It burns me up to hear some of you armchair generals and admirals carp about the military. I resent the implied insult that we are somehow sub-par for being enlisted military members.
I won't spend much of my time by laying out my personal achievements and accomplishments. I'll say this... When you come from a poor family, and are no way shape or form ready for college, why is it not acceptable to do a tour in the military.

I'm just past eight years myself, and I can't think of a better decision I made as an 17 year old kid with no prospects. Screw your intellectual elite attitude. You have no idea what's best for me.

Micah

Yet, you, as a group, are just that. To achieve recuitment numbers, entry requirements are adjusted to produce as close to the numbers are necessary. During the month I enlisted in the military in 1967, the US government was drafting over 40,000 per month. I met guys, in the Air Force, a service with supposedly higher standards than everyone else, who could not read. I sat and read the M16 rifle manual to the guy during basic training.

Quote:

I won't spend much of my time by laying out my personal achievements and accomplishments. I'll say this... When you come from a poor family, and are no way shape or form ready for college, why is it not acceptable to do a tour in the military.

Because the US government military is engaged in an immoral and illegal war of occupation of a foreign country that never did anyone in America any harm. That's why.

Quote:

I'm just past eight years myself, and I can't think of a better decision I made as an 17 year old kid with no prospects. Screw your intellectual elite attitude. You have no idea what's best for me. Micah

I may not have any idea what's best for you, but I can tell you what's moral and ethical for you, and that's for you to leave the military now, today, within the hour.

Period. If you don't, you will deserve the scorn you destined to receive in the future.

The fact that the American government has mis-used the military in no way diminishes the honor of the soldier.

If the soldier, knowing what the US government is doing, continues to serve then yes, his honor is diminished.

By his own actions. For example, fintstone, if he's really in the military now, has no honor at all.

I guess if U are Bush, Hitler or a supporter there of, U wouldn't consider yourself misusing your military. U would consider their application to be a just cause.

Followers of the above were guilty of Illegal Take over of the Government, War of Agression and Crimes against humanity....Supreme Court decision in 2000, War in Iraq and Gitmo corresponds to Reichstag Fire, War against Poland and Concentration camps ...errie parallel.

But none of us were drafted Pat...

Which makes your actions so much worse.

Dear Santa,
I have been a good boy all year, and the only thing I ask for is peace and joy in the world for everybody!
Love,
Howard Dean

Dear Howard,
Your parents smoked pot when they had you, didn't they?
Santa

I won’t accuse you of being anti military. You are probably very glad that some will join to help keep the bad guys from bombing your Porsche. But from what you have said, you are just basically an uniformed simple idiot.

I have a son in law who is career Navy – a great guy and one of my best friends. He is from Detroit (how could he possibly be smart and focused??). He is a wonderful father to my grand kids and a great husband to my daughter. He joined for, I feel, all the right reasons and is in his 14 year. They are responsible citizens buying their own home (without my help) and educating their children well. My daughter served 5 years in the Navy and was a crew chief on a MH 53 E combat support helicopter – one of the few women to do so. She had special training with the Seals before going to the mid east. She has a college education. I am very proud of both of them. They have both served over seas but not in the current war. From what I see they are typical of lots of military families I have met.

It is sad that the simple minded can only look for the negative in the military and form their opinions from that.

I don't agree with the war. I know bad decisions were (and continue to be) made. I would like to see them all come home. But war or not, the military is still a very good choice. It's what you make of it – like most things.

Thank goodness for those who serve. There really are very good, smart people in the military.

Ashley Page

Couldn't have said it better. Thanks

Do you really believe they should all quit the military?

Ashley Page

Patsy
I have and will proudly serve my country when ever and for as long as I am asked. The bravery our men and women are displaying in Iraq is the United States in her finest hour. I am honored to be spoken of in the same breath as these men who risk their lives to serve their country. Their selflessness and bravery makes the bunch of crying old men that post here seem even more pitiful. Clearly they do not recognize honor when they behold it. Shame.

Careful there, Fint! Keep up with that attitude and you're liable to end up on paste's Top Ten Most UnAmerican Guys On This Forum list.

Look what it's done to me... :rolleyes:

Randy

I suspect that I am already included in that number. If so, I am honored.

Such a scathing comment should really include more detail or be a bit more specific.

You tell 'em troop. And thanks for your service. It is apprecaited by some of us.

+1

I'd like to buy anyone from the military (past or present) a beer just to say thanks for providing the kind of freedom allowed to fastpaste to post his *cough* beliefs.

No, Randy, you're completely a self made..