Does anyone else think that the US Military and its members are largely misunderstood?

Question

I am an infantryman and I am always pissed that I am misunderstood by the public and so is my job. no one understands or cares about anything military i guess its easier to talk trash if you are ignorant

Answer 1

As an 11B, and a former recruiter, I can tell you with absolute certainty the US public does not understand the military.

And while many Americans say they appreciate the troops, many of them don't even know what that means. Most of them say that to make themselves feel better. The disrespect I received on my 36 months of slavery (recruiting) was a real eye opener to what mainstream America really feels.

The truth is most Americans with no family-military connections look down from their noses at the Armed Services, they view enlistment as young people selling themselves short, when the fact of the matter is that most people don't qualify medically or academically (yes, believe it), and even then, almost a third will leave before their contract is up for not being able to hack it.

When I left the 82nd Airborne for 3 years to recruit, I was disappointed and surprised by the general difference in overall quality of people you meet in "real life." It was nice to come back to Bragg and be around people I could trust and actually had some kind of goal in life!

And to the woman who likes to sharp shoot others, the poster came across clear as a bell, minus his grammar. The problem is, you're used to people bull****ting around and being polite, when they should be straight, concise, and to the point. You'd probably break down and cry if someone in the Army gave you a good *** chewing.

Answer 2

My brother was in the military and went to Vietnam. He is stone Republician. I was home watching all the war protests going on, greater coverage than what the media dishes out. Now we have the Internet. The military is there to protect our country, but if you look outside the box, there is much going on that isn't reported. Ordinary people create their own reality. One soldier's death is one too many. Don't take away our guns, don't accept a National ID. Reinstate the Patriot Act, I don't want a microchip either. Our country is going downhill. Sorry that you aren't around here to see it. Sorry if you are misunderstood. It is a division of the rich & poor; and with a national deficit of nearly a Trillion dollars; maybe you'll understand when your grandkids are still paying for it. By the way, try to find the law that says we have to pay an income tax. Research that one! Where is the LAW? Where is it written? Why should it matter if you are misunderstood? Try listening to what is really going on. The poison in our food, chemicals; the way they keep everyone on drugs, all for the money. It's all about the money, and our guys getting killed. Our Constitution being dismantled. Do you even know what is in the Bill of Rights? You might know that it is easy to talk trash if you are ignorant, as military might be all that you know.

Answer 3

The problem is that the average person does not understand sacrifice. they have their homes, cars and video games, what do they need to fight for? They don't understand what i means to sacrifice or what military people willingly sacrifice to protect the things most people take for granted.

There is also this misconception talk will fix all the world's woes. Some people see the military as an obstacle to the peace that will break out the moment the military is dissolved, so until then they attack the military and try too discredit them.

I personally have nothing but the utmost respect for the men and women who serve. Keep strong, ignore the ignorance of others and do your best, that's all we can ask or expect.

Answer 4

I am not sure about the rest of the military, but judging from my limited interaction with you (basically checking out all of the questions you have posted), I would say part of why you are often misunderstood is that you have a hard time communicating your points. You tend to lump two unlike topics together into one question or sentence, and to not be very clear about what it is you are looking for. Even this short sentence above is missing some much-needed punctuation! Incorporating the emotional statements with the factual muddies the waters even further.

Perhaps a refresher course in English composition and grammar would help you make your points and arguments in a more efficient and effective manner, thereby reducing the number of times you are misunderstood.

Answer 5

DEFINITELY -- and this is coming from a Military Retiree ... the Misinformation has been out there and passed along for so many, many years ..

So instead of being informed about our duties, our responsibilities and what we are tasked to do (and the ways that we live within a strict code of conduct) ..

IT is far easier for others (A vocal Minority and the Members of the so-called "press" or media outlets (for example)) to NOT want to meet/greet a ServiceMember (Male or Female) and put them down for that SERVICE (which is VOLUNTARY) rather than to open themselves up for a good lesson in Democracy, Honor, Respect and Dignity.

What is the most underreported is the GOOD WILL that the American Servicemember does while stationed in conflict zones -- the building of schools, roads, utilities, and providing things that children need for happy, healthy lives ... ALL NOT reported on a daily basis.

Answer 6

I think that it is not true that the public fails to understand, I think it is more an issue of what is reported (and not reported) in the media.

