Hey ya'll. I had a question and I think you know best. I'm only thirteen, but I'm already considering joining the one of the Army Divisions when I'm 17 (What are the legal joinning ages for all of the divisions?). I haven't seen the brainwashing videos yet, but I feel like for some reason that I have to fight for a good cause and protect my country. Right now, my priorities are all out of order. I have 4 Cs in school, and I barely do my homework- let alone study. I'm also always fighting with my mom. I have a feeling this will get me in order. I've also always had a dream of being in the Air Force. The thing that scares me obviously- is death. I would hate myself for having my parents raise me and everything just to have me die like that. I don't mean dying for something like this though. I believe in Re-incarnation, so it isn't a big deal for me (I say, since I'll die anyways, why not die fighting for people?)...But also, do they make you a total killing machine? What are the Pros and Cons? And which do you think I should join if I ever do? I was considering the USAF, but I hear you have to have a college GED.

Dude, you have plenty of time. Get your grades up and don't give up on yourself as a "lost cause who's gonna get straightened out by the military". You say you don't study, well start studying. And work things out with mom. You have four long years before you're eligible for service, and even then at 17 your parents have to sign their permission for you to join (at 18, you can do what you want).
And you still have to graduate from high school to join ANY service (including the USAF). Yes, you can get a GED (that's a high school equivalence test for people who couldn't or didn't graduate from high school), but I wouldn't recommend going that route unless you have to. Get through high school. Look at your options, and make a decision then. You have plenty of time to think things over.

Don't be a slacker, get good grades and graduate. Maybe you'll change your mind about joining the military in a few years.

If you do you can go to a community college or go to a state college. If joining the military still interests you, then join. Besides, if you graduate and get at least a Bachelor's degree, you can become an Officer.

If you think high school is tough, wait until you get to college. Studying at least 4 hrs. a night along with work (this happens outside of class time), also taking at least the minimum 12 hrs./units in school and having a social life.

Like the guys said, you ain't going into the military with anything less that a high school diploma. GEDs require a waiver process.

And no, the military doesn't turn you into a killing machine. I served twenty years in the Marine Corps, and during that time I never met a 'killing machine' type of individual.

I don't know why or over what you are fighting with your mom about, but you need to listen to your mother because she is right and you are wrong. Accept this and move forward. You are still very young, and while you are capable of rational thought, she's already lived through exactly what you are currently experiencing in life. Listen and obey her. Don't and you will regret it later in life. Your mom is raising you to do the right things in life and make the right choices, and soon enough you won't have her to depend on because you'll be out in the world making your own choices in everything. You get one shot at growing up right, take advantage of it.