How do you view Soldiering?

[The Colonial Fleet]

Here in Canada we have a strange disconnect with the military that doesn’t exist in the US at all. The military exists very much outside of society and is allowed to coexist only on days like Remembrance Day or when some civil disaster demands it. Most people think of the military as just being peacekeepers. They don’t really get it that part of what makes a good peacekeeper is being professionally trained in soldiering to the point where some village irregular thinks twice about getting into a fire fight with you. Infantry soldiers train to close with and destroy the enemy. They have a camaraderie whose closest equivalent in civilian life is enjoyed by firefighters, except firefighters don’t tend to get shipped overseas with people trying to kill them.

So in Canada we take a lot of pride in our peacekeeping reputation and get very confused that we aren’t doing that in Afghanistan, when we are still using the same military we did for peacekeeping. If Canadian soldiers get in a firefight and kill a bunch of bad guys the military won’t release details, fearing the public will be upset about our military killing a bunch of bad guys. Our society treats military achievement a bit like having an embarrassing medical disorder. It’s changed a little under the current government, but it’s mostly vote grabbing insincerity without substance.

How much you bring up your military record depends on the job you’re in. I would leave it off some resumes and on others, depending on whom I’m marketing myself to. Me, I get as annoyed at the lefties trying to score political points by knocking the military, as the right wingers who insincerely stand behind them, so they can better stab them in the back whenever convenient or cost effective (slashing funding for recovering veterans who need it isn’t supporting the troops either).

[Hockeynutville]

Amen ^

[Christians A Liberty]

Our soldiers stand up for our rights as Americans. We treat them with honor because they fought for us. They took our place in the ranks and without them we wouldn't be free. To serve your country is the highest calling as long as that country stands for the right things. Which I believe the USA does.

[South Urthropia]

In the UK the soliders are thought of as poor people who shouldnt be in war at the moment. The government mention that they are going to improve the care of the soliders but dont.

This causes alot of anger in the public and there for makes them vote for other parties. At this point in the time the Military in the UK are seen as heroes, fighting even though they shouldnt be and for being brave and staying for there despite not seeing there family for christmas for months, some even years.

[Setibus Paribus]

i have always held soldiers in high regards, they are brave people, alot braver then me. Britain always seems to have alot to do with its military, and in the past we used it unethically, and used it to invade and build an empire (although i must point out that back then if you wanted to be a superpower then you had to build one, the global economy of today didn't exsist back then so it was hard to become a superpower without building an empire.
In my nation on NS the army is used to defend our borders, however if there is a holocaust or something major in another country like a new hitler, then my nation would help in initial invasion and overthrow of supressive government. How the people want to go on after that in their own country is there choice, not ours.

[Shelter from the Storm]

Nov 15, 2009 5:33:08 GMT -5 The Colonial Fleet said:

Most people think of the military as just being peacekeepers. They don’t really get it that part of what makes a good peacekeeper is being professionally trained in soldiering to the point where some village irregular thinks twice about getting into a fire fight with you.

So in Canada we take a lot of pride in our peacekeeping reputation and get very confused that we aren’t doing that in Afghanistan, when we are still using the same military we did for peacekeeping.

I am incredibly proud of the peacekeeping role of our troops, which is why I don't think we should be in Afghanistan at all. It is not a peacekeeping mission, but rather, an invading force.

[Anime Daisuki]

In Singapore there are two types of soldiers. Professional soldiers that do that as a job, and national service men (all males age 18 must serve 2 years in the Armed Forces).

The NSmen are viewed with pride, and a bit of pity by the population. The people know these are the kids who don't want to be there, but are forced by the Gahmen (Government) to serve. (There's no pay for the entire 2 years, just a stipend of about 200 dollars which isn't enough for even transportation). No parent will willingly send their sons to the Army camp... but they have no choice.

