I wonder how the soldiers in Iraq feel about the war they're fighting?
366116
The United States of American fighting men and women are never brain washed. We are never sent to a school or anything telling us the party line, such as the German soldiers in WWII or the Japenese in WWII.\n\nWe are encouraged to vote by absentee ballot even when we are overseas, never telling us what party or person to vote for.\n\nWe are a military under civilian control as oppose to military under military control, which make a huge difference.\n\nIt does not really matter what the people say about the military back in the United States about why we are fighting what ever war or conflict the US military might be in we see the results by being with the people we are helping and see the hope in their eyes as we go about doing our jobs.\n\nPeople in America are a free people, do what they want, when they want, have enough food to feed their families, have running water, cars to get back and forth to work even if it is only 4 blocks from the house.\n\nThe people we are helping and fighting for have little or no freedom, have to walk more miles in one day than the average American walk in a month, no running water, little or no food for their families, because their government is not like ours, they can not vote, if they do there is only one name on the ballot. They don't have a welfare system or even a postal system that work to mail the simplist mail envelope.\n\nSo when you ask if the American fighting person is fighting for the correct cause also remember that we are not fighting on American soil, so your house is not burning, your kid has clothes to wear, parents to take care of them and are not orphans because they can not find their mothers and fathers.\n\nI know that this might be hard for you to understand, since it sounds as if you have never been in a war zone or been in a country where there are few freedoms. When you go from  Alabama to Georgia you do not need a permit nor do you need a permit to be out after midnight. I have been assigned to countries where there is a curfew from midnight till 6AM the next morning, because the government is afraid someone will blow something up.\n\nBefore we even leave the United States to an overseas assignment even in peace time we are given information about the country we are assigned, some of their customs. We are encouraged to take courses in their language, we are also,once we arrive engouraged to teach them english, go to the local schools, along with our wifes, if they are with us in our assinged area on Christmas to carry toys and food stuff to orphanages.\n\nYou don't normally see us before the TV camera like the demonstrators here in the Unites States because we are doing our job and not grand standing. Of course we see the demonstrators as we get same day news coverage where ever we are, but we just suck it up, go about doing our jobs so we can return home to our families.\n\nWe fight for freedom and democracy as dictated by the President of the United States who is elected by the majority of the electoral college. We can not go to war as the military. The President is the only person that can send US forces to a war zone.\n\nI hope this has been helpful to you, good luck
1182212
Noone understands war, it is a necessity however. I don't think people care. I think people like to have something to complain about and something to protest just to prove how enlightened they are and repeat a thousand times what they heard in the break room about some conspiracy theory to show you just how smart they are and have no intention of letting the man keep them down. They have no intention of EVER leaving the country no matter what happens, because life is just better both here and in UK, than most places, that is why people are allowed to complain about this and that. I would like to see what would happen if they were in power. The problem is that on a global scale you can't just take a blow to the head and turn the other cheek. People initially wanted to go get em, but now, that is just boring and they need something else to whine about, so now they want to stop fighting. and its all someone else's fault that nothing in their lives is very exciting.\nI do not wish for mandatory service, but I think it is mandatory everyone talk to a soldier and make an informed decision about what is going on. most soldiers believe they are making a difference. The people who are still fighting us aren't even Iraqis they are insurgents who are trying to get some American blood. Think we should pull out and allow these people to continue going for American blood? no thanks. I prefer to be safe, let the soldiers, kill them all and allow me to sit here on my computer without the fear of someone blowing me to smitherenes. \nPeople argue that nothing is changing, but it is, just slowly like in every other war.
181861
I am sorry for the above answer - while we know that things are difficult over there, it is difficult for us to remember the Iraqis when we have troops so far away from home getting injured or killed. Our government has already spent a significant amount of money, and I am certain that a portion of that money includes support for the Iraqi citizens.\n\nPLEASE do not take the above answer as the opinion of every U.S. Citizen!
1131482
Soldiers know what they are getting into when they sign their enlistment contract.  Yes, it's very sad that we've lost so many soldiers in this war, but that is what happens in war.\n\nI personally feel more sorrow for the people that lost their soldier than I do for the soldier.  We troops already understand the risk....it's harder for civilians.
1133456
yea its sad.......\nits been 6 years in war already.... and i think this country has been crippled...\n\npeople arent the same any more due to the war...
615780
No, we should not be thanking US soldiers for what they are doing in Iraq. We should perhaps feel sorry for them as they do not have much choice in the matter. \nFreedom of oil supplies for the US consumer. That is primarily what the US soldier is fighting for. By suggesting that he is fighting for freedom and justice is laughable.
741039
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.
