Are you Bashing the military? Do you think they are dumb, worthless, from poor families, and tricked into service?

I read articles like Why do we Value Soldiers Over Scholars, which misleads readers and propagates false perceptions among the community. I respect the author (Hive account@calaber24p) for stating his opinions, but let’s not confuse his perception with the reality of facts. I think even scholars would take issue. His statements like “Soldiers provide little value to no value to the world”, “every soldier that joins will be doing noble work and making the world a safer place, but of course that isn’t true”, and “…low IQ individuals do well in the army and it is because they don’t question orders or dwell on the repercussions”. Unfortunately, these opinions may be perceived as inferring fact, when in actuality they are untrue. It may have the unfortunate effect of reinforcing false beliefs and perceptions among the impressionable. I would rather people know the truth, see the facts, and be able to recognize others who are making uninformed, but personal opinions. For the record, I believe we need both scholars and soldiers. 

If it was a perfect world, where disagreements were settled intellectually, calmly, and with words and not violence, then yes, there would be no need for soldiers. But this is not the world we have created, nor is it the social of organism humans are. There has always been conflict throughout human history.  It is a woven tale where aggression has created empires and crushed those without the means to defend themselves. Those nations with militaries that can influence other nations, protect trade routes, and keep warfare at arm’s reach from their lands, also survive and thrive better. There is a value to maintaining an effective military, unless you have a guardian who is doing it for you.  

Let’s be clear, there is a real need for the military. History is chalked full of examples of those without a means to defend themselves who were destroyed or enslaved.  It is most often the case. We cannot ignore history’s many lessons. As the great philosopher George Santayana said “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” And Winston Churchill’s variant if you prefer "Those that fail to learn from history, are doomed to repeat it." Both philosopher and soldier agree. 

I hear uninformed opinions in this forum painting the U.S. military as a bunch of uneducated volunteers tricked into service by marketing and then soon regret their indentured servitude under the unfair grip of the government. Nothing could be further from the truth.  First, the U.S. military is one of the most educated military forces on earth. In fact, the U.S. military academies are considered some of the best universities in the world, producing leaders and people of character. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and the Air Force academy in Colorado Springs are prestigious and are the top #1, #2, and #3 public schools in America.  

If all you think soldiers study is marching in a line, shooting a rifle, and following orders, you are sadly mistaken. The most popular majors at United States Military Academy include: engineering, social sciences, foreign languages, literatures, and linguistics, computer and information sciences and support services and engineering technologies and engineering-related fields. For the Air Force Academy they include: engineering, business, management, marketing, and related support services, social sciences, multi/interdisciplinary studies and biological and biomedical sciences.  Popular majors at Naval Academy include: oceanography, chemical and physical, political science and government, general, economics, general, history, general and mechanical engineering.  I dare say, anyone making the statement our military “is not well educated” is probably less informed than the people they are attempting to belittle. Here is the proof.    

If you think they only come from poor communities, you would be wrong again. Per census bureau data and independent think-tanks, three quarters come from neighborhoods at or over the median income. One quarter come from the richest fifth of wealthiest neighborhoods. 

Perhaps you think these men and women leave the service when their initial commitment is fulfilled, after they realize their “mistakes”. You would be wrong again. Retention and re-enlistment is very high. So much so, in the past few years, the Department of Defense has had to let soldiers go or force early retirement.  

How can the perceptions be so wrong? 

The military attracts people who are smart, motivated, and want to make a difference in themselves and on the global stage in defending the American people and values. The U.S. is a purely volunteer military and one of the few which mandates each soldier think for themselves. This is different than most other conscript forces which demand they only follow the orders above and if there are no orders, wait for them. 

One of the main reasons people are enticed by the military is for the COLLEGE assistance programs. And there is a significant number of people who re-signup after their commitment is over. It is a career. One which people are passionate about. So much so, sons and daughter, grandsons and granddaughters, after seeing and understanding the challenges, also choose such a career path. They have aviators, rocket scientists, biologist, neurosurgeons, computer experts, engineers, and other incredible and highly educated people in their ranks. So let's dispel the myth these are stupid and uneducated people. These are not drafted, poor, uneducated people. 

They have meaning, value, and benefit our country. They do so much, books are written about it. Tracking down terrorists who kill innocent Americans, defending ours and our allies borders from crime and aggression, contributing to UN Peacekeeping forces around the globe, setup Ebola treatment centers, delivering aid to countries after natural disasters, building critical infrastructure, rescuing ships and people from disaster, and they rush to the aid of our allies who might be invaded or intimidated. They are also standing guard as a defense against aggressive countries who may consider using nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Yes, general uninformed public sees what they expect to see, a foot soldier carrying a pack and rifle in some foreign country. That is easy to criticize and fabricate stories how they were tricked to do dirty work. But the reality is far different. Ask the news journalists who interview these soldiers, are embedded with their units, or ask them directly!  The soldiers themselves will tell you why they are there and the value they add, not only to the people of America, but also to the people in those countries they protect and give aid to. The US military has saved far more people than they have killed. Saved from civil war, genocide, disease, natural disasters, and starvation. Give them the credit they deserve. 

Informed sacrifice. 

One last point, these people and their families make sacrifices. Real sacrifices.  Every.  Last. One. "All give some, some give all" (true of the soldier AND their families). They have a sense of honor and commitment most people cannot even fathom. If you have never been in a life threatening situation, a real one, with brothers/sisters at your side, fearing for your life, you won't understand. It is brutal, but our soldiers, the best trained and near most educated in the world, stand together. They fight, bleed, and sometimes die for each other and the country they love.  That is something impressive. 

I know this community is mostly anti-government, anti-establishment, anti-military. So let the flaming begin. I will stand my ground on this issue. Let me make it clear in no uncertain terms, I fully respect and honor the U.S. soldiers and their families, current and past, who have protected my freedoms and my family. I will stand alone if necessary in my beliefs, I don't need anyone here to be with me. I am proud to know many, work with many, and will continue to go out of my way to preserve the reputation of them as they both have Earned and Deserve it. 

I respect everyone's opinions, so I am not bashing. We have the freedom to voice and believe in what we want. Ironically, that is exactly what our soldiers believe they risk their lives to protect. Our right to be free. Even for those who would vilify or insult them. Just ask any soldier, they could be your doctor, lawyer, fireman, tech support, manager, pilot, disaster volunteer, or CEO. I am sure they would be happy to have a conversation with you. 

Many of the posts I have read, show distain for our soldiers. But, I get the feeling the real issue is not with the people themselves, but more of a political statement of sending them overseas. Perhaps fighting in a conflict you don’t agree with or likely don’t understand fully. This is a different topic. One which should be separated from the people who server or have served in uniform.  I think questioning the political leader’s decisions in how soldiers are deployed is valid and a proper discussion, but at the same time we can still recognize and respect these men and women for their honor, duty, sacrifice, and bravery. 

Image Credit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/11/military-education-infographic_n_1873842.html