I would like to know what the common thought of what a US soilder does and is from a civilian stand point?
611664
I am a civilian, but I have to precise that I have been drafted in France for one year, 28 years ago. \nAt the risk to be wrong, I do not find much difference between a U.S. soldier and, some special cases excepted, a soldier of any other country. \n\nThen, a soldier has been civilian before he was a soldier, and even though arise, once more, special considerations (he enlisted very young so that he never really experienced adulthood as civilian, or he is son of a soldier and always saw other soldiers or soldiers's children around him during his childhood). \nSo, in numerous case a soldier know from personal experience what is civilian life know how he is perceived by civilians.\nThe main difference between a civilian and a soldier is that the soldier is round the clock a soldier and that he has to obey orders until his time is over; wheras a civilian is no longer at the orders of his boss as soon as he cross the door of the company where he works. Just for this simple reason civilian and soldier's behavior and their perception of life may differ to a sizeable extent. The civilian benefits of more freedom than the soldier. Moreover, unles he is officer, a soldier has no home, no private life allowing him to invite a friend for a dinner or a drink. The soldier is as cut from the civilian world; a fact that makes the soldier feeling more confortable with other soldiers than with civilians. Then follow some points such as the esprit-de-corps and else, depending the specialty of the soldier (does he has to handle secret stuff, etc) which may make a soldier still a more different person. Also, how is ranked a soldier may introduce a great deal of change in the way I perceive a soldier. \nAs civilian, I personnaly noticed that the higher is ranked a soldier the less I found him different from civilian people. This is explained by the two following reasons. \n\nFirst, a high ranking officer is in most case a courteous and well educated person capable to handle a conversation on numerous topics. \n\nSecond, a high ranking officer benefits of more freedom in his schedule and enjoys a pay allowing him to afford privacy suitable to relationships with civilians.\n\nAs testimony, it has been sometimes hard for me to realize that I was enjoying a conversation with a soldier when he was a general or a colonel. \n\nNow, while specifically talking about U.S. soldiers, I am afraid I wouldn't be of much help since I have never had, knowingly, the opportunity to meet one. Since I lived during three year and a half in Massachusetts I am sure I probably talked with at least one soldier, but if this happened I didn't know it and didn't even noticed it. Sorry. I guess I did my best to help you.
227101
The United States military does not target civilians intentionally. Thats what the terrorist do! And yes there was terrorists there before we took Iraq. To be an "Insurgent" you must be a member of a political party. What political party do the so called "Insurgents" belong to? Answer, none! The terrorist hide behind the innocent! If you cant figure that out, your in need of an EDUCATION DEVOID OF LIBERALISM! Would I send my son there? If he wanted to go then I would support him. I can't force him to do anything. He will have to make that choice on his own.
668534
Anyone who chooses to join for genuine defense of their country (eg. World War II) I have no problem with.  People who blindly obey and take part in objectionable acts (regardless of the person's opinion of them) I openly criticize.  \n\nThe British doctor who refused to serve in Iraq, the US soldiers who refuse to return to Iraq, the US general at Guantanamo who told the prisoners their rights under the Geneva Conventions are heroic and deserve the public's support.  "I was only following orders" wasn't a good enough excuse 60 years ago, so why should it be good enough now?\n\nThose who are uninformed, uneducated, or simply uninvolved should not join until they know right from wrong.  \n\nThose who disagree with their military have a duty to be a conscientious objector, and be willing to face punishment by a corrupt command structure if necessary.  \n\nThose who agree with and commit reprehensible acts are war criminals.
584114
At it again are you? I'm not saying that the reasons we are there are right or wrong or any war for that matter but I do realize that someone, somewhere, must try to stop dictators and third rate nations that try to become first rate to fast. When talking fails and turning the other cheek doesn't work... all that is left is war, no matter what scale. So... it takes a lot of dedicated young people to try and straighten things out with weapons and I know of nothing more dangerous in the military's arsenal than a pissed off nineteen(+) year old with a weapon. The sad thing is... someone has to lose. Be it us or them is yet to be determined. One of life's facts is that everybody has to pay. To what cost? I don't know but I've seen enough to know that this is sometimes the only way to deal with zealots and fanatics. Oh, I have my own thoughts(and ways) of dealing with terroists but then the American people would be really taken aback! I'm amazed that most people can't comprehend war or what happens in war. I guess that's why our military does its utmost best to keep it away from our shores. By the way, I've eaten crow(Roasted) Once I got past the worms and maggots and almost cooked it black it's not to bad. I won't recommend it though. Only if you're extremely hungry.I've also talked crow (called them in). That's how I got to eat one. Having a weapon would have made it a lot easier.
