Im re-enlisting and would like to know how the general population feels about the military in general.
129800
That is SO wonderful.  THANK YOU!  This country needs more people to step up and be proud enough of their country that they are willing to fight for our rights.  That's what this country was made of.  People volunteering to protect and serve.  Thank You, you are doing a huge service to us all!!!
436489
I have been in the military for 21 years.  I love my country and would defend it to the death, but when I "go off to war", I would say I am more passionate about my brothers and sisters serving with me.  I don't really think about the political side of things.  I just want my people and myself to come back alive and in one piece. \n\nThere are many factors that affect how someone views war and the list is large, but when the bullets start flying I would bet most soldiers don't think of country, glory, or the reasons they are there, but the basics like survival.  \n\nI will put more in later.  Got to go help the wife with Thanksgiving stuff.
159473
Anyone with any sense is scared of boot camp and war.  So congrats, you've got sense.\n\nBut facing your fears helps you grow.  You'd probably enjoy the service.  There's lots of great people to meet and work with, places to go, things to do, and money to make...\n\nBUT one thing a soldier can't be is political... if they say go, you go.  They're not gonna tell you it's a Clinton thing or a Bush thing.  And they're not gonna care if you have an opinion.
465120
Yes!\n\nJust like I feel terrible when I hear about my fellow Americans losing their lives for us, I want to let you know that I feel no different when I watch the BBC news and hear about The British Soldiers losing their lives. \n\nWe should be proud of all of them! Not just The Americans and The British...There are a few other Nations who have their young putting their lives on the line for us too.\n\nIn the 1970's, I served 6 years in The Army Reserve and if I was still young enough to get back in, I would gladly do so! \n\nGod Bless all Soldiers who are putting their lives on the line in order for us to live in safety and security!\n\nI can't believe how a few of the people who answered this are so unfeeling. I guess it's either they have not had anyone in their Family serve in the Military, have not lost a Family member or they just don't give a damn.
252223
Nope.....not appropriate.  My recruiter in no way affected/effected my decision to enter the military.  I doubt very much you did either to ANY of them.  All you did was act as a middle man.  \n\nBe honest....most of the wide eyed children who passed through your office had already made up their mind.  Either by force (Mom and Dad) or beligerance (get away from Mom and Dad).\n\nAs we mature our views change.....are you going to post that in the paper everytime that happens?\n\nYour heart is in the right place....that in itself is admirable.
11780
As a former soldier i can agree with parts of the letter. I dont think that it is fair, or safe to assume that most young people who join the military are naive,I joined after Sept. 11, so i knew what was to come. i wasnt in a dead-end town, i didnt need the college money. i joined because after Sept. 11 happend i felt that it was what i was supposed to do, my dad, my grandfather serviced this country, so it was a questioin of "if they did it then why shouldnt i". i admit that it was hard to conform to what they wanted, to change my way of thinking and adpot theirs(i dont think i ever did). i wanted to speak out, and say i didnt agree with this, or i didnt agree with that. In the begining i was afraid, i didnt want my follow soldiers to think that i was different from them. so i didnt speak my mind, i was always the quite one, but as time went on and my military career grew i realized that i was going about it all wrong. the reason the military is what it is today is because we have soldiers who speak their minds, who arent afraid to say things, who are not afraid of change. the military needs this, if we just had robots then no one could lead when they needed them to, no one could step up and take charge in a deadly situation. i dont agree with the war, i never have and never will, but to me, its not a question of if you agree with the war or not as a soldier. its who will protect my family,the freedoms that i take advantage of as an American,its will you support, will you protect your follow soldier who has gone through basic training, who has been through all the bull**** that you have, that soldier who stands by you, even the "disgruntaled soldiers", its about the bond that you and your follow soldiers have and no one else can understand. no civilan can understand what a soldier goes thourgh, what they have been though, thats a secert shared by only the soldiers and no one can take that away from them.i may not agree with everyting the letter says, but as i follow soldier i understand it and i can respect it. i say bravo to J.D. Englehart for writing this letter, for saying what is on is mind and so many other soldiers. to me this is what American needs, to hear different truths and realize even as a soldier you do have an opinion.
