Do Soldiers who go to war really feel so passionately about their country they want to defend it?
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.
986912
Yes they frigging well have! They blow things out of all proportion and now everyone is against it because troops are being killed. When we sign up we know that we are at risk of being mobilised to warzones and the consequences this can bring. I am only in the Territorial Army (reservists) and if my time comes to serve Queen and Country over in Iraq i will.
466150
I know what you mean.  My husband is a soldier in the Army.  We spend a lot of time apart with him in very dangerous situations. It would be really easy to get down, or be negative.  I just keep in mind that my husband is a great and brave man fighting for those too weak to fight for themselves.  What keeps me going is the pride I feel for him, and the wonderful moments come everyday when you treasure each other the way we do.\n\nGet Blessed!
170148
i'm part of a military family, my thoughts are we are fighting in the wrong country/s... i support our troops and their families 100%
2103
My husband is a soldier and is on his way back from Iraq as we speak.  He has a better understanding of what life is like for the people, however, he also sees the hatred THEY have for Americans! Is hard to help people when they are trying to kill you!  He(and his family) feel sorry for the people who have to live in such horrible conditions.  His concern is this....How do you tell the good from the bad? How do you know who to help and who is a terrorist that wants nothing more than to kill you? Its a tuff question, and I think it depends on who you ask.  The general American public, that has no education about the situations in the Middle East most likely generalize and hate that race...HOWEVER, for those of us who do have some sort of inside knowledge(military), we are a little more understanding.  We feel sorry and want to help, yet at the same time, dont know who to trust.  I hope this in understandable.\nNow...do I or my husband agree to the USA being there? No Not at all, we dont want to be there! However, we must do what the chain of command says, or we go to prisson and can be put to death! When most of these soldiers joined the Military, there was no war anyplace, so we didnt ask for this, we may not agree with it, but we are bound by a legal contract to do what Bush tells us.  Now, MY husbamd is a medic...his job is to save lives...ALL LIVES.  I dont know if the US Military has or has not raped the people there...I can only speak for MY UNIT....and MY UNIT has never considered anything like that, and I cant believe other units would either. Im not saying its not true, im saying its hard to believe.  War is a horrible thing and horrible things happen in wars.  We dont blame the people in Iraq for hating us...as said, we invaded their land, and they are being lied too and threatened by the terorists.  If I was in that situation I would probably act the same way, but untill the people in Iraq learn to defend themselves from horrible people like Sadam and Osoma..then they will always be in horrible living conditions.
956125
I'm really not sure, i would want to fight for my birth country yet i dont know anything about it. I dont know whether they're in the right or wrong and who i will be fighting alongside. If i fight for the country i have lived in most of my life, then i would have a patriotic feel.
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.
1121515
I am totally against the war, however, people who join our military go in knowing that even if it's not necessarily a war they would back, they have comitted to doing their job.  I might also say that no matter what war or why - they have my absolute respect for being a part of a bigger picture that may cause them great harm or even death.  I salute all of them.  Bush, however, can kiss my flabbly butt.
90311
Of course it is. Its their obligation to have a strong military to defend this great country.
490754
I don't know, but I want to fight in a war when I go in to the army. I mean, come on, why else would people go? You know, besides money and training.
900052
Some would have you believe it's based on honor and country, maybe so.\n\nSome would have you believe it's for money, benefits, and higher eduction, maybe so.\n\nSome would have you believe it's because they are retarded, especially since they are joining up during war time, maybe so.\n\nBut maybe they are all wrong.\n\nAsk the person you love why they joined to find out the real reason.
390326
No.\n\nMoney shouldn't be of importance here. It's not the most important thing in life. Being happy is.\n\nIf your friend felt that the war is justified and he wants to serve his country and believes he would be doing good, then go. But not just for money, especially if you disagree with the Iraq war.
773888
I am Canadian, living in Canada, and am equally embarrassed about the "anti-war" sentiment in Canada and the negative impact this has had on the internal and traditional Canadian motivation to fight for what is right.\n\nAt the end of WWII, Canada had the third largest navy in the world.  While we have since become known (at least internally) as "peace-keepers", Canada does have a proud warrior past.\n\nI don't mean "warrior" in the sense of gratuitous warfare.  I mean "warrior" in the sense of going to war when liberty and justice dictate that it is right to do so.\n\nI believe that an important reason for the "anti-war" sentiment is the strong undercurrent of anti-Americanism that exists among many (but certainly not all) Canadians.  This exists for the same reasons it exists in Europe and elsewhere:  a sense of jealousy and helplessness in the face of the American juggernaut.  Certainly the USA is not perfect and we need to defend our national interests, but we should be VERY wary of accepting the "great satan" designation affixed to the proud chest of the Americans by the enemies of all of Western Civilization.\n\nThose opposing Canada's contribution to world liberty and democracy through battle should consider that their ability to protest involvement was built on the backs of soldiers.  War is bad, but sometimes necessary.  \n\nI just wish that more people understood that sometimes, things are truly worth fighting for.  It doesn't make the fighting enjoyable, but it does make it worthwhile, noble and right.
924023
if a Third World War broke out and you don't go and fight for your country, you are branded a coward and put into prison for the duration of the war, You'd never be able to look at your own refection again, never mind your fiends, (who probably did go and fight, and spilt blood and shared the losses with the rest of us) You would be shunned by society for not fighting for the country in its hour of need Unless you are a Quaker (and you need evidence to back this claim up) or a Concenetious Objector, you would have to go and fight, if the Third World War did break out, I would gladly go and fight! As would be my duty to do so! If I was told to fight, I would gladly join the ranks of the British Army \n\nOur generation may have to, if things carry on the way they are going.\n\nI'll see you on the battlefield, comrade!!
855354
I think pride does not come into the equasion.How can it when thousands of innocent iraqi men women and children have perished.British soldiers were sent to a war that was based on lies and propaganda.The casualties of war are but a name and number to the heads of government.They can never feel the pain and suffering of the families that are left grieving.They might as well say "we lied, and for that you died"How can they possibly be proud of that.Ashamed is what they should feel...but somehow i doubt that they do.
877274
YES!!! most certainlt,i may not totally agree with all of our goverments policys,but i feel nothin but respect and honor for military,they deserve our best
1106266
Well hopefully your General has your interests at heart.  As George Patton said "War is not about dyin for your country.  War is about making some other poor son of a bitch die for his country."  (well something like that.)