394426
I hate to do this but I've just got to respond t a_ranger_ boy. I hate to break to you but your beloved commander in cheif does not care about you. He's sent you to fight for an un-just 'cause. As far as "Where the bullets meet the meat" I've been there. So have a-lot of people who oppose the pres. I thought the marines were brain washed not the army. BTW I feel for you being over there and I hope you return safely but sadly you are not defending any americans right to anything. Sorry. You are being used.
143124
Thats a stupid question to ask. Sory to be so blunt but look at it logicaly do you think anyone from the US Armed Forces is gonna say what were doing to anyone but the President of the U.S and the troops overseas? They don't want to be thrown in the brigs. I agree with everyone else this is the type of question to ask the gov't not Yahoo users and I know either way you will not get an answer.
1043332
Someone that loves his country more then power , wants to see that every person living here gets a fair shake . Stands up for this country against our enemy's , looks out for the weak as well as the strong , is honest with the American People , has integrity , truthful and won't lie to us even if we don't want to hear it . The American people  should come first before Corporations . Have experts to advise him and listen to them
444890
The military is supposed to be self supporting.Set up so that all jobs that need to be done were done by military trained personnel.Although there are still people trained in all MOS's here in IRAQ civilians run the show when it comes to non combat duties freeing the soldiers for patrols,cordon and search and other dangerous jobs.I personally am glad the civilians are here doing what they are doing.No way would i want to be cleaning latrines,picking up trash and other menial labor jobs.\n  It is true that some of the jobs that civilians do should be done by soldiers such as driving trucks on convoys.A soldier  rank of specialist (pay grade E-4) makes around 35 grand yearly depending on marital status and dependants compared to 100 grand for a civilian doing the same job.A civilian doing HVAC will make anywhere from 80grand to 150 grand a year depending on experience while a sgt.pay grad e-5 doing the same job as his or her MOS makes 40 grand.I do not have civilians telling me how to do my job (base security),but they do tell us where we live what we can have in our living quarters and so on.It is my personal belief that NO civilians should be here and swallow my pride when it comes to cleaning latrines and such.During a war civilians need and should be at home where they belong.\n    There are two types of civilians working for the military here in IRAQ KBR and TCN's.TCN's(third country nationals)are laborers they work long hours for little money (by our standards).KBR kellog, brown and root are the specialty workers taking military jobs from the soldiers.These people are supposed to be good at what they do and by what i've seen they are not(that's not to say all are not good at what they do).The minimum a KBR worker makes is 80 grand tax free a year.Example = The area we live in has four generators to provide electricity they are supposed to run in sync so that when one gets overloaded or runs too long another starts up and takes over.The KBR rep. is supposed to know how to make them run in sync,but so far he has not been able to make this happen.When we first got here in july of '05 our power was going out on a daily basis.In 140 degree heat it got very hot very quick.this man makes 8 grand a month and is unable to figure out the problem.The solution? Get a bigger generator so he doesn't have to figure it out.If it was military personell doing this job it would not have cost american tax payers one millon dollars for a new generator the soldiers would be on it night and day until the problem was solved.The kbr person would stop working when it got dark and not worried about it until the next morining.Please understand I am not complaining about our living conditions here.I am an army soldier and can and will adapt to the situation,but if the convenience is available make it work as it should or get rid of the problem = KBR.
1119756
Most people are shallow (Take me for example - I can admit it!).\nI don't agree with the war, but I support our troops 100%. \nI work in the DoD/MoD field and I speak to grunts (well not Grunts, but their officers mostly) in the dirt everyday. I do my best to give them 100% away from the danger zone in hopes that it will help them come back in one piece.
