OK, less Hubris, and more honesty. Don't we all "serve" our country/society in our own ways, army, navy, ect.

Question

When people say "serve" your country, what exactly are they talking about??

Of course, they are talking about spending time in the military,
AS IF the only way to "serve" society or humanity was by taking THEIR career path.

Let me ask you:

Doesn't doctor in an emergency room at 1:00 a.m. "serve" the people?

Doesn't a pro bono lawyer, representing a poor person that can't afford legal services "serve" the people?

Generally, arn't soldiers being vain when they say "serve" as if they are the only ones that serve the community?

We all "serve" in our own ways, and to say that MY way is better than YOUR way is just looking down on other people's roles in society?

Bottom line, people take the military career path because the nature of the work suits them (and other practical & economic reasons), not because they chose to do something LESS profitable OVER something MORE profitable in life, all out of altruism? Please

BTW, I "served" in USMC reserve 1996-2002, 8th Tanks

Doctors, for example, also take an oath to serve humanity.

They forget that you can't on one hand say that you humbly serve society by putting its needs ahead of your own, BUT THEN say that you are more worthy & noble than any of the constituents of that society.

That is hypocrisy

Answer 1

I agree.

I fully believe in honoring memebers of the armed serives, and police, fire and other intrinsic services, but I'm leary of the two-(or even three-) tier citizenship that some people use such service as a foundation for: they say if you haven't served in the armed forces, you don't have a right to speak on the subject.

Answer 2

in many ways, as long as you're working and contributing to the economy, you are "serving" your country.


and yes, I do see your point that : "Bottom line, people take the military career path because the nature of the work suits them (and other practical & economic reasons), not because they chose to do something LESS profitable OVER something MORE profitable in life, all out of altruism?"

Answer 3

I was an aerospace engineer working in a defense plant for 15 years. I'd say that counts. I woulda' made a lousy soldier- but I was a damn good engineer.