<p>does anyone else have one or both parents openly opposed to even applying to West Point?</p>
<p>Thats gotta be difficult to deal. My mom started off not supporting it, but my Dad was all for it. He was an Army Engineer and he strongly believes in the Academys. Long story short, my mom came around. If you really want to do it, no matter how against it your parents are, they will eventually change their minds if they understand its your dream. I think the most important thing is persistence, your parents wont change their minds overnight, but time will do your parents good. Its a noble mission, but its a parents natural reaction to be protective. Good luck and god speed.</p>
<p>neither of my parents want me to be in the military, but they want me to be happy so theyre kinda confused.</p>
<p>Tampico,</p>
<p>A lot of the parents here have "come around" once we saw the true commitment of our children. You'll need to do all of your homework on the academies. Depending on your year in high school you can contact Admissions, hs guidance counselors, alumni, current cadets from your area, etc. I can also suggest that you find out when there will be presentations from any of the academies in your area. Ask your parents to attend with you as they will learn quite a bit. Understand that it may take a while. And good luck!</p>
<p>It's your life! Your parents just want the best for you. Television is full of how bad it is in Iraq, and it's pretty common knowledge that the Army takes the brunt of the casualties there. While a small number of people do get killed and injured, it gets reported every single time. There's also a perception among many, fueled by the media, that we are losing.</p>
<p>You'd be amazed by how many people don't even know what the service academies are. If your parents need "convincing" then make sure that you know as much as possible about what you're getting into, and that you make sure they know. Talk to them about the quality of the education, the history of the institution... what you may be doing in the military after graduation. "The Apprentice" from season 1 is a West Point graduate, there's an immediate example of the type of leaders it produces that you won't have to pull out of the pages of a history book.</p>
<p>And then, there is the element of danger... Don't use the argument that you could just as easily get killed in a car accident on the way to school or crossing the street than you could in say... Iraq or Afghanistan. They may indeed be statistically true, but that will do nothing to comfort your parents. By choosing the Army as a professional, you are inviting danger into your life. The best thing you can do, in my opinion, is to just let them know that you understand the danger, but it is something you're willing to accept. Be sure that you yourself are willing to accept the risks. Something to think about :</p>
<p>There are 10 active duty combat divisions. Most of where you could go in the Army is in one of these units. They have all been to Iraq (parts of some in Afghanistan,) some more than once. You WILL go. Volunteering for the Army today, whether one understands it or not, is basically like saying "Hey send me to Iraq."</p>
<p>Your parents do want you to be happy, but they also don't want you injured or dead. In the end, it's your decision.</p>