566950
I know that because of the Viet Nam war. After the Viet Nam war.  We treated the individuals that served in that war pretty badly when they got home. Many people suffered as a result of that negetivity in our society.  People couldn't get jobs. They were outcasts in there hometowns.  I think you were feeling some of that left over crap people felt. Misguided anger because they didnt know who else to be pissed at.  Now that everyone is scared because of terrorism, they have found that we need military. I am sorry you had to suffer that way. My family always supported the military. I know that Your family did us a real service. I think its the media that has hyped it up so that we all look like a bunch of people with a newfound religion. but I think its just that we stopped being such a silent majority. Sadly those anti war and anti military people have always been loud and unapologetic about who they spit on. But now after 9/11 its chic to be patriotic.  But most of us I think have always felt that way but didnt think we should say it outloud. Its sad isnt it. that we have been ashamed to be patriotic. We should never feel ashamed to praise and stand up for those who protect and serve our country so well. And we shouldnt do it just because its the "IN" thing to do.
620480
it's nice to hear the air force is treating you well ... I was a army wife and it was not" 90210 "like you explained ...{thanks for the dumpy comment }, My husband was a GRUNT in Bosnia and in Afghanistan ... It was sheer hell for me and our 2 boys .. Im thankful for Ft. knox they did all they could do to make it as easy as they could for us during my husbands deployment... No matter what branch all these men and women are HEROS ! I was not aware that there were people who did'nt support our troops ... I just thought it was Bush they did'nt support ! being a "army" wife is very hard!!{ there is no fun and games at war} maybe I should have had my husband Join the airforce so we could not appear to be so dumpy!!! My husband is a hell of a man and Im very proud of what he has done for our country.. HOOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
356094
I was in the Air National Guard and I loved it.  I was also in the Air Force Reserve for a couple of years and didn't like it nearly as much.  My Guard unit was really close-knit and fun, we were like one big family.  We always did well on our inspections because we were such a cohesive unit.  For the people that were surprised the Guard would be activated overseas, I was told by my recruiter in the beginning that the Guard/Air Guard were usually the first to go because of greater mobility.  My unit was activated during Desert Storm, and I certainly wasn't surprised.  When people ask why you joined, just tell them with pride that it's something you love doing for yourself and for your country...and they should thank you for doing it, too.  It always blows my mind when people talk so harshly against military service while they enjoy the comforts of living in this country, and aren't willing to make any sacrifices for it themselves.  If you're not willing to serve in the military yourself, at least have some common sense and decency and don't patronize those of us who do.
372569
I served in Afghanistan and received quite a bit of hate mail from back home. I was injured while on patrol and upon returning home had garbage and other things thrown at me as I entered the base for my discharge. Iraq is far more controversial so I am glad that I do not have to bear coming home from Iraq and receive even worse criticism. Joining the Army was my CHOICE!. You people may not like wars but you are not fighting in it so I don't know what gives anti war protesters the right to spit on me when I am only serving my country and my countrymen, including them. We are told not to argue, but I wish they would put their time to better use than standing outside all day and ridiculing the soldiers. Fortunately others and I are far too proud to take too much offense.
574875
Well i wasn't stationed in  D.C. but in Fort Bragg NC. on base is not so bad. but at the same time. it is hard. I liked having the people all around. going through the same that i was going through. The houses are OK i guess. but if you need a bigger one they really don't care. and its hard to get onto base. you mite have to wait for awhile... a few months. my friend had to wait for a year before they gave her a house. the bombs are loud at first but you get use to them. and the soldiers marching up and down your street ..... well you get use to that to. and many things seem to happen more..... the house in front of mine. the lady shot her husband right there in the street. the other house down the road the man shot his family ... wife and 5 kids. that was sad. and they aren't fast on getting you new stoves.....my friends blew up and caught her whole house on fire... they had to move her. its very weird but it was nice to have everything you need right there with you.... like the px. and commissary.... well if that's the way your going . you will make lots of friends. my neighborhood was like one big family ... everyone knew everyone. I do miss that part of it. we are out now... and where i live now no one comes out and talks.... sucks..   good luck\n\nO and we payed 850$ a mon. it went up last year to 950$ for a two bedroom . one bath.
