Parents' Stories

You want to know everything you can before your child makes the important decision to serve. Watch videos from parents like you; then explore stories and information about joining, training, living and working in today’s Military.

Deployment: For military parents, learning their child is going to be deployed raises a whole new set of questions and concerns. Hear how these parents coped with their children's deployments and what gave them comfort during this time apart.Transcript of video clip

Parent Videos

Deployment

2:10 How do military parents feel when their children are deployed?
For military parents, learning their child is going to be deployed raises a whole new set of questions and concerns. Hear how these parents coped with their children's deployments and what gave them comfort during this time apart.
Service

3:05 Parents take pride in their children's decision to serve.
Servicemembers are the first to step forward and protect the freedoms of their fellow Americans. Military parents explain the importance of serving others, and they take pride in what their children have accomplished.
Challenges

2:03 Military parents describe challenges they've faced.
No experience comes without challenges, and the demands can be high for both military servicemembers and their families. In this clip, parents share what was difficult for them and how they found support.
Transformations

2:12 Moms and dads marvel at how their children have changed.
Military service can have a dramatic effect on young servicemembers, both physically and mentally. Here, parents share how service helped their children develop confidence, determination and more.
Support

2:43 How do military parents support themselves emotionally?
Having a strong support system is important, not only to servicemembers, but to military parents as well. Here, parents share the resources and organizations they turn to for encouragement and guidance.
Advice to Parents

2:38 Military parents offer advice based on their experiences.
We asked military parents, "What would you tell another parent whose child was considering service?" These responses provide valuable advice for families and a firsthand perspective on making the decision to serve.
Finding Out

2:50 Parents share their reactions to their children's choice to serve.
Most parents never forget the first time their child mentioned joining the Military. Hear how these parents found out and what their initial reactions were.
The Discussion

3:26 Find out what parents asked their children about their decision.
Even the most supportive parents might have questions about a child's decision to join the Military. See what these parents asked to make sure their children had thought the decision through.
Misconceptions

2:28 Find out how parents deal with myths about the Military.
When a young adult serves, his or her parents may find themselves faced with popular military misconceptions. Hear which false impressions these parents encountered and what they did to set the facts straight.
Basic Training

2:37 Basic Training has an effect on military parents too.
For many parents, Basic Training is the first time their child has lived away from home. Learn how parents cope with the demands boot camp places on them and their children, and the sense of accomplishment felt by all upon its completion.
Training and Skills

2:59 Parents describe their children's plans for education and training.
The Military offers continuing opportunities for both formal education and life lessons. Find out what these parents think about the learning experiences their children have encountered in the Services.
Recruiters

2:26 Parents share what it was like talking with recruiters.
Recruiters can be a great source of information for young adults and their parents. Hear about real parents' experiences and learn what to ask.