What is your attitude towards military enlistees

The BBQ Pit
1

What is your attitude towards persons who enlist in the military these days?

I traditionally considered military service worthy of considerable respect. But given the current war we are involved in, I am not certain I respect an individual’s choice to get involved in that situation.

I have a few friends whose kids have joined in recent years. Every one of them has spent time in Iraq (fortunately, no deaths or maimings yet among my friends’ families). Every time I hear of a kid enlisting, I primarily feel sad for the parents, and my primary assessment of the enlistee is “What a stupid choice; what a potential waste.”

I guess I don’t appreciate the breadth of reasons why someone might want to participate in this action, as I personally consider it an utter waste of lives and money. I’m not aware of any goals that would make this sacrifice/expenditure worthwhile - to the contrary, the action seems to have been the result of opportunistic imperialism. And now that we blundered in, we have to keep hemmorhaging personnel and money until we can extricate ourselves. I have a hard time imagining why someone in their right mind would willingly put their body and life at risk for such a seemingly pointless effort.

In a sense, I resent people who enlist, because they help enable the administration’s activities.

And I wonder what type of life someone must lead that would make them think that enlisting is the best choice available to them.

And when people say, “support the troops,” I feel that at least for those who joined in the past 5 years or so, they should have known what they were getting into. It is unfortunate that they made that choice. I wish they hadn’t. But whatever unpleasantness they may be experiencing is a direct result of their choice.

I wish I felt otherwise, as I previously deeply respected military personnel. Prior to our invading Iraq, I had thought the military and/or one of the academies a laudable goal for my son. But no more.

(Didn’t know if this was more appropriate for GD given the subject matter, but I didn’t think it was really phrased as a debate.)

2

And I wonder what kind of life someone must lead if they completely disregard and impugn any choices that they would not personally make.

3

Contempt. Hatred. They are fools and scum, and I hope the Iraqis manage to kill them before they kill the Iraqis.

4

If it’s patriotism, idealism or courage that moves them to join, I applaud them. But I hope their enthusiasm is tempered by a healthy awareness that nobility of spirit can be cynically exploited, such that we idealists become cannon fodder in a decidedly un-noble cause.

I also hope they don’t believe they have a monopoly on patriotism, idealism or courage. There are many fine ways to serve your nation, none better or worse than through military service.

5

An utterly predictable and contemptible response. :rolleyes:

6

Even to this day, I have respect for most of the enlisted folks. They are choosing, for whatever reason, to put the putative good of the tribe ahead of themselves.

When I was in high school, I tried to join the army my senior year, but for a few reasons I wasn’t accepted.

My brother is actually in the Guard, and has been to Iraq twice.

For some, the military is their only chance at making something out of their lives… much like my brother.

They joined to serve, or learn a trade, or try to get their lives on track. The current action in Iraq is unfortunate, but it’s a risk that is run.

The fact is, the majority of the military is NOT fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.

I just hope the sandbox issue is resolved soon, though it probably won’t.

7

As opposed to cowards, who speak a large game, but are unable to follow through on the strength of their convictions.

Anything more would just be pit-worthy.

8

Wow. That’s seriously fucked up.

9

Yes, because it’s so much better to support people who engage in mass murder, rape, torture and oppression ! All hail our heros in uniform ! :rolleyes:

10

I can only reference the people I know personally. I respect military service, and I was this close (holds fingers very close together) to being there myself, and I think it would have made me a better person in a lot of ways.

It’s true that you give up your right to decide what you do. This is true of a lot of directions you can take in life. Your job is war, and generally war is to be avoided.

The people I know who have served are respectful, intelligent, organized, efficient, and passionate about their country, in comparison to the general population. They also tend to have a decent sense of humor. I value those qualities.

I recognize the military as something we need and those who serve well are those who make much of my life possible. I try not to hold them responsible for poor policy choices by their civillian leaders.

11

Right. 100% of the US military is in Iraq, killing Iraqis. Oh, that’s right, they’re not. Don’t let that temper your hatred, whatever you do.

12

I definitely respect them. I know that I, personally, could never do it, so I respect that they can. I don’t necessarily respect the job, but I do respect the enlistees, if that makes any sense. I just wish Bush wasn’t so willing to throw their lives away- I’d much prefer to see the armed forces used for more public works, rather than for cannon fodder in misguided wars over oil and revenge.

Oh, and I’m ashamed that Der Trihs and I use the same message board.

13

What convictions am I supposed to follow up on ?

More so than the people who root for the American soldiers ? If you “support the troops”, then you support them killing Iraqis.

“Just following orders” is no excuse.

14

Say that within arms reach of me. Just once. Please.

The situation in Iraq is not now, never has been, and never will be a military failure. It is a policy failure by this administration. The troops never should have been sent there in the first place. That said, military service remains an honorable endeavor. It’s because of guys like me that asshats can spew mindless drivel like the crap I quoted above.

15

And note that it’s the pro military side of the argument that first resorts to threats of violence against other posters. Not that I expected better.

16

Aint no threat there. Just a simple request. Borrow a pair of balls somewhere and try it.

17

He won’t do it because he’s a coward.

18

I feel that most people who join the military are just normal people like you and I. I think most younger people that join just need the money. If I could not support myself and had no where to go I would probably join but only for the money, I would hate being told what to do.

19

Der Trihs- do you think that having a military at all is immoral? This is an honest question.

20

I’m neutral.

I don’t feel that fawn-all-over-them feeling, like every soldier automatically = hero, nor do I feel any hatred towards them. I think they’re human beings, people, mostly kids…with faults, weaknesses and strengths.

However, that kid in the wedding photo? I don’t know if he’s a good person, or a hero or whatever. But the strength he displayed after that injury, his positive attitude and sense of humour…those are all admirable qualities that will get him very far in life.

Several of my classmates were reservists and got packed off to Iraq. All nice kids. Don’t know if your disapproval would apply, though, as they joined the reserves a hell of a long time before going to law school.