Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/27/2009

Question
My daughter is 26 yrs old with 4 yr old son.  She has some college (about 12 - 18 hrs). She is in average physical condition (5'; 100 lbs; no major illness or handicaps). She is considering the military.  Which branch would be better for her?  Would she be forced to give up custody of her child in order to join?  Does any of the branches make accomodations for single mothers?

Answer
Marilyn,
All of the military Services are pretty much alike, they just have different missions.  For a single mother she will not have to give up custody of he child, but she will be required to submit a written plan to her supervisor stating how her child will be cared for during her absences.  This can be as simple as stating the child's maternal grandmother will care for him, etc.  The military doesn't really care, just as long as she has a plan.  That way they know the child is being adequately cared for.

As for what Branch of the Service she should join, that's mostly personal preference.  As a single mother, she probably wants to know which Branch will have the least amount of time separated from her son.  I'd have to say the Air Force.  Next would probably be the Army, followed by the Marine Corps.  The Navy would be my last choice because of Sea-Duty which lasts for at least 6 months at a time, quite frequently.

Whatever she chooses, she'll receive excellent medical care for her son.  As a mother YOU may occasionally have to nag her to take her son in for medical check-ups, to get shots, etc.  In the military her son will become part of a big military family where everybody will ensure that boy is  being well-cared for.  Regular health care checkups, etc. will be mandatory, and her supervisor, her First Sergeant, her commander will all be on her case to ensure she has no missed appointments, etc.  Also, the Air Force has many award-winning daycare centers and schools on base.

I wish her well in whatever she chooses and I salute her willingness to join the military.
Colonel H