If you were a soldier in Iraq, would you keep fighting there even if you didn't believe in the war?

Question

Since this is one of the most controversial wars in U.S. history, I just wonder if the soldiers in Iraq aren't doing so well there or taking so long because they don't think they should even be there.

To those who answered something like "why would you join the army then?", I mean would you keep fighting in the war if you realized it was wrong after you had already been sent there.

Answer 1

To answer the first question: no I would not. I would refuse and take whatever punishment they gave me... levinworth prison more than likely but I would rather save my soul than be used as a pawn in the murder of 100,000s of innocent ppl.

As far as the one's already there. I'm sure some have reservations about what they are doing. BUT, I was in the military before and what most of them do is just convince yourself that you are doing it for all the right reasons. You purposely turn off or tune out anything that opposes you being there. That is the only way you can handle what you are doing. Otherwise they would be flipping out when they realized they were murdering innocent ppl that are just fighting to save their country and culture... way of life. It's like self-brainwashing in order to keep your sanity.

Also, for those answerers that said things like.. 'they shouldnt have joined in the first place..." That's completely crappy to say. RECRUITERS are the biggest liars on this planet. When I signed up I wanted to sign as a conscious objector (no combat) but I was told that as a female I didn't have to do that. They said that because I'm female, I would never be remotely close to combat.

Now look, women are being brought home in body bags. Pt is the recruiters lie, cheat and steal just to get KIDS to sign. Promises of money, education, war is almost over, you won't have to fight, etc...

Answer 2

When you join the army you do so knowing that you will be expected to go and shoot at people who your government decide need shooting, not you. You must also know that other people will be reciprocating and shooting back at you.

If you don't realise this when you join up then I would submit that you are not smart enough to be allowed to learn how to use a firearm.

As far as morals and controversy goes, that is not the soldiers job. Thats what you have politicians for.

Politicians have sometimes been good soldiers, but soldiers have rarely been accomplished politicians. They are different skillsets and with widely different sources of information.

The situation in Iraq is difficult right now and our troops are sufferring some casulaties and living 15,000 miles from their loved ones so it is only natural that they are currently grumbling and groaning.

Thats what all armies do, even in peacetime or on exercise.

Soldiers also like to get the job done, and they are trained for all out total violent war, not acting as policemen and getting shot at and bombed by people dressed as civilians.

Answer 3

No, that is not the case. I'm in Iraq now, and the soldiers can't do anything without the media being up our butts, and making an issue out of everything. Couple that with the fact that the big bosses are running the war to please the critics, instead of doing it to get it over with. War is not nice....it never was......and the sooner they let us do our job the way it's supposed to be, the sooner we'll go home. How about an example.....Have you heard of ANYTHING good from the war? How about all the people with electricity and running water....for the first time in their lives? The media don't report that, but they'll report a soldier for killing someone......for doing his job. They're lucky that I'm not the president....the soldiers would already be home.....

Answer 4

No soldier wants to be in a war... NOT 1, any who do are more nuts than a can of planters Peanuts. But the decision for war or where to go isn't in their hands, Its in the hands of the politicians of the country. Yes, The willingness of a soldier to fight is very important in how he/she fights, but A soldier also must be disciplined enough to realize that "that is what he/she was trained to do", and that they must do their best for all of their friends and "Military family members" (They don't call themselves brothers and sisters for fun) because to do less could get someone (usually a friend ) killed or injured. The war is taking a long time because of the type of war it is not the willingness or unwillingness of the troops.

Answer 5

When you join the military, you make a promise to obey every lawful command which deprives you of the right to pick and choose the orders you wish to obey. Orders are issued because someone in authority think (and perhaps they do) know better based on intelligence, etc. National policy should not be confused with warfare. The army obeys its civilian elected officials and as a loyal member of the army, it is your duty to follow the decrees of your nation. In the US, it is the President and Congress that directs the army and if those leaders choose to fight, then a soldier must obey his superiors and to do otherwise is to brand him as a traitor to his own nation. As a soldier in the field doesn't have the right to abandon his fellow soldiers or put them at risk for doing their job because he is against the national policy. Those national policies are dictated by voters...people can change the policy but not a soldier in the field.

Answer 6

There are a hell of a lot of people in Iraq who would dissagree with your view. But maybe the status quo of starving under sanctions, getting raped & beaten by Saddam & his sons was A OK?? Maybe Giving the these people the first chance to run there own nation in 1000 years is a bad thing? Maybe rebuilding there power and water, giving medical care to the sick & jobs in a nation of 50% unemployment is a bad thing? Aren't doing so well?? We defeated a major army and took ther capital in a month. We captured or killed most of the 52 most wanted. We just killed the leader of Al Queda in Iraq. We have militants talking to the govt. about peace and amnesty. We have lost not one battle. We have uncovered tons of weapons and documents giving us intel on the bad guys. We have seen a nation make a constitution faster than we did in the 1780's. we have seem muslim women acheive real freedom in a region where it is rare. We have protected the gulf states and forced Libya to make peace & Syria to leave Lebanon. Sorry bud, your way off base.................

Answer 7

the reason this war is controversial is the constant barrage of news reports that keep everything stirred up all around the world i hate to say this but sometimes there is way too much information being broadcast to the public i don't think we need to know every thing that happens in war."like the saying goes war is hell" and just remember this is an all volunteer military and if you don't support the war then don't join because everyone raised there right hand and agreed to follow orders give to them by there commanders and the president of the united states

Answer 8

I am so tired of hearing about the US killing innocent people, some 60 people were killed by a car bomb this morning. Were these 60 guilty people, or don't their lives matter?

To the person who said she wanted to enlisted as a conscientious objector--what a bunch of crap. Join the Peace Corp and go to Africa.

My son is in the Navy, he has not been deployed but his friends seem to feel that we are there for a good reason.

And no, the media does not report about good things, happy people aren't headlines, the random possiblle killing is, the same way the media doesn't report that everyone did well on their school exams, but let the grade level drop a bit and all hell breaks loose.

I want to thank every service person I see, they are volunteering and they are willing to put their lives on the line. I am so sick of these know it alls who only complain but do nothing to make things better.

How many of you have tried to raise money to send food or clothing or books to people in Iraq or for that matter to people in New Orleans, but damn their mouths sure flap about anything they think is wrong.

Hey all you service people reading this. Thanks! and pass it on to your buddies.

Answer 9

I would be what is known as a "consciencuous objector" (I may not be spelling that right..) there was an article about it in the LA times some time ago as well. I have heard of soldiers from Vitenam that were C.O.'s and I have a friend who when he was being interviewed at the end of his boot camp was asked if he was`one and he said yes and they ended up declining his entrance to the military. Ask the librarian about it...

Answer 10

I had a conversation a few months ago with a soldier who had just returned from Iraq. He told me that not only did he not know what was going on, but his superiors were in the dark too.

Their job then becomes following orders and trying to stay alive. I think this is what military brass wants