The professional soldiers are viewed with contempt. It can't be helped, because in the Chinese culture, soldiering is seen as a piss-poor, disreputable job. In years past, soldiers were always the oppressors, whether it was Qing Empire soldiers oppressing peasants in China, or British soldiers oppressing the "natives" (White colonizers had a habit of viewing the natives as less than human), or Japanese soldiers killing natives in WWII --- you can see why Singaporeans do not like soldiers.

Even in the present day, only those with very bad grades or can't get a job in the private sector, sign up with the Army.

[Bad Infinitum]

Jan 2, 2010 2:38:04 GMT -5 Anime Daisuki said:

The professional soldiers are viewed with contempt. It can't be helped, because in the Chinese culture, soldiering is seen as a piss-poor, disreputable job. In years past, soldiers were always the oppressors, whether it was Qing Empire soldiers oppressing peasants in China, or British soldiers oppressing the "natives" (White colonizers had a habit of viewing the natives as less than human), or Japanese soldiers killing natives in WWII --- you can see why Singaporeans do not like soldiers.

See, that's a shame. Most professional soldiers that I know, myself included, are professionals simply because they're good at it. I'm not a bully and I've never oppressed a soul in my life, but I'm a crack shot and I have a solid grasp of tactics, so naturally I took to soldiering like a duck to water. Looking at a professional soldier with contempt for his chosen profession is like looking at a banker with contempt for banking. Sure, the banker's job isn't necessarily essential for the world to keep turning, but then, what else would that person do?

[New Dracora]

Jan 2, 2010 4:11:03 GMT -5 Bad Infinitum said:

Most professional soldiers that I know, myself included, are professionals simply because they're good at it. I'm not a bully and I've never oppressed a soul in my life, but I'm a crack shot and I have a solid grasp of tactics, so naturally I took to soldiering like a duck to water. Looking at a professional soldier with contempt for his chosen profession is like looking at a banker with contempt for banking. Sure, the banker's job isn't necessarily essential for the world to keep turning, but then, what else would that person do?

You know, what you said is pretty much in line with what the majority of Australians think of our military. Except for the loud minority of course, but no one (other than the media) really pays that much attention to said people because they are quite silly.

Soldiering in this country is just another profession, no more no less. We generally hear very very little on what our military is doing other than the odd politically motivated announcement every now and again nor does anyone really care - in a way, I think we as a country are quite fortunate in that regard.

I will however, add that most of the people working for the Australian army are tradesman and it's a little known fact that learning a trade in the service of the army will do you little good outside of the armed services since most skills are specifically (and deliberately) geared towards military-only requirements, making said skills useless for non-military use.

...at least that's what one local soldier told me.

[Chronopolice]

My country has mixed views for the soldiering profession.

We still hold them in high regard but in the light of recent events, some things are not the same anymore.

[Markanite]

In Markanie, we are very similar to Ireland and value our military but would never impose our troops on any counrty to make an empire like the british did.

Military personnel althoughh small in number have a day dedicated to them called " Military Appreciation day" on the 10/1 .

[Guy]

Dec 31, 2009 20:56:29 GMT -5 Shelter from the Storm said:

Nov 15, 2009 5:33:08 GMT -5 The Colonial Fleet said:

Most people think of the military as just being peacekeepers. They don’t really get it that part of what makes a good peacekeeper is being professionally trained in soldiering to the point where some village irregular thinks twice about getting into a fire fight with you.

So in Canada we take a lot of pride in our peacekeeping reputation and get very confused that we aren’t doing that in Afghanistan, when we are still using the same military we did for peacekeeping.

I am incredibly proud of the peacekeeping role of our troops, which is why I don't think we should be in Afghanistan at all. It is not a peacekeeping mission, but rather, an invading force.

Are you saying that all invasions are bad, or that Canada shouldn't take place in invasions because it's better?

[Charles of Burgundy]

Well I think soldiers should be held in good regard for serving their country, but it does depend on the culture. In the United States they are viewed as people defending their country and serving their duty regardless of the politics behind it. In other cultures I imagine it's different, it just depends. Does anybody know how they are viewed in Germany or Spain? I know England holds them with respect, I think.

