U.S. Soldiers Re-Enlist in Strong Numbers

[Darkness]

You don't go into the military if you want money. You go into the military because you want to serve your country. It's a simple fact, and the fact that you can't see it means that you are blind and ignorant.

You are failing to consider the large number of people who join the army because it is a vocation that suits them. The Army, in the UK at least, is promoted as a career for those who want to do something from the norm. Obviously being patriotic is a bonus, though a trained professional soldier will do what his country tells him/or her too because they are a trained professional soldier.

This is doesn't make these people psycho killers (largely because the army doesn't take people with that mindset), they are simply people to who the physical, mental and social aspects of military life appeal.

So Patriotism is not the be all and end all of joining the army, by any means. Indeed, the recruiting officers in the UK are somewhat wary of the "zealous patriots" who want to sign up. There will be those who sign up because they feel it "the best way to serve their country" but I would be surprised if they were in the majority, in the UK at least.

 

[IDupedInMyPants]

You don't go into the military if you want money. You go into the military because you want to serve your country. It's a simple fact, and the fact that you can't see it means that you are blind and ignorant.

I came pretty close to joining when I was a little younger, and let me tell you it wasn't because I wanted to serve my country. It was because I was a poor piece of crap and the room and board plus college money plus regular salary was a damned attractive proposition. If I had wanted to serve my country I would have been considering volunteering in a soup kitchen or adopting a highway.

 

[dantose]

just a little note in general, calling people "blind and ignorant" is just asking to be called out by those you claim to know so much about. The fact is that offering college money and signing bonuses has been an effective strategy for the Army.

Just please tell me you are in the Army so that you have some grounds to know the military mindset.

 

[cleanupguy]

But despite those numbers. The military is actually hurting for people. Ever since Clintons defense slashing frenzy in the 90's. The military is shortchanged several thousand soldiers. In fact, it's so bad, that if some recent legislation gets passed, there will be another draft. And if you are 18-26 you could find yourself up on lottery. Only this one wins you a kevlar vest, helmet, and an M16.

Actually, I find this rather funny. What Clinton has slashed in defense funding was the waste that was going to corporations, such as Carlyle group and Halliburton, missile defense, etc. Yes, the unnecessary stuff after the cold war. It is truly funny that people are criticizing Clinton for slashing defense funds when it is actually Bush who has slashed the veterans' benefits (http://www.yesmagazine.org/26courage/indicatorsmith.htm), police force that is vital in this WAR against TERROR (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-12-01-cops-cover_x.htm). His previous record on caring for the military has been dismal (http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2001/2/12/170345.shtml ; compare the pay increase of 2001 to 2000), and even his plan for 2005 is dismal (http://www.progressive.org/april04/ehren0404.html).

American military personnel gets about an average of about $350~450/week while the mercenary hired by the likes of Halliburton gets about $800~1000/week. Because of this war, the military spending has gone to the level that was never even seen previously (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A38812-2004Mar7?language=printer).

Don't even kid yourself about whether or not Dubya cares about the military. But I'm sure he cares about the war very much along with the likes of James Baker, Bush, Sr., Cheney, Rummy, and all the executives at the Carlyle group and Halliburton.

 

[dantose]

Actually, I find this rather funny. What Clinton has slashed in defense funding was the waste that was going to corporations, such as Carlyle group and Halliburton, missile defense, etc. Yes, the unnecessary stuff after the cold war. It is truly funny that people are criticizing Clinton for slashing defense funds when it is actually Bush who has slashed the veterans' benefits (http://www.yesmagazine.org/26courage/indicatorsmith.htm), police force that is vital in this WAR against TERROR (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-12-01-cops-cover_x.htm). His previous record on caring for the military has been dismal (http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2001/2/12/170345.shtml ; compare the pay increase of 2001 to 2000), and even his plan for 2005 is dismal (http://www.progressive.org/april04/ehren0404.html).

American military personnel gets about an average of about $350~450/week while the mercenary hired by the likes of Halliburton gets about $800~1000/week. Because of this war, the military spending has gone to the level that was never even seen previously (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A38812-2004Mar7?language=printer).

Don't even kid yourself about whether or not Dubya cares about the military. But I'm sure he cares about the war very much along with the likes of James Baker, Bush, Sr., Cheney, Rummy, and all the executives at the Carlyle group and Halliburton.

Well... Those must be the pinko liberal commie news sources citing pinko liberal commie figures...

On second thought, good post.
:thumbsup: