if we ask those troops in iraq if they are being patriotic how many will say yes? how many will say we are just trying to live through the day and get the hell out of here ,hopefully alive.
2007-03-07 08:40:22 · 29 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I spent 26 years AF, and I think most soldiers, sailors and airman who don't develop a strong sense of honor, pride, patriotism, belief in strong citizenry and love of country do not make the military a career.
I believe the military is somewhat of a calling to many, many career NCOs. I can't compare it to a doctor or lawyer because their committment, in part, stems from the lucrative salaries they earn. And doctors don't even make house calls!
Anyway, I think it's a calling similar to a preacher, or other leader of faith.
There's also a sense of esprit de corps and a certain comradery that exists among all the branches of service. Of course there will always be friendly rivalries, but in the end, our military works as one, sharing the same principles of honor and patriotism. I'm sure there are exceptions to this, but by and large, I believe most feel this way.
Honor and patriotism may be BS to some in the private sector, but in the US military; I have no doubt it resides squarely in the soul of just about every military person proudly wearing the uniform. God Bless 'em all!
2007-03-07 20:15:35 · answer #1 · answered by stretch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honor and Patriotism? Are you an American? If you are then how can you ask that question? Our country was formed by men and women who had nothing but honor and patriotism. Every person in the service today volunteered to serve in the Armed Forces, and the American people support them, these men and women are full of honor and go ahead and ask any troop about patriotism, they live for it. But be careful, questioning a soldier, seamen, airman or marine about what they hold most dear could get ugly fast, Do me a big favor, contact your nearest base and find out when a plane of troops are coming home on leave or for good, go to the airport, greet the troops as they walk off the plane and hit American soil, look in those eyes, Honor? Patriotism?
If you don't see it then, you never will, as an American soldier, its completely overwhelming.
2007-03-07 09:14:05 · answer #2 · answered by sofmatty 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
From what I hear it's a mix. I'm sure there's a lot of people there that believe they're doing the right thing. I've also recently heard a lot about soldiers who no longer believe in the war and want out, some of whom are risking serious time in jail by refusing to comply with orders. I commend them for standing up and refusing to fight when they believe it is not right to do so.
But yes, patriotism is BS. The basic Principal is wrong, as it implies you should be behind your country whatever it does. One should avoid getting sucked into ideas of being "patriotic" and instead hold onto your critical thinking skills so you can applaud the actions of your country and government when you believe they are right, and stand up and speak out when you believe they are wrong. The ability and the courage to do just that is what makes a person truly honorable.
2007-03-07 08:46:55 · answer #3 · answered by M L 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can only answer for those I knew that went to Vietnam. All go because they are patriotic, among other things-a job, money for education-lots went to prove something, mainly to their fathers. Once they're in the middle of war, they fight for each other. That's what the guys used to say. I don't think that means it's BS. Both are true. Most of the time, they're looking out for each other, other times they do feel patriotic.
2007-03-07 08:50:18 · answer #4 · answered by Middleclassandnotquiet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about you direct your question to them instead of asking people who don't know what they're talking about.
Personally, and I imagine a lot of troops feel the same way, I feel both. I feel a lot of patriotism being over here. It makes me very proud to serve my country even if half the people on here seem to think that I shouldn't be... which is nice of them. At the same time, yeah, I don't really want to be here. Of course I would rather be home and safe and not have to worry about my friends dying.
They offered me a choice when I got picked up for this deployment... accept it and go, or get out of the Air Force (I don't think this is something they do for every deployment, but we do things different in the AF). I really, really didn't want to come here. But there was no way that I could run away from my duties. This is my job and I'm proud to do it for my country.
EDIT: "I think they'd rather they would have been properly informed of what's actually going on in the world before signing up." -- It is not the government's job to make sure people are up on their current events before enlisting. If people don't know what they're in for, that's their problem. People forget-- these are the ARMED FORCES... we are here to go to war and to protect the country. People need to stop enlisting cause they want money for college or don't have anything better to do.
2007-03-07 08:49:07 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The small percentage of Americans that still believe in Honor and Patriotism are serving, have served, or are waiting to serve in the military, The rest are a bunch of whinie little hippies that are only concerned about themselves.
2007-03-07 09:31:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No way! Most of the people in the military, me included, live by a code of honor, its what makes us soldiers/marines/airmen and sailors. It is the foundation of what we stand for, and most of us serve our country with honor and do so willingly. But yes, at the same time, we take it day by day in iraq/afghanistan, but our ultimate goal is bound by honor and patriotism. Thats what makes us who we are.
2007-03-08 01:45:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure some of those soldiers feel patriotic in their duty, and many feel like this is just their job; do it. Honor and patriotism are quite real though.
2007-03-07 08:43:39 · answer #8 · answered by Pfo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As feelings, no they are very real. But, I think the ideas are pumped up and presented differently to potential soldiers. Most of them get over there and realize they were fed a bunch of bullsh**. (And I know, I have several friends and classmates there right now.) I think they'd rather they would have been properly informed of what's actually going on in the world before signing up. But, honor and patriotism are good qualities for an individual to possess for their home country.
2007-03-07 08:50:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I would definetely say that the troops over in the middle east are very patriotic. I'm sure as hell am.
and you don't sound like you are.
2007-03-07 10:33:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