[Ottoman Franks]

New Zealand does not really take any of its armed forces that seriously. Our Air Force has no jets only transport plains and we have banned all nuclear powered ships from docking in New Zealand. Our military has served in many countries, mainly for peacekeeping and I respect them for that. We are not aggressors. We do not decide that because we don't like another country's regime that we have the right to tear it down. I have friends who are going through University free because of the army though so I think thats cool.

[Central Vetteland]

I am career Navy so I am slightly biased but I dont see anything wrong with soing respect to the military. These people are fighting for everyone elses freedom and that should really mean something. I think the reason that we in the US give so much to veterans is because we have an all volunteer military. These men and women dont have to serve and so they are respected for their decisions to sacrifice for others.

This is not the case in much of the world where military service is compulsery. Then again like I said being that I am in the Navy and plan to make a career out of it makes me slightly biased.

[Ananke II]

Jan 3, 2010 11:01:01 GMT -5 New Dracora said:

I will however, add that most of the people working for the Australian army are tradesman and it's a little known fact that learning a trade in the service of the army will do you little good outside of the armed services since most skills are specifically (and deliberately) geared towards military-only requirements, making said skills useless for non-military use.

...at least that's what one local soldier told me.

That's interesting. In Denmark it's common knowledge that longer military training (e.i. some kind of officer training) tends to give you a leg-up in the corporate world.

[Klington]

A lot of benefits that comes from serving in the military in America really aren't viewpoint issues, but simply incentive issues. As in, prior-servicemen are just better than the rest of the populace.

For instance:

Most Officers in the U.S. Army get sucked up into Fortune 500 companies after they get out, or so I here. Companies crave the upper management abilities that these officers develop

Another common one is the USAA, which is an insurance company that offers it's services solely to military and military families. This is because Soldiers are considered more dependable than the typical population and thus are less like to damage their housing or automobile.

Lastly, there's credit. As we work for the government on a contract, chances are we will be having a pretty steady paycheck for the next few years, which is attractive to banks because we have the ability to pay off loans and credit cards with greater success. When I took out my first credit card, I had an unusually higher amount than the rest of my peers.

[New Dracora]

Feb 6, 2010 12:12:24 GMT -5 Ananke II said:

Jan 3, 2010 11:01:01 GMT -5 New Dracora said:

I will however, add that most of the people working for the Australian army are tradesman and it's a little known fact that learning a trade in the service of the army will do you little good outside of the armed services since most skills are specifically (and deliberately) geared towards military-only requirements, making said skills useless for non-military use.

...at least that's what one local soldier told me.

That's interesting. In Denmark it's common knowledge that longer military training (e.i. some kind of officer training) tends to give you a leg-up in the corporate world.

I believe the purpose behind the particular approach to training was to stop peeps from entering the army, learning the desired skill/trade (at a subsidised rate mind you) and then buggering off to go work in the civilian sector. The goal is to retain newly trained recruits basically.

[Ananke II]

Feb 14, 2010 22:32:59 GMT -5 New Dracora said:

I believe the purpose behind the particular approach to training was to stop peeps from entering the army, learning the desired skill/trade (at a subsidised rate mind you) and then buggering off to go work in the civilian sector. The goal is to retain newly trained recruits basically.

The Danish military has got that problem in regards to pilots as well, so to get the military education you have to sign up for 10+ years' service.

[Bad Infinitum]

US Army officers are mostly the same way. Your commission usually comes with an eight year commitment, as opposed to the enlisted man's typical four year contract.

[Klington]

Feb 25, 2010 13:38:48 GMT -5 Bad Infinitum said:

US Army officers are mostly the same way. Your commission usually comes with an eight year commitment, as opposed to the enlisted man's typical four year contract.

Do officers have to do IRR?

[Bad Infinitum]

A lot do, but it's not mandatory. It's just one of the options after you complete active duty service (as opposed to Reserves or ARNG).

[Klington]

Mar 2, 2010 16:30:28 GMT -5 Bad Infinitum said:

A lot do, but it's not mandatory. It's just one of the options after you complete active duty service (as opposed to Reserves or ARNG).

