Am I a coward if I don't want to join the military?

Answer 1

Depends on why you don't want to join. If it is because you are afraid, well that's your answer.

Answer 2

Princeton defines coward as: "a person who shows fear or timidity." That being said, if you decision not to join is based on the above, then yes you are a coward, but if it is just a personal decision, then no you are not. I have many friends that did to join and chose to do other professions, while several of us joined the military.

My personal opinion on this is that if you do not want to join then so be it. It's not for everybody and you are actually do us (service members) a favor by not being in and spreading hate and discontent, because you are doing something you do not want to do.

Joining the military is not the only way to serve your country honorably. You can pursue a degree and help find ways to save lives, like better armor for our troops. Lest we forget, the military are not the only ones dieing over there. There are plenty of American civilians also (truck drivers, doctors, etc.)

I can safely say that some of the folks calling you a coward without knowing why you do not want to join the service probably have never joined before either.

That's just my $.02 on the matter.

Answer 3

As previously mentioned, depends on why you don't want to join. For some, it's not their thing. For others, its a matter of not being informed. The military has a lot of good points, but there are just as many bad points, as with every organization.

I think the appropriate question might be, are you a coward if you're in the military, get called to Iraq, and go AWOL??

Answer 4

absolutely NOT. the military is not for everyone. if you're not motivated to join the military, then you just aren't. it doesn't make you any more of a "coward". everyone can serve their country in their own way. it just so happens that servicemen & women choose to do this by enlisting.

the true cowards are those that do nothing but sit there and trash talk the system, the government, the military, or anything about the country but don't lift a finger to do anything about it.

some poeple serve best by joining the country. others have their own ways of showing support and bravery in the u.s. simple as that.

Answer 5

It depends.
Are you afraid of being sent overseas to Iraq? If so then I'd say yes.
Are you afraid to die?? (Got a secret for you, we are all dying from the moment we are born, some just go quicker than others.)
Do you have a moral objection, like it is a sin to kill--religious objection--thou shalt not kill?
I joined the Army when I was 17. I wanted to go Airborne, jump out of planes, kill the enemy, and break things. (Had a LOT of anger at that time.)
Anyhows, just because you join the military doesn't automatically mean you go to war. It all depends on what MOS (career field) you get into.
You could talk with a recruiter to get more information.
The best ones for you sound like the Navy or Air Force. They don't really do as much as the Army or Marines during wartime.
Hope this helps some.
If you are speaking English, THANK A VET!!

Answer 6

Ultimately, it depends on WHY you don't want to join the military. Some people aren't cut out for the disciplined life style. Some don't want to fight. Some don't want to fight at the direction of an administration they don't support. There are any number of reasons that joining the military may not be for you. If the reasons are good, then they're good.

Not wanting to join the military doesn't necessarily make you a coward.

Answer 7

Of course you aren't a coward if you don't want to join the Military. Not everyone is cut out for it and that is fine.

Answer 8

No, not at all. The military isn't for everyone. My youngest joined and wanted to make a career of it, but was injured at sea and was separated with a disability. My eldest wanted NOTHING to do with the military (during peace time). He is 3rd in command of a construction plumbing company now. I spent 20 years and enjoyed the structure, the camaraderie, the 'being part of a family' no matter what base I was on for duty or just 'passing through.'

Answer 9

Sounds like you are patriotic. Sounds like you feel guilty for not joining the military. Its not for everyone. There are many other things you can do to be supportive of our country and our troops, with out actually being a troop!
You could be a volunteer for an organization that helps the families of the troops. Work for Red Cross.
Look at what skills you have, and see how you could use those skills be a benefit..

At least you didn't run away to Canada!

Answer 10

An unwillingness to join the military doesn't make you a coward. Fear dictates cowardess. If fear were to stop you from doing what you're obligated to do....only then would you be a coward.

Answer 11

If you could serve the country better by doing something else then you're not. U should only join the military if that is wha'ts best for u. A really hot chik told me that once.