1050741
fr Chuck-- you don't seem too priestly... hmmm..\nAlthough I do agree with you-- bring our troops home from all over the world.  Why should my tax dollars pay for all that?  Plus, how woule WE feel if some forieng country had several military bases on OUR soil.  Problem is, those countries also love the revenue we send them by having those bases there.\n\nAnyway-- back to the question at hand.\nI've noticed that we as Americans are a bit on the arrogant side-- that is, we think we know what's best for everybody and our policies are dictated to others.  I think the greatness in our country really came from our "humility" and being good citizens in the world.   By "Humility" I mean that we acknowledge we're not perfect, but we work to better our country (e.g. civil rights).\n\nMany of us DO know that our standing and reputation has been tarnished.   Those who DO NOT care about this are showing their arrogance.  There are times when we do need to tell the rest of the world to p*ss off and there are many more times when we need to play nice in the sand box.  Problem is we tend to mess up both of those cases.\n\nIt DOES matter what other countries think of us-- this is a global economy and we're not the only ones in it.
278257
I guess your definition of "common sense" is what the media tells you is common sense. The longer someone spends in the military, the better chance they have to see what really goes on, instead of relying on just what the media wants you to know.
221906
I think it's people in the military.  All kinds.\nGays are currently in the military, whether people want them there or not.\n\nPeople need to get over themselves and work together toward a better world.
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.
1122344
I believe that government officials should be held accountable for their actions just as I am held accountable as a civilian for my actions.\nGovernment   officials are obligated to serve the best interests of their constituents.This includes peace time as well as war time.If a government official or agency  betrays the trust of the people then  it should be challenged in court.especially if the actions result in the loss of life or permanent injury.\n\nI personally had relatives that served in Vietnam and when they returned their life was changed forever.It is especially heart wrentching to know many soldiers were drafted even though it was believed that the Vietnam War was not winnable.Who was looking out for the best interest of the American soldier?
300503
As a Canadian I hear many views but the most common is.. "I have nothing against the U.S.A. citizens but George Bush...\nThese are my views in life\n"Why clean up someone else's backyard before you cleanup your own.\nIf you cannot feed your own family why feed someone else's?\nBut..\nI also believe\nWhat's feeding one more mouth?\nSometimes you have to give to get.\nAlthough I am not a citizen of the U.S.A. I know the frustration that you are feeling, think about it, the border between Canada and the U.S.A is invisible.
523172
We, as FREE Americans, understand the sacrifices that you and all your loved ones and friends are making to protect our freedom in this very dangerous world. - A world where many nations have called out for our demise; and pray to false gods for our failure and death.\n\nThe despots, dictators, murderers and fanatics are at the very core of trying to topple all that is good. Eventually, God willing, many nations will see what the fight is all about, realize their own vulnerability and "Step UP". - But until then, I guess we'll have to "go it alone" with a small number of allies that see things for what they are. \n\nYour fight; your dedication; your commitment; your valor and determination should & will be justly rewarded - NOT just for you but for your family and friends here at home.\n\nIt is difficult for a civilian, thousands of miles away to shower you with accolades - But believe me, ALL TRUE AMERICANS stand ready to do what we can to have you, not just succeed, but prevail. -- Honorable people, protect Honorable people.\n\nUnderstand that their is a segment of younger, inexperienced, relatively uneducated "under-belly" of society here that just doesn't get it.  They have bought into the "negative American" brainwashing tactics that they have been fed - But I guess we all have made "mistakes of youth". - \n\nI PRAY FOR YOU AND YOURS.
16864
Dogfire:\n\nYou need to be commended for being honest. A lot of guys will follow orders but not say what they are REALLY thinking for fear of retailiation from other troops, commanders, society, etc. So, here's what you might want to consider. I think you should go back because you made the commitment to do so and you'd look like a traitor if you didn't. However, the truly patriotic thing to do is to speak up, let the world know exactly how you feel AS A SOLDIER about what is happening. Make your feelings known. Go back, do your job, but be a patriot: a true patriot in a democratic society will challenge the status quo, will question authority, will speak up when things seem wrong. That is the RIGHT thing to do...fulfill your commitment, but make your voice heard, doing so will bring you dignity, integrity, and admiration.