666043
Well I spent 8 active with 2 tours and29 months in Korea and a year (1966-1967) in Vietnam and I know how you feel.\n\nMost of the ones you talk about are conservative, who's view were molded by the service. I remember when I thought the president could do no wrong! LBJ and Nixon. Robert McNamara and Gen Westmoreland. What a F___g crock they were!\n\nThey way I look at it is the shrills on here never served a day in the service, never saw combat, never ate c-rations for months. Don't suffer from PTSD or are dying from agent Orange.\n\nWe earned our right and as far as I am concerned we gave them theirs. Without us they wouldn't have a country to fight over, and sometimes I winder whether it was even worth it! From the day we got home we were treated like shi~! and it continues. They have no respect or self respect. They weren't worth the people on that black wall or the rest of us!\n\nThey don't vote, they don't serve, they don't say a damn thing while their freedoms are taken from them, or from others. All they do is blame it on the press and liberals.\n\nCan't be a Traitor, especially after what Bush has gotten away with being one, I can't believe people in the service or who were out would vote for a draft dodger.\n\nYou ignore those people. They hate everyone anyway. They don't talk issues, the spew venom. I wish I could take a few of them out to a hot LZ and leave them there!.\n\nIraq is wrong, Bush lied, we didn't go after the terrorism circumvented National law and are to this day. We went to war over greed and oil!\n\nBush's LATEST Lies!!! There are NO SECRET CAMPS and WE DON"T TORTURE!  Anyone believe him?? I can't believe one is in Poland!
622347
First of all, if you have never served in the military since the war in Iraq, then I don't think that you would be in a position to judge the calibre of todays armed forces. Now since I served 4 1/2 years in the army, in the grunts, and 20 months in Iraq, I will comment on the possibilities of your question. \n \nWWII was a clearly defined war. Everyone was aware of what was at stake. We knew that civilization as we knew it was either going to prevail, or that the dark fascists states of Germany and Japan were going to rule the world, exploiting whatever and whomever they wanted. I'm sure that if the conditions were right the US would rise to the occasion once again. Remember, this war is not even in the top 3 as far as unpopular wars that the US has been involved in. The first was the Mexican American war, second was Vietnam, and believe it or not, the war of 1812 became so unpopular that we almost lost it. It's okay to have differing opinions, that's what makes this country great. I don't care if you're a liberal or a conservative, all I care about is that you're a concerned citizen. As long as we have concerned citizens, then this country will continue to prosper.\n\nNow, as far as the comment made about "We can't even win the war in Iraq" I suggest to that person that they inform themselves on some history, and try to grasp the complexity of a guerrilla war. The British citizens said the same things about their military during our Revolution because we employed guerrilla tactics against an Army that by all means should have beat us within a fortnight. They didn't understand how to fight an insurgency much the same way we didn't understand how to in Vietnam. If you are implying that we are not "winning" in Iraq because of the quality of our armed forces them I must veheamently protest. The soldiers and Marines that I worked with in my time in the service were by far the MOST proffesional people I have ever had the honor of meeting. I think that they have made our forefathers proud THROUGH this proffesionalism. \n\nFinally, I think you should apologize to the men and women of the armed forces forces for your blatent ignorance, disrespect, and utter disregard for the price that warriors like us pay so that you can remain in the pitiful world you know as your life. In other words, SHUT THE FVCK UP.
278391
I am a proud American and would love to join the militraty and be able to fight for my country. The reason I haven't is:\n\n\n1. I have 2 small children and no one to take care of them if I went into the service because my husband works, my parents live too far away from us plus my mom is very sick, and my husbands mom is also very sick. \n\n2. I live in a different country.\n\n3. My husband is militraty for his country and because of confidentiality rules, it excludes me from being able to join. FYI, we got married when I was still a teenager.\n\nI have other reasons, but they are a little bit private to be mentioning in a public forum. I gave you 3 valid reasons why I haven't joined the military. What are your reasons for not joining when you had the chance? Don't judge others on something that you haven't even done yourself.
258682
well brother, joining the army is a big deal. i myself joined the military but decided to go the navy route because they focus mostly on school, a career, and family. i met several army and marine hopefuls at MEPS. these kids (that's right KIDS) thought they were invincible. they couldn't wait to serve their country and blow sh*t up! has the thought of going to iraq crossed my mind, totally. but i have faith i will see the other end and take what i have learned from my future experience. if you have researched enough about that branch and you're confident that is your path, go for it.
418687
I was Army for several years and enjoyed it...but my cousin was Navy and enjoyed it as well.  So, it is just a matter of personal choice.
642810
if there are people out there who dont support our troops should be shot for treason...ok maybe thats a little harsh but i hold our troops in the highest repect...i feel like dirt compared to them and id give anything to help their situations over seas....it doesnt matter if you support bush or the war on terror....fuck the cause but stand by our men and women in uniform who signed on for a job and have no choice but to follow their leader and do what they were trained to do...i love all of you and watch your asses and keep your fuckin heads low out there and GET HOME SAFELY to this wonderful homeland we call AMERICA...we need to remember our history and the men who've died to allow us to live and prosper the way we do...yes we are in some rough times but were AMERICANS for christsake and we will make it out on top... GOD BLESS THE USA AND OUR TROOPS  WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!