or do they not mind because they know why they are there and what they are fighting for.
i would appreciate actual soldiers to answer this one. its for my speech class.
2007-12-13 05:55:46 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
It totally depends on the soldier. I didn't mind when I first got to Iraq because I thought I was doing the right thing, and towards the end I did mind because I didn't agree with what I was doing. One of my best friends who served right beside me was the exact opposite, he hated the idea of the war when we first got there and felt like he was doing the right thing by the time we left. So, it really depends on the specific soldier, his morals and values, and probably what he experienced while serving. Alot of guys spend the majority of their time overseas hanging out on the base, watching TV while plenty of others are actually in the fight on a daily basis... Good luck on your paper
2007-12-13 07:12:35 · answer #1 · answered by Devin G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about Derrick's experience or his Battalion. I do think he read a lot into the question that isn't there; don't think the asker was asking abotu Christmas in particular.
In my Battalion I knew two guys who were not sold on the mission. In addition, 80% of my Battalion had been on previous deployments prior and had to sign a waiver in order to go.
Of the two doubters, one is a medic. He went because he's dedicated to the rest of us, and wants to help hurt people. The other guy is very apolitical, he signed up for the college money and if this was what he had to do to earn it, his attitude was "so be it."
UPDATE: Sorry, Derrick, the re-enlistment rate is, and for every year since 2002 has been over 100% of state retention goals. Tell me how that can be considered "down."
2007-12-13 06:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by RTO Trainer 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the purpose you are talking about. Most soldiers in Iraq are glad to be there and re-enlist once their time is up. That may be different from those who enlisted because they couldn't get a job anywhere else and thought they'd make some money being a soldier and then a war broke out. By and large, the soldiers who are there are doing great things for the people in Iraq, like building schools and keeping neighborhoods safe, but we don't hear much about that on the news.
2007-12-13 06:04:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 1⤋
Derrick's horribly out of touch with soldiers. Yes, I would rather not have missed two birthdays and every holiday in between, but I don't mind fighting. I enlisted in the United States Army to do one thing: fight. My mission is what the Army tells me it is. And I can tell you this, from having spent 15 months in Iraq: we are not there for oil. If that were our purpose, we'd have it all extracted by now.
2007-12-13 06:28:40 · answer #4 · answered by DOOM 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sorry not a Soldier but a Sailor and i did my time overthere. What you see in the media all day is not the same thing once you get there. You go thinking you are fighting for one purpose but you find other reasons to fight once your there.
2007-12-13 06:25:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Derrick, your point is moot. Of course you would rather be home for Christmas. I would rather be in Jamaica right now than at school studying for finals.
Some things HAVE to be done, even though you would rather do other things.
Derrick again...
Well, let's see. How many soldiers do I know? No soldiers, but I did know all the Marines that were in Iraq with me when I was there. Does that count? Oooh, Snap.
2007-12-13 06:06:24 · answer #6 · answered by Leroy J 3 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Most troops aren't over there for some crusade against terrorism. They are aware of the threat to their way of life terrorism represents, but when they are actually in combat, the mission is probably the furthest thing from their mind. They are fighting to stay alive and keep their buddies alive. That probably sums it up. You can ask any veteran from any war and they'd probably tell you the same thing.
2007-12-13 06:07:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Derrick is a 'tard. Just by his "facts" based on "personal experience", I think he is full of cr@p. In fact, I would bet he is nowhere involved in the military, and just slanting his answer to persuade people to his side of the arguement on the verbal fight raging about Iraq. I have NEVER met a unit, or heard of one with numbers like that. Not even close.
2007-12-13 07:44:46 · answer #8 · answered by Mac 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have family & friends in the military.
Everyone that I know is proud to serve their country, knew what they were signing up for (they all volunteered) and believe in the causes they are fighting for (freedom, liberty, defeating terrorists & defeating evil).
I must also say that I am proud of each and every person that fights to defend our nation, our Constitution, our freedom and keep us safe from those that want to harm us. There is not a more noble job in our nation than this.
God Bless America.
2007-12-13 06:08:17 · answer #9 · answered by InReality01 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I agree 100% with InReality. He said it all.
Chief Petty Officer
U.S. Navy, Retired
1968-1990
2007-12-13 06:22:26 · answer #10 · answered by Bill 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