The number of teens considering a career in the military has increased significantly for the first time in five years. That's according to a Pentagon survey.
17 year old James Vogl signed up to join the marines over his mother's objections.
When kids enlist, especially in time of war, experts say parents often see danger, while their kids only see the adventure.
Dr. Nancy McGarrah, a Psychologist says, "They're going to be thinking Top Gun, you know, Blue Angels, some kind of very exciting lifestyle... The parent's job isn't to dissuade them or talk them out of it, necessarily, but it's more to make sure that they're looking at all the reasons, why they want to do it and what's involved."
Other expert advice for parents, is to make sure their kids ask lots of questions before enlisting.
Dr. McGarrah says, "Things like where you'd be living, what you'd be doing, do you know how long you'd have to commit for. Some of those basic situations … what's the salary, do you realize some places you go would be dangerous, some wouldn't … what appeals to you about that."
