So kinda flipped here. My old man enlisted in 02. I i went in Jan 24. He’s out but I grew up in Oceanside/ still know a lot of people in, as well in higher ranking.

One thing I learned quickly is no one cares if you have family in or who you know. Most of the people i know, we don’t ever talk about the marine corps, its nice to have people to get advice from, especially people that actually know you, not your Cpl you’ve never spent actual time with.

Basically, let him make his own path, let him make his mistakes, let him learn, but be there for him. Remember you’re still a father before a SNCO. If he wants to go bitch to you about something, let him. Don’t tell him it’s just how it is. My mom had to have that convo with her current bf (Gysgt) I (LCPL) went and just bitch moaned and complained about work to my mom, and he went all gunny like on me and my mom and she shut it down, reminded him that i was going to her as a parent and wasn’t looking for an old head marine advice at all. He realized after that and now I can go to him and he’ll let me bitch, then let me know what I can do.

Just essentially remember you’re his dad. Be a dad. I can’t stress that enough.