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Gents and Ladies of the board, I have a bunch of "kid" questions I'd like to ask of here.

"Beastie", Ian, my 15 year old son is getting to point now where being instructed at home is wearing thin. He's at point now where he can start taking Industrial classes at school, learn more neat things than I have time for.

He's conversant in iron, steels, autos, guns, dogs, things that implode, explode and can be played with by common household chemicals.

Is a decent student in public school, consistantly on Honor Role, plays in band, well liked by his teachers if not his less politically and religiously aware peers.

I'm trying to have him consider what he'd like to do *in life* as his tour in HS ends rather quickly.
Would like to encourage him to go onto further schooling, we can afford a few years of helping him along. Thing is "What to study?".

He likes working with hands, does a decent job turning wrench, handling the welding gear and torches. Loves guns..
Likes his music, has several opportunities to go onto schooling on music scholarships, but so far doesn't really fit in with the "band kids", those jamming and playing for fun after school and weekends.

I'm thinking that he too would like to take on the Military and see what he can do and go there. Would encourage that he go to school and hit the ROTC, let him get some of both worlds and find out if he is fit to command at Officer's thought level.

A lot to think about. I spent, well, mis-spent, my life in the Metal Trades, in the off seasons and layoffs went to School, got "edumushkashuned" and realllllll smart..

Would prefer that Ian find a way that works for him. Advise from you good folks who have helped your kids along is desired.



kevinL

I'm a little biased, having spent quite a long time in the AF, but if he really enjoys working with tools, I'd suggest that he join the Air Force and become an aircraft mechanic or avionics technician. If it turns out that he doesn't like military life, both fields pay very well in the civilian world and he will already have all the necessary training he'd need for a civvy certification. He could get the same training in the Army or Navy, too, but "living conditions" are usually much better in the Air Force.

If he would prefer officer status, then a college degree is a must, no matter what field he chooses. (I knew a full Colonel, Command Pilot rated, whose bachelor's degree was in vocational agriculture with an emphasis on poultry farming. )

Hey Kevin,
Ian, aka; Beastie sure is lucky to have all of us <LOL>!
United States Air Force Academy mets out scholarships, a certain amount to each state, check w/your senator/congressman.
It's about time they did something for you, instead of to you?
Happy New Year,
JMHO,

Both of my kids are in the Air Force and both like it alot. Oldest is a crew chief on the F-22 made staff last June loves his job and was a wrench head hot rodder in high school so the step to aircraft was a natural for him. My other son is a cargo loader and honor guard member at Dover AFB. Got below the zone and loves his life in the military. THey both see lots of opportunity and great careers down the road.