Pat,
It's like being a cop. You know the young guy that is just burning to be one...you ain't gonna talk him out of it. Same same if he thinks he wants the kill people and break things...I was that way, and went 11B...OJT's 11C, and almost OJT'd 19D. But, after your hitch is up, there's little to take from it. If he wants a career, the combat arms offers the quickest promotions, 11 series for sure. I don't know about now, but e-5 was doable inside 3 years in the 80s if you were infantry and a hard charger. If you were a mover and shaker, E-6 before your first re-up.
If he wants training for life after a hitch...computers, or something mechanical.
As I understand it...the bonus and college money is good now...I'd go short hitch, go 11 series, have some fun, and get out with a pocket full of cash and go to school.
