Growing divide between military and civilians?

[WickedWillis]

I did not serve, but I support those who did 100% and hold no animosity or jealousy towards Veterans.

[Flankenstein]

This comment is on point. I drink coffee with a group of retired guys a few times per week and those that did not serve in the military show a subtle amount of jealous animosity to those of us who did serve.

No, that comment is idiotic.

[CRAMBONE]

No, that comment is idiotic.

That comment was supposed to be slightly funny. Hence the shaded smiley at the end.

But since we are being all serious I also feel like sometimes I don't connect as well with someone who hasn't served. Even friends I went to high school with and was close with then. Sometimes I feel like there is a mixture of jealousy/regret in not joining/not understanding etc. Of course Alex Jawnes thinks we are taking over and POTUS thinks we are the next big terror threat!

[Flankenstein]

That comment was supposed to be slightly funny. Hence the shaded smiley at the end.

But since we are being all serious I also feel like sometimes I don't connect as well with someone who hasn't served. Even friends I went to high school with and was close with then. Sometimes I feel like there is a mixture of jealousy/regret in not joining/not understanding etc. Of course Alex Jawnes thinks we are taking over and POTUS thinks we are the next big terror threat!

Ok. Tone is tough at times through text. Cool guy shades emoticon is not indicative of jest or sarcasm either.

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

I'm actually surprised at the lack of people in uniforms in airports, are more travelling in civilian clothes or something? 40 flights this year and I think I saw one person in BDUs. I never see officers.

I thought the article was interesting in how it seemed to dis the Reserves. Last three presidents didn't serve ACTIVE military, as if W and Clinton had the same experience. The Stanford girl going reserve instead of active duty. I know the difference in level of commitment, but I had an acquaintance that had the military pay for his Med School, graduated right around 9/11, was an ER doc and never had to serve outside the US. How in the heck do you do that? It seems not only that a small fraction of civilians serve, but only a subset of the military ends up doing multiple tours.


What is the solution?

And what happens when the drones/robots do most of the fighting as some forecast?

[BoringGuy45]

I think another thing is that it's cool to hate America among the younger crowd. When you talk about how bad ISIS is, or what the Nazis did, you'll get a quick response from most young people about how it is no worse than what we did to the Native Americans, Japanese, blacks, Iraqis, etc., and how they don't support anyone because everybody sucks. Except them of course. They aren't part of the problem.

They don't care about anybody but themselves, and they look down on people who aren't apathetic as stupid. The idea of putting one's life on the line for anyone or anything is seen is a waste of time. As such, in their eyes, if you join the military, it can only mean that you're a brainwashed sheep or a total psychopath.

[26 Inf]

I know the difference in level of commitment, but I had an acquaintance that had the military pay for his Med School, graduated right around 9/11, was an ER doc and never had to serve outside the US. How in the heck do you do that?

Was it .mil that paid or .gov? Any chance he was involved with the U.S. Public health Service? They have the National Health Services Corps (NHSC) which places doctors in under served areas, and they also have Commissioned Officers of the USPHS.

Or are you just remarking that you thought it unusual he was in the military and didn't go overseas?

By the way, I'd like to hang with GW, I think he is a nice guy, but if you don't think he was dodging the draft at the Fort Worth Flying Club just as much as Clinton was, well.......

[THCDDM4]

I wasn't in the military. I wanted to join, but I had a problem with authority and knew it wasn't for me.

I have the utmost respect for the GOOD men and women who served. I Say "good" becuSe I have met a few pieces of shit who just so happened to have served and their was nothing other than the military service to respect about them. Bad apples.

Some of my closest friends and family are current or former military and we get along very well. Many have mentioned to me that I am one of the few non military people that they get along with and understand them.

I'm constantly asked by people if I served, when I tell them I didn't they are surprised. Guess I'm just that type of dude, but never actually served.

Every time I see an older gentlemen with a Korea or Vietnam hat on I shake their hand and thank them for their service. Usually it turns into a beer or two and a lot of good conversation.

I know many younger guys who want to join and are very good people who respect military members/vets.

Their are quite a few morons out there who hate the military and service members- it's indoctrination by the progressives plain and simple.

Some of the BS I had to endure from professors and classmates in college was disgusting. Liberal minded people don't all necessarily hate the military/members; but I find all the retards who do have this negative stigma just so happen to be self proclaimed liberals, democrats, progressives, socialists, etc.

I have yet to meet a conservative, republican or libertarian who held this negative stigma. Met some who didn't have much of an opinion one way or the other.

Some people just mindlessly listen to and accept the BS they are spoon fed; sadly more and more people do with each day. But that's a symptom of a larger problem that lies deeply within our Federal Govt, public school system, media- all working together to eviscerate the core values and fundamental framework of America.

[Eurodriver]

I'm actually surprised at the lack of people in uniforms in airports, are more travelling in civilian clothes or something? 40 flights this year and I think I saw one person in BDUs. I never see officers.

I thought the article was interesting in how it seemed to dis the Reserves. Last three presidents didn't serve ACTIVE military, as if W and Clinton had the same experience. The Stanford girl going reserve instead of active duty. I know the difference in level of commitment, but I had an acquaintance that had the military pay for his Med School, graduated right around 9/11, was an ER doc and never had to serve outside the US. How in the heck do you do that? It seems not only that a small fraction of civilians serve, but only a subset of the military ends up doing multiple tours.


What is the solution?

And what happens when the drones/robots do most of the fighting as some forecast?

Really? I always saw Army dudes flying around. Do they even own any other articles of clothing?

You'll never seen Marines because
A) we aren't allowed to wear cammies off base
B) everything else is too damn uncomfortable
C) why the hell would we wear a uniform when we can wear civilian attire and get away with not shaving?

People who wear uniforms at the airport are dumb.

[J8127]

I'm actually surprised at the lack of people in uniforms in airports, are more travelling in civilian clothes or something? 40 flights this year and I think I saw one person in BDUs. I never see officers.

I travel almost monthly and we make it a point to NOT look military (which is impossible), no camo carry ons or luggage, no velcro hats, etc...

EDIT- And what Eurodriver said. Especially since it's probably burning into my weekend to be traveling, so damnit Ima be comfy.