why civilian authority is superior over the military?
409244
military is a tool. like a hammer, its used for force when all other options are exhausted. origonally it was strictly for defense only. war is profitable to the few who have the power & authority to wage it. entangling alliances is always the excuse to get into war, profit is the motive. somehow we strayed from individual liberty to a proactive intrusionist mentality.
241531
The higher they climb in the military, the less duties they perform, and the more they can delegate.\n\nIt is better to be a General, and HAVE a General illness...than be a Major, and HAVE a Major Illness!
180152
The military wants one to fallow orders & the chain of command. Some times they do let them have rounds other than in a war zone.\n\nThe police want you also to think on your feet and as another person said while you carry a weapon and may want to shot John Q Public one has to practice some restrain.
316673
The military is the single most important industry to the security of any country, it is tightly regulated by the U.S. to prevent leakage of secrets, and also to make sure that it runs effectively.  In nearly any other country it would be a state run industry.
314277
I can't tell you for sure, but it's worse than a civilian.  Battery (or assault) of a uniformed officer will net you a few more years, at least.
137553
The American people have a right to know what’s going on, but at the same time it makes it difficult for soldiers to do their jobs. War isn’t pretty, its down right horrible. So when civilians are faced with this harsh reality every day during their breakfast it creates a lot of opposition. Opposition translates into a lack of support for troops. its hard to do your job every day when your fellow countrymen don’t support you.
121496
This questions demonstrates a lack of understanding of the Constitution of the United States and the relationship between civil authority and the military.  In short the military is subordinate to civil authority.  That civil authority is personified by the President as the Commander In Chief, but at the same time there is oversight by the Congress and the Judicial to interpret those presidential acts and the people hold the power to turn them all out..\n\nThose who are members of the military, and their families do vote.  It would appear that the current President Bush would win overwhelmingly if only those in the military and their families voted.  Those who are currently active members of the military understand the stakes of this war and apparently support the effort in far larger numbers than the general population.\n\nIf President Bush did anything wrong, such as lying, he can be impeached, and while some rant and rave about such a possibility, there is no proof of such actions on his part.  Stick to the facts, part of which are that we were attacked, other parts of the world are being continually attack, and this by people who intentionally target civilians including women and children.\n\nOne other thing, the members of the military are the last who want to go to war because they understand the cost of such actions.  Even so, when there is a need to go to war they are the first to step foreword to do what has to be done.  It is a shame that so many today don’t have the same understanding.
746681
As is stated in the constitution; the government is to provide a strong military...That's it!!\n\nClean air has been declared a winner.. has been greatly improved in the past few years..
72645
It all depends on what you mean by "better." The officer corps are the managers of the military and are granted that rank by the President (at least indirectly). Usually they are better educated, normally requiring a college degree. Have completed some sort of military training such as Officer Candidate School, the Military Academy or ROTC. This is followed by several months, typically, of training in their branch of service. The pay for officers and the breadth of their responsibilities are normally greater than those of NCOs.\n\nIf the officers are the brains of the military, NCOs are the backbone. They are more specialized in their jobs and typically have less overall responsibility. However, they have worked up through the ranks and know how things work. For this reason, they supervise soldiers on a day-to-day basis to ensure objectives of 'management' are met.  They will typically have more experience than the newly commissioned lieutenant and the wise officer will solicit their input. Personally, I had more fun and a lot less politics as an NCO.\n\nAnother category, between NCO and Officer, is Warrant Officer. This is a highly specialized individual normally with expert technical skills but lacking a normal commission. Examples may include some pilots.  I haven't been one of these, but that seems the way to go ;-)
71495
There is NO answer to this question, you cannot say which force is the best. They all rely on each other to function.\nThe army secures ports and airbases for the Navy and airforce to use. The navy transports the army, the airforce provides cover for the army. The army's needs come by transport provided by the navy. The maries are top notch, but should not be bogged down watching a city, which is best left to a larger force such as the army. The coast guard uses less power to guard the coasts against minor threats that should not trouble the billion dollar warships of the navy(which burn alot of fuel). Special forces can perform operations but cannot take over a city and hold it. Every force has its job to do, none is "better" than another.
1158422
The money seems relatively low compared to private and public sectors. But military personnel have benefits that we non-military types don't get.
335505
Why must one be better than the other, when they are more powerful when used together.
1108992
reason.... the best of the best is not chosen when aircraft and military eguipment, or for that matter government contracts are accepted by our government. its the vendor/manufacturer  that put the clowns in office that get these contracts. It is fact that a simple thing like dust can take these helicopters down.  as for someones comments on the lost life in the helicopter, blame those who voted for this fool and his cabinet. the contract was pushed along by his dumb republican father.
246643
Bottom line....an armed public are citizens,an unarmed public are subjects.If that's too deep for you,check out a little history.In everycase,gun control,or outright confiscation preceeded a totalitarian government.
779885
Think of the US Military is a tool or weapon. It is probably the best weapon with reguards to; power, technology, speed and will to fight and win. BUT..... it is always the person holding the weapon that makes the true difference. If the proper person is incharge of the US military there isn't a force on Earth that can beat it without resulting to nukes. So, I'll ask a question back:\n\nIf you were in trouble who would you hand this weapon to, to save your butt? A politician or a General?
163739
The etymology of the word civilian comes from the latin civilis.  There are two generally accepted definitions, however one applies.  By definition, a civilian is a citizen, who participates in civil life (that is votes, pays taxes, etc).  However, the term is used to differentiate between those in military service (and thus wearing a uniform) who may actually be citizens and participate in civil life, and those who are not in the military.  \n\nSo to be answer the question, there is no difference.  To be a civilian, one must be a citizen.   However, one could be a citizen and not be a civilian, that is, one would be in the military.
1066159
let me see if I got this right \nthey can torture and behead and kill any and all civilians attack churches basically no rules\nwe can't do nothing.if you shoot and hit a civilian you get tried for murder,if they run out of bullets we can't fight till they get some is this right.\nwell Souter feels the government has the right to take your home  now he say you should die when him and his buddy's wants you too