368088
I'm a Marine who fought in Iraq.  I'm out now, but you could say I'm lonely in a much different way.  After returning to civilian life, few people understand life in the military, let alone a war.  They don't know what it's like to be shot at, to be the hunter, to be the prey.  It's hard to relate to people sometimes.  But, best to our troops that are fighting the fight now, and for their fight to come.
986450
No it is not crappy. It is pure hell.  \n\nThose troops in the vid are bloing off steam. If they didn't they\ncouldn't do the job.
939592
Regardless if you agree with the invasion or not, we freed them from a dictator where now they shouldn't fear for their lives. How would you feel to live in a place where if you spoke out against the government you would lose your life? We are doing our best to give the Iraqis what they deserve. But sadly there are those radical people who oppose us and democracy and will do everything in their power to prevent a democracy from forming in their home turf, even if that means taking their own life.\n\nBut this war goes much deeper than just a war to free Iraqis from a dictator. We are fighting extremists who want to kill America, Israel, and Christianity. I feel if we do not try and stop these nutcases now that they will only grow stronger and attack us eventually. This would be inevitable if we pulled out of Iraq. \n\nAlways support your troops even if you disagree with what they are commanded to do. No reason to attack them for something they have no control over.
949551
Before I answer this question, I'd like to bring up something that really bothers me deeply concerning Iraq, would we be so regretful if we had successfully converted Iraq to a democracy with complete peace? \n\nThe question I have been screaming BEFORE the war started has been, "Does the means justfiy the end?" What if this end had been a success? Would most be sitting around feeling good about America?... feeling good about themselves? ... even though current civilian Iraqi body count is over 600k?... even though we never had a valid nor justiable reason to occupy Iraq?...\n\nOf course you know my feelings on this... immoral means never justfiy an end even if that end is successful. What about all those ppl that have died? What about the loyal, committed soldiers that followed their country's orders... not just American soldiers btw. \n\nSo once again, we should not take any pride in any way, shape or manner for our leader's invasion of Iraq. \n\nIs there ever a time to take pride in participating in a war? I think so. I did an Army tour in the mid-80s then when Saddam invaded Kuwait, one of our allies, I volunteered to come out of inactive status to participate. Why? Because I truly thought we, as a WORLD, had progressed past the days of barbaric occupations of invading just because you are stronger than the other guy. I took pride in that war because I compared it to a bully beating up a little child... that we were fighting the bully. Now, we are the bully.\n\nI can't begin to describe in words the disappointment I have in my country due to our actions. And what gets me now is the length of time it took ppl to come to this realization. I was a voice from the beginning saying it was wrong... most of these ppl against it were the ones in 2003 with those ribbons on the back of their mini-vans, American flags outside their homes... telling me I was anti-American or unpatriotic for not supporting my president. \n\nI'm serious. How many of you out there reading this either didn't have an opinion or was pro-Iraqi war because you thought it was going to be a cake walk? You were so sure we would just walk over the Iraqis and be the WINNERS. You never stopped to ask about our reasons... were they justified. America is going to war and we are going to kick some *** then come home like nothing winning.. showing the world 'who we are'.\n\nFor example, that Cindy Shehan (spelling) that camped outside of Bush's home in Texas in protest of the war AFTER her son died in Iraq. Where was her protest before her son died? I'd be willing to bet that up to that point, she was one of those ppl driving those mini-vans proudly with the ribbons on the back before that. \n\nSome ppl compare Iraq to Vietnam. While I see some comparisons, believe it or not, Vietnam at least had a reason. Vietnam was about containment. Containment is a word used to describe the stopping of the spreading of communism of that era. While I never saw how the spread of communism threatens us, at least they gave us a real,honest reason. \n\nNow to get the core of your question... what should we do now, knowing what we know now about the lies?\n\nUp to a week ago, I was on the fence about this. I literally could not decide. On one hand, I don'f feel good about making a mess of their country, the 100,000s that have died then leaving them to somehow find a way. On the other hand, I was thinking we couldn't win... win in terms of ever helping those ppl to 'get along' in a civil manner.\n\nI have since, just in the past few days, come to a realization... we need to get out. Why and what caused my choice, decision? \n\nIt all came together for me a few days ago when I read about some Shiites that had kidnapped 25 sunnis, took them into the streets and then burned them alive. Not only did they do this, Iraqi troops stood by and watched and an American helicopter patrolling took no action.\n\nThis action was not the r
911015
sometimes we do but I do not agree with it. I saw the statment brother aziz made and I really feel a bit upset about this topic. \n\nHe asked if God told bush to start this war? If God was wrong?\n\nGod did not tell George Bush anything. I just feel bad for all our troops overseas and all our Good men and women who have died. As well as for the all innocent lives that have been taken in Irak and elsewhere.\n\nIt is a sad thing indeed and I really do not even want to talk about it, I DO NOT LIKE POLITICS. We all have friends and family in the military and overseas and is just sad to see what is going on. It just makes no sense to me.\n\nI do appreciate the MEN AND WOMEN OF THE U.S MILITARY FORCE and I am sad that many have died in the line of duty and left widows and children!\n\nI pray for all our man and women in the military as well as for all of us Americans and all our brothers and sisters muslims and non-muslims. Inshallah there is world peace and we do not go through the situation we are in now.\n\nGOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! AND GOD BLESS ALL OF US! AMEEN!
