Do (did) soldiers join the American armed forces, in part, because they believe America to be superior to other nations? Do they do it to protect those they commune with (their community). Would a US soldier refuse to fight for a different free nation?

I'm just curious what the general values and motivations are for US soldiers... It helps me find myself when I can dialouge with others that have experience.

Personally, I want to enlist because of belief in the values of free nation's, of protecting my family and community, thought that it effectively doesn't make a difference which free nation I fight for, except for which land I'm protecting (and in some cases, what agenda I'm serving), and for the drive to accomplish something and serve others. I believe America (and free nations in general) are more of an ideal than a political system, and that itself is worth serving.

I grew up with a drunk as a father and a liar as a mother, so I feel a compulsion (however irrational it may be) to prove to myself I'm not a worthles POS like my parents try convince me every possible chance. I can't have piece of mind until I do. But where do I stop? When does it end? That's another thing I don't know.

That's where I'm coming from, and I'm still growing and finding what I believe, so I'm asking alot of questions.

Thanks,
J.T.

Cool uniforms....and guns! Can't believe they gave ME a gun!

That, and a sense of patriotism, some family tradition as well. Don't know where you get this "superiority to other nations" stuff. Why would anyone join because of that? Those people become politicians!

The best reason is Ronald Reagan's quote-- "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem."