My situation is a bit different due to my age. I'm married with a family of my own. I still experienced some negative feedback from family though. Do your best to help them understand in love why you have made your choice. Like the others said, they will eventually come around. Good luck in the Marines!

Your Parents will naturally be worried about the possibility of you being deployed, if they weren't concered there would be a problem.
I say, be honest, and truthful, if you can't explain why deep down you want to join (like myself), then just tell them, they will understand.
Even if they don't agree straight away, they will eventully learn to respect your decision, and be very proud of you.

I know what impresses my parents, is telling them about opportunites you get in the Forces, even plot out a career path you want to take. If they have a good understanding of the life you will lead in the Marines, they won't worry as much.

I'm in 3rd getting my Ba Flame, going to join up myself. I just told my parents this summer I was joining. They werent 2 happy (still think they dont believe I'm actually going to join). From Ireland joining up British, so you can imagine the problems thats bringing out. But I would just tell them, if they are mad give them a chance to cool down. Once they know you have your mind made up there is nothing they can do, and they will accept it. They have no other choice but to accept it. Once your happy they will be 2. Best of luck!

sounds like you have had plenty of advice but throwing mine in will not hurt...I met my recruiter at a job fair at the college I go to on a Tuesday; that Thursday I went and sat down and talked about the options, and decided that my life here in MD was getting me now where close to where I would like to be, I was unemployed, had no life, and just got a C on a test, so I decided to join. I told my parents that weekend seperatley what I was going to do, my mom was upset, my dad is retired military (USCG) so he was extremley proud. I did not sugar coat, or b.s. stuff. I was upfront and honest and respectfully!!! My parents appreciated it..and one day when I am a parent and my kid comes up and says that he/she wants to join the military...I hope they will do it the same way...

GOOD LUCK

I agree with the others that you should be completely honest with your parents. Outline exactly why you want to join, etc.

I also agree that parents would try to stop you because they don't want to see you injured or killed.

I'm quite fortunate in that my Mum - my main parent - is very supportive that I want to joini the airforce.

hey, i have the same problem. i'm 17, so i'm countin down the days, its gunna be tough telling my parents. my parents know that i want to join the guard, however they even went so far as to tell me i couldnt take the car my grandfather wanted to give me unless i promised to try college for a year before joinng. i kinda bs'd my way ouuta that somehow...i have the car.. but i promised them wen the time came that i would sit down and talk about it with them and be reasonable... my def. of resonable however includes joining the guard...my mothers' does not. i absolutly cant wait until graduation, and its really hard to go against my mom especially whom im really close to, but i feel it in my gut that its what im supposed to do, and i dont want to look back and have regrets. once i tell them ive joined they are goin to cut all financial ties...and wont even come to see me graduate basic training. thats how againt it they are. on top of ths they are extremely religious, so they ask me wat god wants for my life, and i guess at the same time i will have to break it to them that i dont know/dont care. that will be worse for me than joining. so good luck and if you learn anything from your experience pleease let me know... (being a girl hasnt helped my case much either )