Are you serving in Iraq?  Do you need encouragement?
404538
so wrong you are midnightmist. I'm in Iraq right now. And no, I don't need encouragement, making it home alive is all the encouragement most of us need. It is nice to have supporters though. Although, I don't agree with everything that's going on myself.\n\nI don't see why people think you can't support the troops if you don't support the war. As long as you wish us luck and pray for us, that's all the support we need. Regardless of how you feel about the actual war.
985808
I have not lost a loved one but my son is serving in Iraq. If he died in this war I would protest the White House. Camp out on his lawn until he sees me and explains why?\n\nI do not believe this war to be just or right. We invaded another country without the UN behind us and without good justification. Losing my son would never be worth it. If I lost him in protecting our borders and our country from invasion that is different. \n\nI do not sleep well. But my sons destiny was always to go into the military and so I have supported him since he was 12 and decided to get in an Air Force Aux to start his life as a soldier. He has always connected to it. It was in his blood as God intended.\nHe serves all Americans with a happy heart. He does not agree with the war but he does what if expected. If he helps one soldier saves one life in Iraq it is worth it.\n\nHe is there for a reason.  The reason was to save many many lives, his whole squaron. He spent his first 6 months there transporting military equipment in caravans across Iraq. Did he tell me the constant Dangers, no, he knew I could not handle it and would never sleep a wink. Instead he did his duty. He lead his troops across enemy territory many times, not sleeping for 36 hours at time, just to make sure they were all safe. His bravery was relentless.\nHe comes home soon and is getting a Bronze Star for his bravery. I am proud not that he went to Iraq to invade their country but that my sons role was to save many soldiers lives. As an officer he did his job. And will he go back. I am sure he will do more that one tour. But God has a plan for him a destiny that he needs to fulfill. I will not stand in his way but I will worry no matter what. I love him.
3473
I think it is more important for those troops in Iraq to have positive thinking so that they will have the basic support in their mind to complete their mission...sometime bad news didn't mean there is no good news out there, maybe it just doesn't have that kind of more value than bad news...so bad things may keep happening but good things do keep happening too.\n\nPlus while in the middle of war, there is also no time to think it is right or wrong, as the most important things is we must believe on what we do is right, this is the most basic thing to win a war as who wants to lost a war? once the American troops is inside Iraq, then no one among them will expect they are going to lost will be the correct spirit.
1127690
Hi Kerry \n\nI've been in Iraq myself and spent half the year there and i know first hand what it feels like and what goes on in your mind when you are over there.\n\nYour desired man works in security in Iraq where he is faced with  real danger,im sure you av seen from the news and everthing else,the rest isn't for me to say.I met someone when i came back on leave and it was the best thing ever to happen to me but in my head i had this feeling what will happen to her in case  i dont make it back or if something happened to me will everything still be be same with us.I survived all that and my days were hard to get by.\n\nIn your case im sure this guy is thinking along the same lines and probably feels that he should not make you wait in case he never makes it back or if something happens to him will it still be the same between you guys,more like a state of mind to get you through that time,but im sure deep down he hopes you will wait for him and as long as you have the will power to wait for that long and expect anything to happen afterwards, i think you will have given yourself the best chance with him and who knows were it will take you.
1066659
What a great question... I love how it is worded.... you pretty much got what I thought you would in terms of answers though.  \n\nI am in Iraq now as a civilian contractor after my 3rd recall since 9/11.  After my stint in Kuwait I joined the civilian team and am glad I did.\n\nHUMANIST.... I AM HERE AND HAVE BEEN AS MILITARY AND A CIVILIAN, I AM NOT TOO SCARED TO BE HERE AND I BROUGHT MY LAPTOP WITH ME.... NOW SHUT UP OR JOIN THE EFFORT.
