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I expected most replies would be flag-waving 'patriots' agreeing with the OP.
It is gratifying to see how many abhor the money-making military machine and realize what the real purposes of it is and how actual dis-regard it has for the lives, physical and mental welfare of those it is willing to sacrifice to support it.
I'm old enough to remember how military service was thought of during and immediately after Vietnam - a conflict that most of the population considered immoral and unjust. Most vets can tell you how they were treated during that time - it was depressing that the US citizens couldn't show some respect for these soldiers regardless of how they felt about the government's handling of the war.
History is repeating itself. During, and after, Gulf War I, recruitment and morale was very high. The veterans were well thought of. But after the start of Gulf War II and Afghanistan, and the feelings of the public being influenced by international opinion, the US opinion of their own military became more negative. Just like Vietnam.
What do Vietnam and Gulf War II have in common? Both wars were Charlie Foxtrots by our politicians. The awful decisions made by both administrations soured the public about these conflicts and it unfortunately trickled down to the military personnel that fought them, with the public forgetting that the entire enterprises were out of the hands of the military. The armed forces, being the public face of the conflicts, became a too easy target for the public's scorn and vented disdain.
I would hope that smart people could separate the difference between those who wear the uniform and those who have control over their actions. Regardless of what has occurred in the Middle East over the last decade, we do "live in a world that has walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with guns." Those who volunteer to do this should at least recieve some respect for those who choose not to do this. And while there are members of the armed forces that are less than stellar and sully their uniforms, why should these small number of people ruin the reputation of the entire Military? I'm sure everyone in here could point to similar people in their own repsective careers as well who do the same. Or do you think they only exist in the armed forces?
Again, try to separate the politics from the service. There's a huge difference.
While I wasn't in the military I did work at a VA hospital during the Viet Nam era, while I support our troops I DO NOT support the wars we are in. If a politician wants to start a war I suggest they lead their troops into battle - I think there'd be fewer wars, they have been way too glamorized.
I do everything I can to discourage my kids from joining the military. I've been there and know better.
We also need to banish military recruiters, who rank somewhere below pimps and somewhere above used car salesmen on the morality scale, from our public high schools. I had no idea these creatures could have unfiltered access until I saw them at a local high school during lunch, free to unleash their BS on high school kids who have no parents present to provide some sort of buffer or voice of reason.
I do everything I can to discourage my kids from joining the military. I've been there and know better.
My sympathies about your experiences. Seriously.
But those were yours. And while there are others that share similar experiences, there are those that have had more positive experiences - hence some of the posts on this board. I myself have talked to my oldest about service. While it's not my 1st choice for her, it is an option we have discussed.
Let's face it: military service isn't for everyone. It takes a certain personality and mindset - "a desire to live your life by a certain set of codes" - and some find, too late, that they won't find it in the military.
But others do. You shouldn't sour others' ideas based on your own experiences. Of course, it's hard not to when it's your own kids, so I understand.
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