He is also going to go for a 6yr initial enlistment rather than 4. With his military school experience that gets him E-3 out of basic and a larger signing bonus.

I think this is a great idea. 6yrs should just about get him caught up on the maturity curve.

I actually got a bit choked up when we were at lunch after he signed. I guess I had a dad moment. His mom is at a photography class that I gave her for Christmas so lunch was just kid and dad. I remember him as a toddler chasing ducks on the golf course when his mom and I were dating. I remember staying up all nigh giving him nebulizer treatments and 2 hour alternating tylenol and Advil doses when he had pneumonia when he was 2. I remember his first day riding the bus to school, riding his bike, camping, etc, etc, etc.... There are many good memories I have being his dad.

At lunch he started talking about his screwups at Military School and his plans for not repeating his mistakes.

He seems to be putting some thought in to how to be successful in his life going forward.

He is a good kid and will be Okay I think.