I've heard of officers getting pulled back to duty. Someone told me you have to resign your commission or they can technically call you back whenever.

[Bad Infinitum]

That's true, it happens more frequently than I'd care to think about. Especially when we're fighting a losing war. There's a lot of technicalities surrounding an officer's obligation to IRR that are hidden in the contract, and if you don't cleverly find your way around them you could be sucked in at any point in your able-bodied life. It's the officer's version of stop-loss.

[Arcornia]

"If you don't want to stand behind our troops, feel free to stand in front of them."
"Brought to you by veterans, kicking @$$ so we don't have to."
It annoys me so much when people think of veterans as baby rapers and murderers. Vietnam Vets came hope and were spit upon by people they saw others die to protect. My friend was once wearing a marine hat during this "hero day" at school, you dress as your favorite superhero or something. This very liberal teacher that nobody likes asked him why he was wearing that hat. He said because it was hero day. She responded by saying that "they aren't heroes!" People like this I want to smack in the face and say "%&#$ YOU!"

Support the troops, it's as simple as that. They live and die for you, respect that.
Likewise, don't pull them out of combat situations because you don't like death, we have a military for a reason, lets use it.

[unerearth]

I believe its a great thing to serve in the military. I did 4 years in the army. I did hate alot of what the military standards are. But I learned alot of very good and useful things. Plus many Americans have lost the meaning of serving in the military. It is in no way for everyone and it is no way forced on you to do. which is what our country stands for the freedom we are given because of those service man and women who do risk there life. Even if few, half, or many dont believe in the war they are told to go fight. But dont forget the military may or does know where the "enemy" is, but due to washington, dc. and not wanting to make everyone hate them, they kiss a$% and say there is WMD's in IRAQ. sorry to say none were found. As for Afghanistan its just a new Vietnam with no real change to how their country is run. With someone who reads to far into a idea and attacks someone else for what they feel, think, of believe. For that we need a military force to protect or country and the rights we are given by those that serve under our so called commander and chef. More of a puppet role now. Let alone our country is great at so much more then just fighting and war. One could say that from a war our "newest" technology we have come from war in one way or another. Life is never easy but some a%%hole all ways want to fight and "prove" they are stronger, never true in the case that they really just were prepaired for the attack and claim it as a win. No one really wins when life is lost, but everyone loses. may it be the life that was lost was in fact someones son, brother, father, daughter, sister, mother, etc. so everyone loses in the end. We are to honor our dead, just as we should honor our military for what they do. Why do we hold sports figures so high in life. they dont do anything to protect our life. Most or almost all are just greedy for more money. Where as the military does have medical, dental, and so on, it is in no way as good as people think. it is very average to just under what many companies offer. The military should be paid more then they are now. With the sports stars taking a cut in pay.

[Megonga]

sorry my post was as a guest. i was signed out. mine was the previous post

[Cerb]

I guess I have pretty simplistic views. Any person (either voluntary or conscripted) that lays down their life for me get nothing but honor and respect.

I don't look at soldiers as warmongers. I look at them doing a very difficult job that is designed to protect the values of my nation.

In an ideal world we wouldn't need them at all. In an ideal world there would be no evil. The world isn't what I would call ideal.

My philosophy for the military is that they should be prepared for war, and pray for peace.

[Shelter from the Storm]

I have a great deal of respect for members of my country's armed forces. I do not have a great deal of respect for politicians who choose to deploy them to fight in morally questionable wars. Iraq may be the product of Bush league oil politics (along with the use of torture and other war crimes) but blaming soldiers for that is simply daft. They follow orders and must rely on the politicians (and the idiots who vote them into power) to use them in a responsible and ethical manner.

[The Theban Legion]

Lets try not to be too idealistic here. It is true without a doubt that soldiers are necessary. If it weren't for them we would still be attacked at the future Pearl Harbour and Ground Zeros of the world, the only difference is our untraned asses would be the ones fighting the wars.