109316
I also went to Iraq II, and I can proudly say I did it just to take care of my boys for no one else would look out for them in the situation we were in.  I called my dad a few days before I deployed and explained to him what BS it was.  Being the highly educated ex-hippy he was, he really surprised me when he spouted off the official Bush lie about how it was for a good cause with the WMD's and all.\n\nI was both an intel analyst and later a computer guy, and I got the Top Secret emails on the SIPR computer long before 9/11 telling the generals to "prepare for desert combat", as well as prepared briefings years before about Saddam's diminishing weapons programs.  I really knew what BS it was, but when you're a soldier, you have to bite your tongue.  I couldn't claim "consciensus (sp?) objector" because I really didn't have a problem with war or violence in general for the right cause.  \n\nIt was probably one of the hardest things in the world to bite my tongue and do my duty, though I was hit by the "stop-loss" program and spent my last year as a draftee in a war I didn't believe in.  To the mindless soldiers out there that can swallow wholly what is fed to them I salute you, and to the ones with a concious that keep it hidden for a sense of duty, I salute you more...take care of your kids and come home safe.\n\nAnd let no soldier that I proudly served with believe for a single second that the war they are now fighting has ANYTHING to do with defending our constitutional rights.  Though undoubtedly you would do your duty the same if it was truly in defense of our nation, don't delude yourself into thinking this self-serving looting by our non-elected leadership has anything to do with anyone's freedom.\n\nShort answer to your question is "Yes", but it took me two years on the outside to fully understand the implications.  Would I do it again?  Absolutely, its the small victories you win on a personal level that makes all the difference...the soldier you kept from being too trigger happy, the extra blankets or food you handed out, the prisoners you took by talking to them instead of shooting.  I saw the best and worst of psychopaths, cowards, and heroes within our ranks and war brings out people's true nature very fast.  Again, people still on the front lines may hate me for rubbing raw that little doubt in the corner of their conscience, but come home safe so you can ponder it at your leisure later.
1056621
Pancha,\n\nI have never agreed with a word you have said on this website, but I can answer this question for you. Don't listen that ***** enlightenment. That is the dumbest crock of sh*t I have ever heard. MOST vets will tell you that there time in the military was extremely rewarding and taught them many life skills. Everything I have in this world, I owe to the skills the Army taught me. The friends you make will be lifelong, and the bond you share will be unparalleled - especially if you deploy to Iraq with them.\n\nWe in the National Guard have a saying: If you haven't been to Iraq yet, you will be going soon. The figure is close to 75% of all National Guard members nationwide have been to Iraq. I am getting ready to go again in October.\n\nService in Iraq is not ANYTHING like the liberal media would have you believe. It is statistically the safest war the United States has ever deployed anyone to. With over 500,000 military members having gone and around 2400 have died, that means you have a 99.9942% chance of making it back to the United States alive. Pretty damn good odds in this soldiers book.\n\nWe are doing a lot of good things over there that you NEVER hear about.\n\n* The media would have you believe that everyday Iraqis don't want us there. Nothing could be further from the truth. They want us to finish the job and leave when it is done - not sooner.\n* The media would have you believe that Iraq is close to civil war. Again, this is untrue. The violence is merely painted in such a way as to give that illusion. Most Iraqis want peace and the opportunity to succeed - NOT civil war.\n* The media would have you believe there is a deadly "insurgency" in Iraq. By definition, an insurgency is filled with citizens of an occupied nation. Iraq is not occupied, and the "insurgents" are all from other countries. My unit was responsible for transporting prisoners last year and 95% of all detainees captured were from Saudi Arabia or Jordan or Syria or Egypt or Yemen or a host of other countries. Most speak English very well (a tip off right there that they are not Iraqi) and will tell you that most of the "insurgents" are foreign.\n\nDuty in Iraq is not bad, and most find it very rewarding. Many of the Guardsmen from my unit who just returned at the beginning of this year have volunteered to go back in October.\n\nHow soon after your Basic Combat Training (BCT or just Basic) and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) might you go? Depends on your unit. If they have not gone to Iraq or not gone in a while, they may be going soon. It is also possible you could get assigned to go with another unit if they need your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS - your job). This is the absolute WORST scenario. You would rather go with people you know, people you trust with your life. So, I guess the answer is you might get tapped to go just weeks after you graduate Basic and AIT or you might never go.\n\nEither way, good luck.\n\nm1a1mikegolf - Actually, you are incorrect. EVERY enlistment is for eight years. If Pancha signs for three years, five years will be done in the IRR (Individual Ready Reserve). This means that while she is not actively drilling with the National Guard, she is still subject to recall. But, yes, she can do a three year enlistment and then leave the Guard.
666294
Yes,  I am deployed now (although only to Kuwait, not Iraq) and my soldiers are able to take online courses and other course taught here on camp.  When we first arrived I put in an application to teach undergraduate courses (I have my Master's Degree) and have already taught one term.  I am sure that educational opportunities are more limited in Iraq and would greatly depend on a soldier's location and computer access.
694734
If it came down to it and we were in a full out war to save our nation then Yes I'd serve.  I come from a military family and would be very proud!  Women should serve but not be in the front lines...personal opinion.  I think women are capable but shouldn't be on the front lines and I have many reasons.
