Since the armed forces are volunteer, how can the current administration be blamed for killing troops?

Question

Aren't military officers supposed to expect that they could die in a war no matter what justification the war was fought on? Isn't that part of the point in defending the country?

Or am I missing something?

Ahem. Veda . . . I'm a liberal.

rhubardpi, if you're going to insult me, you'd damn well better back it up.

LARRY J7, aside from the occasional yelling and the slight to my intelligence, you have some valid points. Settle down a little, and I will take your viewpoint with full consideration.

Thanks for everyone's answers. I was honestly seeking perspective on this.

And for the record, I didn't vote for Bush either time, and I vehemently disagree with him on most things. But I refuse to blame everything that is going on in Iraq on him. I was more trying to understand the military perspective.

Answer 1

The individuals volunteer on the FAITH that their leaders will engage them in JUSTIFIABLE conflicts on HONORABLE terms and in SOUND policy !! They do not volunteer to DIE in trumped up warfare in unjustifiable circumstances set in dishonorable terms and by unsound judgement-----but once IN the military and under oath and UCMJ one is bound to the decisions of the leadership no matter HOW misguided and crazy that leadership may be or become----SO---the current administration can EASILY BE BLAMED for the unnecassary deaths of hundreds of its own citizens (military personnel ) BECAUSE of its unsound judgements and misguided policies !!

This blaming the dying military heroes for their own death is a little akin to the woman who is blamed for her own rape because she dressed a certain way ---- blaming the victim seems to be a brand new tool of the Neocons these days !!!

And, your not simply missing SOMETHING HERE ---you just don't get it----Period !!!

Answer 2

Your not missing anything. Unfortunately the troops sometimes are used as political pawns. The truth is it is volunteer and also this country saw a surge in enrollment after 9/11. Outside the political world normal people know what it takes to keep this country going, even if that means sacrificing for the good of everyone.

Answer 3

Granted the Armed Forces is a volunteer force, however it falls under the Commander-in-Chief as to the direction and leadership of our armed forces. Congress gave him authority, as prescribed in the Constitution, to wage a "War against Terrorism" after 9-11. Unfortunately this was a carte Blanche move that allowed Bush to wage wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. As soldiers, they swear to uphold the orders of their commander in chief and to defend America and the Constitution. The premise of our Armed forces date back to the days of the minutemen of the revolutionary war, basically the start of the Army National Guard. Citizen Soldiers have to swear their oath to defend the constitution and follow the commander in chief regardless of their personal beliefs three times before they are sent to basic training.
Because of the Constitution, the Congress may rescind Bush's ability to wage war by cutting spending for Iraq.

Answer 4

Its the government, no question approximately it. over the final decade or so the army's investment has been decrease to one / 4 or in line with risk much less. This has meant that the army and definitely the army and air rigidity an severe quantity of less to artwork with. the army has had to borrow kit from in all places or pay for it in my opinion themselves, under staffed, much less psychological help (next to none in certainty). Its is easy information that the British military has and that i dare say consistently would be ill equipped. the version right this is that the government refuses to grant the troops the bare minimum and now with the recession is attempting to do issues at the cheap, subsequently why they're additionally betraying our stance on terrorism and calling for talks with the Taliban aka mass murderers and terrorisers even of their own people. This government might desire to be thrown in detention center for gross misconduct, corruption, incompetence and each thing else they're in charge of. convey lower back Blair too and lock him away!

Answer 5

When you sign up to be in the military, you are signing up to be a soldier and to defend our country.I think some people think they can go into the military so they can get college paid for or to learn a skill. Yes they can do those things but their first priority as a soldier is to defend the country no matter what or where.I say this as a veteran. Our soldiers are proud of what they do and we should be proud of them too.

Answer 6

Our troops are not a renewable resource and they are not disposable. The current administration is RESPONSIBLE for every needlessly loss life.

ONLY when there is JUSTIFICATION should they be put in harms way, like defending the country.
How is playing policemen in a never ending civil war defending the country?

The leaders of this country have made many poor decisions and many of our troops have died. The troops volunteered to protect this country, not to die for bad judgment of its leaders.

Answer 7

"Sure, I felt, well, in a general sense I felt that when we put our trust in the government, when we put our lives in their hands, that is a huge responsibility. And we also say that "when we put our lives in your hands, we ask that you not abuse that trust; that you not take us to war over flimsy or false reasons; that you take us to war when it is absolutely necessary." Because we have so much to lose, you know - the soldiers, our lives, our limbs, our minds and our families - that the government and the people owe that to us."
-First Lt. Ehren Watada

Your first and second questions can be used to answer each other. The justification of the war would have to be in the defense of our country, if it is not, then the administration is sending the troops to die needlessly and can therefore bear the responsibility of blame for the death of the soldiers.

Answer 8

If a soldier is actually fighting in defense of one's land, country, way of life, etc., it is somehow more acceptable if s/he should be killed.

If your son, daughter, brother, sister, father, mother, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew is sent to fight and die so that someone else can gain more power and wealth, it is shameful.

Have you noticed that people are not signing up for the military and the draft is being once again considered? People are finally getting it.

Answer 9

People may volunteer to protect our country but they are not volunteering to die. Once they enlist they are required to do everything they are told to do even if it means they may die, they no longer have a choice.

So if Bush makes bad choices which mean the men must fight and die he is responsible as they no longer have a choice.

I wonder why people need to find excuses for him?

Answer 10

People volunteer to enlist to protect their country. Once you're in, you no longer volunteer for anything, you're ordered to go places. So if you voluntarily enlist to protect your country, and then your Commander In Cheif sends you to risk your life for someone else's country, you have to go. Therefore you can blame the current administration.

Soldiers take an oath to protect our country, so it is a shame when they are told to put their lives on the line for another country.