826905
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.
1010538
A lot different than Iraq.\n\nThough Iraq has an issue with IED's we had an issue with the North Vietnamese Army and booby traps. There were IED's as well, sometimes detonated by 12 year olds.\n\nThe NVA were good fighters and would never ambush you unless their forces far exceeded ours! They don't cut and Run like the Iraqi army.\n\nWe spent a lot more time in the field than the do in Iraq and Rainy seasons were hell. You could not get dry!\n\nAs far as combat, well this is what Hack said!\n\n"You know what really galls me? How those that seem to yell loudest for war have never seen one. They've never seen a buddy disappear from the waist up after a shell hit, then see his legs stand there for a moment before falling over. They never saw a friend all psyched up about going home tomorrow after finishing his tour get hit in the belly with shrapnel, see his guts spill out, then watch him try to gather up his intestines lying in the dirt.\n\n"They never saw what napalm does do a little girl's skin. They never saw a 19-year-old from Iowa screaming and writhing on the ground because a mine blew his legs off. They never saw a man take a bullet through the brain, then watch his body flop around on the ground for a minute or so because it doesn't realize he's dead. They never put pieces of someone into a bag, not knowing who it was until you read the tags, because there wasn't any face left to go along with the other parts. They haven't seen the shit I've seen, and they want to do it all over again. Those bastards!\n\n"But what really makes me mad is how those who should know better seem to have forgotten. All those vets in Congress, POW's even, who know what I'm talking about, but will go along with the calls for war because it's politically expedient. Don't they remember? Do they really want another generation of kids to experience that shit? Have they gotten so accustomed to the trappings of power that people are just pawns, tools, mere things to be manipulated for their own ends? DO THEY KNOW WHAT THE FUCK THEY'RE DOING?
799038
Yes, I will. And a thought for those who oppose our presence in Iraq..\nI'm not a fan of the war or the politicians. I do, and think everyone in this country should, be respectful, thankful and compassionate to our soldiers and their families. The men and women are doing their JOBS. And, unlike you and I, have chosen to do their jobs to benefit the people of this country knowing it may cost them their lives, limbs, mental health. They do this without question and in spite of the danger. Their families support their loved ones out of love, not duty. They sacrifice out of love. I'm sure there are many family members and soldiers themselves who don't agree with the politics, but they continue to do their JOB. So, whatever your position politically, the soldiers deserve our loyalty,respect,prayers and admiration for the sacrafices they make on a daily basis while we get to be here on Yahoo Answers discussing it on a computer sitting in a chair, in a warm home. I don't know about anyone else out there, but sitting here I'm not concerned in the least that I may be shot or bombed or even get an uncomfortable chill. And no, I don't know any soldiers or any families of soldiers. I do, howerver, love this country and the life I enjoy as an American. You can't have it anywhere else in the world.
370621
That's a really good question. I think that my views would probably change slightly. I think that it would help us in America understand the culture in the other country as well (if the media covering the war were able to capture and interject the daily lives of the natives of that country). This is really a good question to think about. I have friends in the military who are deployed now.\n\n****Wow. It's been six days and no one else thought this was a good question.\nI will expand on my answer at this time. One of my friends recently returned home (from being deployed in Iraq). I asked him to tell me some of the horror stories...After hearing what he went through, I would have to say that I know that my opinion of the war would change if I were able to see what was going on. Some of the things he shared brought tears to my eyes.
733817
i don't know if your in the military, but if you are,,, then that's real easy for the person above me to say!  I been there with the military, and they don't ask you what u think of the war,, we weren't fighting in Iraq before some people signed up with the military.. we aren't defending anything, we aren't finding anything,, we are just killing and getting killed, and aren't making any progress.  Even if u never been its easy to see that this war only helps out few people, and actually hurts the average Iraqi citizen.   If your not in the military and just live in Iraq, try to go to college in America, or maybe get married to an American, or consider a better, less hateful, country.