This applies to the brave men and women who have served there in the past 3 years.  Everyone has a right to an opinion and I'd love to hear yours, since you have been there.  All I can say is I'm thrilled my own cousin is coming home next week and won't have to go back.  I feel it was unfair that he was called back to active duty, but I don't know that much about the military, except your life is no longer yours when you join.  The only thing I see happening since the war began, is that our economy is suffering and there are still terrorist activities around the world. From a reply to my other question, I was told I don't really understand what the purpose is for our troops to be there and you're right, I don't.
200232
NO,  I think they should take care of there own problems, we have enough mess over here cause of them.  enough is enough
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.
143005
I'm in Iraq right now. Me being on here should give you an idea of what I'M doing...nothing. What's it like? HOT! Alot of people do have it pretty rough over here though, but I wouldn't say the majority have it all that bad. It just sucks being away from home for so long. I don't think it's really getting better. They're gonna fight us as long as we're here.
567040
It is a shame that people are dying.  But the soldiers are in Iraq to try to better the lives of the Iraqi people as a whole.  I don't agree with war, but I also don't agree with oppression or dictatorships.  So it has me upset in more ways than one.  I do not want anymore people to get hurt, but what about all those that died under Hussein's regime?  One of those soldiers were from close to where I live...he was from Springfield, MA.  It does feel like it is never going to end.  I support the soldiers, for I know that they are doing their job, and it must be hell for them.  So I am a torn soul when it comes to this war.  I hope that the people involved are safe and no more harm comes to them...I can HOPE.
391031
You know , no offense to you, but I've came home after 4 tours of Iraq. And I am an Iraq Vet. I see BOYS ages 18 - 19 years old being sent over to a war zone alright? They are right out of HS trying to make a BETTER life for themselves than what they grew up in. Or maybe they just want to serve their country. They go over there with GUTS man. Where's your guts? If you sit in front of your computer screen and can write this, why don't you TRY and go over there for a week, see if you can survive. \n\nSoldiers are proud to have served their country. I know I am. I know my friends are. I know my guys are. Yes there are horrible things over there. I have a friend who is 29 years old. He has a wife and a 3 year old son. THREE years old. He came home from Iraq, and he's been in a hospital for almost two years now. Doesn't mean he's a Tim McVeigh buddy. It just means he gave his ALL for HIS COUNTRY. Which by the way is YOUR Country as well. He Tries every day. EVERY day to get better. And you don't see him complaining. You don't see him up and down whining that his country is against him. No. So unless you've served, you have no right to say that. \n\nJust for your 411.
437523
There have been so many changes in the government--I don't feel the military is effected at all.  I'm not in the military but have been a dependent for the past 20 years (daughter and wife).  My father has disliked several people who have run our country and its department of defense.  Did that make him go into early retirement?  No.  I've notice the people I know (not all) who are in the military don't really care about officials.  Sure, they vote but in the end they have sworn to be a part of the military.  Despite who is "in charge" they will continue doing their job.  I also believe the benefits will continue to convince people to join because it seems that's all people care about these days.  This is why I do not feel it will effect the military.
211771
My husband is currently in Iraq on his 2nd tour..He calls when he can I understand he's busy over there..you just have to have faith and be positive..I find myself angry at him when he says he'll call but then does'nt I tell myself "when he calls again he's gonna get it" LOL but when he finally does I'm just so thankful he called and is ok therefor i totally forget about him not calling and I'm not upset with him anymore.Your cousins are fine,I'll be praying for them and for their safe return as I do for all of the service members deployed across the globe especially the ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.Try to stay busy being around family members help...and try not to be glued to the news stations as I find myself doing more then I should...lol..the motto is "No news is good news"\n                                     101st Airborne Division\n                                        Fort Campbell,KY\n                                           "RAKKASANS"
253671
Please understand that I am replying to you from my heart and experiance. I am a Viet-Nam vet who spent three tours in combat. I was an infantry/recon grunt and a aerial scout. I lost only one man to enemy action in all of that time although we had plenty of wounded including me( Three Purple Hearts). You're a mother of two boys that you gave life to and rightly so you will worry about them no matter what. Iraq, driving a car, etc. That's natural.  Do you realize that more people died a violent death right here in the USA in three years than all who died in Viet-Nam in ten years. I think that is why I chose to stay over there along with what I saw and believed in. I put my faith in God for three years and my trust in my weapons and training. You'll make it through, no matter what, because deep inside you know that within the circle of life you are most needed by those who depend upon you. No parent wants their childern hurt or dead. My mother had both among her three sons but she was always there for family, friends, and neighbors in their time of need. You are your sons strength so I know that you have the strength to carry on. Be proud of your sons, no matter what. They evidently feel that they may contribute something to this messed up world that is positive and are willing to lay their lives on the line to do it! That in itself shows what kind of mother you are. Most military feel 180 degrees about what they do than the majority of the American people. They are there, in the arena, trying to do their jobs. I won't tell you not to worry but to believe in your boys, their ideals, and to have unbounding faith. I pray, as all former combat vets do, that there will be peace and no more wars. A professional soldier prays for that always but realizes that there are people in the world who won't and don't and therefore they are needed in their time to do whatever it takes to try and stop the insanity of war. I pray for you and your sons. God bless and keep you all. Sign off from an old warrior......