I firmly believe that the American people care deeply about each and every member of our Armed Forces.

I just wish I felt the same way about our current administration's understanding or concern for the military.

My dad was career AF, I grew up with the military, and I worked for DOD for awhile during Vietnam.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR MILITARY, AT HOME, AND ESPECIALLY THOSE FAR FROM HOME. OUR HEARTS ARE WITH YOU.

Some of us make it part of our day to gather news from all over the world, and then make up our own minds rather than watch a half hr Main Stream Media "snews". And we write to Congress and to Newspapers, we are doing everything we can. And we will not stop until our military is again on safe ground.

Answer 7

It's true the general public have little knowledge of or interest in the military. I was not a line officer, and my uniform was hung up long ago, but I still try to get people to understand (as best I can, since I'm no expert, either) the difference between your job in counterinsurgency operations and that in maneuver warfare, and peoples' eyes glaze over quickly, though they still seem quick enough to form opinions. If our people can't be bothered to inform themselves on what kind of operations we're asking you to perform, I fear for you, but I know you're better than my contemporaries were, and I have confidence in you guys. God bless you all.

Answer 8

No way can the everyday person understand what it is the military does. They watch the news, hear about mostly when someone in the military screws up.....and then form opinions based on that. My husband is in the Army and i still do not understand 100% of his job. There are things he does he can't tell me, and i wouldn't want to know if he could. But what i do know is you guys work your A$$es off and need respect and support, and i for one support all the troops. :-) Merry Christmas

Answer 9

I think criticism for the administration, and their decisions is misconstrued into criticism of our Troops.

I served in our Military, and have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for every single serviceman in our Armed Forces. It is because of my knowledge of the service that I must resist the policies of this Administration.

There are two completely distinct issues here.

As a citizen that takes this role very seriously, it is my Duty and Obligation to let my government know that I believe that the decisions that are being made by the civilians in charge are heading Our Country in the wrong direction.

I know our Troops will perform each and every mission to the utmost of their abilities. They are heroes even if criminals sent them.

I also believe that this administration has fallen way short of doing everything they could to support our Troops. The list is long and under-discussed in my opinion. From the failure to provide proper armor and equipment in the beginning to the use of Depleted Uranium Weapons, which is probably closely related to "Gulf War Syndrome", to underfunding the VA.

Please read up on these.

If this Government places the deep respect it claims to why are 20% of the Nations homeless Veterans?

No Veteran in SC in 1992 could not get food stamps, without paying for a civilian doctor visit and record review, because the VA policy was not to allow VA doctors to fill out or sign forms. Not even forms for Food Stamps or Handicapped parking permits.

How can we as citizens sleep at night while these unnecessary hardships are put onto our Veterans. Why did it take 30 years for the Government to allow illnesses caused by Agent Orange? Why the continued denial until a large portion of those affected by these conditions had passed on?

How long before the Gulf War I Veterans get adequate compensation for the afflictions they have because of exposure to the radioactive dust of DU Weapons?

How many more Veterans of this War on Iraq will be more seriously affected by the use of Many times the amount used in 1991? Tons of these weapons, many thousands of rounds used in almost every weapon available.

This Administration uses this spin on a constant basis to snuff out any voices that might not agree with them. There could be nothing further from the truth. I have yet to hear one person say anything detrimental about our Troops, No One questions your Patriotism or Dedication to Duty. Each of you are Heroes.

I would like to see all of our Heroes home (Combat and Training) by July 4, 1997, so we can all celebrate with them on Independence Day.

And Independence from George W. Bush's folly!

Daddy was right, George. Stay out of Baghdad

BRING OUR TROOPS HOME NOW!

Answer 10

Why would you say a thing like that when the outpouring of love, care, and respect from the majority of people in this country is blatantly obvious no matter where you turn? Wear your BDUs in public sometime. I guaran-damn-tee you will get people shaking your hand and thanking you out of the blue for the service you're providing for this country. People who disagree with Bush and his administration's policies don't hate the military. I don't know about anyone else, but I haven't personally met a single person against the war who has disparaged the troops. We want you to come home safely. In fact, we'd rather you not have been abused by our "elected leaders" by being sent to profit Halliburton and defense contractors.