I ship 27MAY2010 and I was wondering if weekly DEP meetings were enough to prepare for boot camp. I'm not at all worried about my ability to prepare mentally, but physically I've never exactly been in shape. I am currently 208 lbs. which is within the weight standards for my height (74 inches)...
You can join, but your eligibility for a security clearance higher than Confidential will be affected. The military does not make it a habit of handing privileged information to those who might be tempted to sell it to get out of their financial binds.
You're right. Just understand that it's your parents' prerogative to worry. If they decide you're not ready until you're 18, that's also their right.
For now, you're too young anyway, so wait until you're 17 and then broach the subject again with your mother.