rape or murder, no worries you’re in. Basically, if you have a pulse you’re in… I was disgusted.

Next, we went to the Navy. They did an initial interview, took his information and said that they would call him! I was in shock after talking with the Army and Marines.

They called two days later to say that they checked out my son’s information and when did we want to come and talk. We made an appointment and I had done my homework and worked that poor recruiter over for the next three hours. I could not trip him up about anything, and believe me, I was trying.

For the last week and a half my son has been busy filling out massive amounts of paperwork, taken the ASVAB, had his physical, blood work done and a lot of other stuff.

But the joy came at 1:30pm Saturday afternoon, when I witnessed my son, take his oath to become a United States Navy Sailor. He is in the Delayed Entry Program and will go to boot camp after his high school graduation and some summer fun.

He will go to boot camp on the seven year anniversary of 9/11