13500
When the job is done and no sooner. We are still in Japan and Germany and WWII was over 60 years ago. Be patient. Wether you supported going to Iraq or not we are there now and We all need to support all of our armed forces who proudly proctect us as we go about our daily lives.
850376
No...and why would we ask?  I can figure out why some other middle east countries and even a couple of European countries might consider asking them to "help".\n\nBut my bet is that there are hundreds (at least) of people from both those countries already in Iraq.  And I doubt they are helping to rebuild schools or hospitals.
901778
I served in Iraq and feel the same as I do now.  we are trying to do the right thing are are the only hope the Iraqi people have for a better future.\n\nSounds like you are another one of those clueless idiots who thinks that his political opinions means that he can tell me what I think.
994324
When I was in Basic, my drill sergeant asked us this same question.  When I said that I would..  he berated me, and then instructed the right answer was that our job isn't to "sacrifice our lives", but to make sure we make the a**hole on the other side sacrifice theirs.  I liked that, and it's stuck with me.  I was in Iraq during the first Gulf War, I've been shot at.  If I had died, then that was how things were supposed to be.  Support our troops, recognize the politicians and media outlets that help put them in harms way for what they are, self serving, greedy arshholes, and remember the cost of Freedom is Eternal Vigilance.
549383
Yes, we are here and thank you for a very nice jester. It's always nice to here that. Let's not forget those brave men and women on active duty in our armed forces around the world today. They deserve our thanks, our respect, and our support.
527516
I have to wonder how old you are and who put that idea in your head. All you have to do is pick up a major newspaper any day of the week or turn on the nightly national news to hear how many soldiers were killed or injured while traveling in convoys by roadside bombs or who were shot by snipers at locations away from the front lines. And in Iraq, there are no clearly defined front lines. If you are a member of the military, or any support division of the military who's role it is to defend and support the freedoms we enjoy in the United States, you are by all means courageous, honorable, and worthy of all the integrety that goes without saying for being  part of the defense of this country. Don't ever doubt  for a moment that you are unworthy or any less important than your fellow soldier who is assigned to what you see as more dangerous or more patriotic than whatever assignment you may be assigned to. You are part of a team, a link in a chain that is vital in the defense and support of every other link in that chain. Do you think for a minute that any of your friends  and/or team members at every other place of assignment haven't thought that very question. Listen to me as a veteran police officer who trains rookies fresh out of the academy. You matter. You were trained and if the time comes you will resort back to that training and you will peform as the soldier you were trained to be. You want be thinking about what lousy assignment you might think you have that week or month, you'll instinctively perform the survival functions you were trained to do. And although I don't know you, I can tell you that if you were placed in a situation where you could take action to save the life of an innocent Iraqi child knowing it would most likely cost you great injury or death, you and I both know you'd save the child without second thought. So don't clutter your mind with such nonsense anymore. You are a United States Soldier. You are honorable, respectable, brave and deserving of every good thought you've ever thought about great soldiers in your past. For you are one of them, no less. I don't know you, but you can be my partner any day. For I know you are a person of character, of courage,  and honor; and willing to lay down your life for that of your fellow man. What greater man on this earth is there?
578148
First, allow me to apologize for the asinine and moronic answers that you have received from the self-serving, not-a-clue crowd that seems to permeate this section of "Yahoo Answers".\n\nSecond, allow me to congratulate you on your choice in serving your nation.  You decision shows great moral courage, fortitude, and the strength needed to allow the "children" the right to spout off about things they don't understand.\n\nThird, LIFE AFTER BASIC. *L*  It's a job.  You're daily routine will be something like:\n\nMonday - Wednesday & Friday: \n0600-0700 PT (exercise)\n0700-0900 Personal Hygeine\n0900-1130 Work (do your job) or Training (Infantry, Armor, can't always "do" their job)\n1130-1300 Lunch\n1300-1630 Work or Training\n1630 Released for the day (party, BBQ, go to the movies, etc.\n\nThursday:\n0600-1200 Train\n1200-1300 Lunch\n1300-1500 Train \n1500 Released for the day\n\nSaturday and Sunday:  Do what you want.\n\nI'm afraid I can't help you on what to expect in Iraq and/or Afganistan.  I was one of the few that didn't get to go to either region.  HOWEVER, you will be expected to DO YOUR JOB.  That's it.  Nothing more, nothing less.  \n\nAgain, congratulations, and good luck.
630565
I can't really give you any advice but I do want to Thank You for your service to our country.  Stay strong and true and do your best!  G.B.