174497
Did you see that last posting about Military Personnel should refrain from making posts?  WHATEVER!!!!!!!!!  Just about everybody on the face of this earth is wondering what the HAY we are still over there for.  I like the way the other guy tried to give an explanation which still does not make sense to me.  To answer your question, I (Army Spouse) find no justification in this "war"!!!  And neither does my husband, but again he is doing his job!!  Would hate to lose good ol' Tricare for not doing his job!! (Tricare is military health insurance.)  I'm not anti-army just anti-war.  There's a difference.
569664
You honestly believe that every person who is concerned about terrorism should go out and actually join the military? It's the same as saying if your a good American then you should go out and join! Besides, there are a lot of civilians that do plenty for our country and the war on terrorism. I'm a military wife and believe me, it's not easy. The sacrifices military spouses and military children make makes it possible for our loved ones to do what they need to do for our country. We have to play the role of both parents when the service member is gone. The children miss out on their parent being around. I could go and on. What about all these wonderful people that take the time to really support our troops over there? The ones that send care packages to the troops who they don't even know. Stuff like that is what keeps our service members going. No, you don't have to be on the front-line to fight terrorism. I believe that our military makes the biggest sacrifices of all, but there are plenty of us out there who pull our weight in more ways then one.
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.
542205
I will give you an eyewitness statement. First, I'm not from Texas (I'm a Tar Heel!!! - GO NC!!), second I'm not in the National Guard, I'm active duty. Now the account, I served with an active duty battalion that was assigned 2 National Guard companies - one was from Kansas and one was from Texas. They were truck companies, and both saw heavy action. On a side note, I found both units to be extremely professional in their duties. Neither shirked from any mission assigned to them and had an amazing "Can Do" attitude. If I had any negative comments about the Guard units I have served with - they are minor. I found they had a bit of a height/weight and PT shortcoming, but they more than made up for that with their Mission First attitude. My BC had a board in his office/tent with a collection of all the Guard patches of units we had run into over there. I don't recall a single state missing from his board - we even had a couple territory patches (Guam and PR). So whoever posted that on a Yahoo Board is simply giving into conspiracy BS and once again, as they almost always seem to be - are yapping away and have NEVER spent a day. Isn't it curious how the folks who seem to to come up with this crap have a mysterious lack of service to go along with their tripe?
438102
I came from a very well to do family and served as an officer in the Army during Dersert Storm. I also know that I am by far, not only one from the good side of the tracks. Please don't even begin to preach about this being a Poor Man's War. As a Sneior NCO, I would expect you to know better. I support the troops and the goal 100%. I do wish we had a better plan, and would definiately like to see the peace in that region and our servicemen and women home sooner than later. My opinion has nothing to do with supporting the party line.
632970
First off, I am a veteran of the Gulf War. I was in Kuwait but as a female, did not actually go out to do hand to hand combat. Irregardless I was there. I was actually on inactive status at the time and volunteered to reactive to go because I'm in a highly demanded field.\n\nWith that said, I know a lot of military ppl who don't agree with the war but feel 'stuck' because they will get punished for opposing. BUT, I also know a lot of them have convinced themselves they are doing what is right. They do this blindly because it is the only way they can deal with what is going on.\n\nI, personally, think it takes more courage to stand up and say NO and be dishonorably discharged and probably sent to Levinworth for a few years. If I had been active when this war started, that is what I would have done because this war is unjustified and in no way, shape, or form is protecting any 'american way of life'. \n\nThat is bologna used to brainwash the troops.
507454
there is sort of a back-door draft going on where they can get people who are out of the military back in, even if they've already served their time.  If a full draft starts, you will see a definite changing of feelings toward the war.
614618
I was in the Army National Guard 12 years ago and suffered a shotgun wound to my foot. I will be leaving in 2 weeks to go back to Basic Training for Active Duty in the Regular Army as a Cavalry Scout. I have had more civilian jobs than I can even count over the last 12 years. They never satisfied me or my bosses were such idiots that I couldn't stand it. It is the most awesome feeling in the world for me to realize what my purpose in life is. Most people never get that opportunity in life. I am proud to be a soldier in the U.S. Army, and I would sign up for the rest of my life if I could. I am not looking forward to the day when I will have to be discharged. I pray for the chance to get to go to Iraq or Afghanistan or Iran. I can think of nothing more honorable than to participate in your country's history and the history of other countries for the cause of peace and the destruction of pure evil on this planet.
603802
Exactly...this is another Vietnam...it might not be the same scale casualty wise (at least American casulaties. Iraqi deaths are right up there). It's ridiculous. We never should have been there. I don't think it's the military's fault that there isn't progress...I'm sure they're doing what they can but there is only so much you can do before you realize that things aren't going to get any better. Insurgents are nasty and they'll stop at nothing to kill someone. This war is going to be going on for a long time unless something changes and unfortunately we have to wait a couple more years before those changes can begin. We destroyed a country now we're going to have to pay for it ....probably for the rest of our lives. It's a sad situation with no real end. You still have people out there saying that it was good that we went in...we got Saddam...we didn't go in to get Saddam. We went in to get weapons and the only ones we've found are the ones we sold them years ago to fight Iran. Interesting how that works out isn't it?