Does the military get the respect they deserve? I need military opinions for my English 105 Essay. Please Help!

Yes they do in some respects but it is not enought.

Coachman, I have to disagree with you on this one. I don't think a majority of Americans do have proper respect for the military. They may say they support the military, but when it comes to reports such as the Marine who killed the wounded insurgent, things change a little and they find it attrocious that someone would kill someone who is already wounded, no matter that the person was faking death, probably in an effort to kill someone else before he died.

Does the military get the respect it deserves? I don't think so. The only people who truly respect the military are those who have served and have looked the dragon in the eye.

"But we in it shall be remember'd; we few, we happy few, we band of brothers ; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile, this day shall gentle his condition: and gentlemen in England now a-bed shall think themselves accused they were not here, and hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks that fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day."

I agree with both of you. Do folks in the military get the respect they deserve? Yes, and NO. Those that say yes the majority of the time are saying it b/c it is the right thing to say. They never think about what troops actually go through, they never bother to try to put themselves in the same position, they never think about what type of respect it is that troops actually deserve. They offer sympathy, and that is unacceptable. Troops don't want sympathy. They want people to know that they are doing the job with integrity, service, and excellence.

Like GW said; there are a lot that do offer the right form of respect, but they are most often previous vets, or people that have some affiliation with the military. All in all though the majority of the respect the military gets is in my opinion an "unconcious" respect that people just give, b/c like I said earlier, it is the right thing to do.

I think whether the military gets the respect it deserves is directly dependant upon where you are when you ask.

Ask the people in Oklahoma City and you get a resounding "YES!". But then again, Tinker AFB is here. On the other hand, if you ask someone in, say, Lubbuck, TX, where there is no base supporting their economy I believe you would get a different answer depending upon what day it is and how the news reported the war that evening.

Sadly, as a whole, I don't think the military has the total, across the board support that it enjoyed 12 years ago. Certainly it...we...don't enjoy the support those before us had some 50, 60, or 70 years ago.

In those days it was an honorable "profession" held by honorable men who served (other than those drafted for WWI, II, and Korea) because they wanted to. It was their heart felt duty to their country. Even many of those drafted for those afore mentioned wars served proudly...they were doing their duty.

Viet Nam brought about a change in the minds of some towards our military. They were called baby killers, or worse, and saw no parades when they came home. The respect began to faulter.

But with the arrival of the 80's, and the new and improved (?) all volunteer military, thought began to change again. Our fighting men and women (of which I was one during that time) were again seen as honorable people serving their country soley because they wanted to. Our self respect was high and the public saw it. Our public respect was on the rise to a level not seen since the end of the Korean War. This was very evident follwing the first Gulf war when our troops returned victorious after, what, 16 days?

However, then we reached this current point in our lives. The war drags on and people are tired. Their families are frustrated. And while there are those who blame the politicians, others lay blame on our military men. I have heard this from frustrated wives..."Why did he have to join?" They repeat this to enough familiy members and friends and the respect for the troop serving drops. And the news media reporting the worst sides of Iraq doesn't help.

But, more importantly (to me anyway), are those service members who are constantly saying crap like, "I didn't want to go to war or fight or get shot at. I only joined for the college money." I think this group is the largest bunch of whiners in the world. I served proudly in the "BY GOD" UNITED STATES ARMY on active duty from 1981 - 1984. I was never told of any money, nor was I offered any money. The Viet Nam era GI Bill was gone and the Montgomery did not yet exsist. I recieved NO signing bonus. I joined to serve my country. For those who have read other thing I said about this know what service means to my family.

In June of 2003, following a 19 year break in service, I went back. This time to the Naval Reserve. Because I didn't want to fight if needed? No; because the Army told me at 41 I was too old. Oh, and the Navy gave me NO signing bonus. So why did I do it. Because it is that important to me and I didn't feel like I was through serving my country.

Yet whiners telling reporters they just want to go home because they miss their families and only wanted money for college are getting air time. Where are the reports from those who say they miss their families but understand what they signed up for and are willing to stay until the mission is complete, followed by telling their wife, husband, kids, through the camera that they love tham? Well, that just doesn't make good news.

So while to some extent I do blame the media and their totally lopsidded reporting, I further blame the powers that be who thought the establishment of the HUGE college benefits were the way to go. Don't misunderstand me. I firmly believe we need to take care of our vets. I wish someone had paid for my college when I got out instead of it coming out of my pocket. What I disagree with is giving them college money, plus a huge signing bonus just for joining. Example; while I was in Japan with my reserve unit this past summer I was informed by a disgruntled MA that she wished she had gone IT instead. They were getting a $3000.00 signing bonus and the E-3 IT's were also making $200.00 a month more in base pay than the E-3 MA's with the same time in service and grade. This was confirmed by the chief of my parent command. He said its because of the shortage of ITs. They had to give them some incentive.

Why? This is what I believe has led to our public standing today. People without bases supporting their economy only know about the military from friends and neighbors and relatives serving, as well as the media. And they are hearing, "I just wanted college money." How can we expect them to respect us when we act this way. Not all of us, but that is the perception, and we allowed it to happen. Seems we can sometimes be our own worst enemy.

Sorry for the length, but I do feel better now.

I would also have to say no, our military does not have the support and people behind them that they deserve. I lived through the Vietnam war as a civilian, I saw what happened to our troops returning. I picked up a friend at the airport in Seattle, and saw the protesters, and while we are not seeing that much today, it is still there hidden, because no overt show of support is clearly a lack there of!!

Looking around town at the support our troops stickers or magnetic ribbons, it is clear that we are a minority. Every car should be showing support, and it is only about 10% . . . not nearly enough!!

It's more like 50% where I live; of course, that's just people who put a yellow ribbon on their cars.

Let's face it - there are people in this country who will NEVER respect the military. They will always look down on us, they will always consider themselves superior. I frankly don't care if they ever "respect" us - I prefer that they just STFU and let the military get on with its job.

It's not just the war protesters and other leftists that bother me, however. A lot of ostensibly patriotic and conservative folks display a condescending attitude towards the Armed Forces. They fall prey, for example, to the myth that young men join the military only because they're not qualified for a job in the "real" world. They think that we get "free" housing. You know what I'm talking about.

But honestly, I don't care if the average Joe respects the military or not. If they don't it's due to ignorance, and I don't have the time or inclination to educate them.

I had to put up with that junk as an active duty service member and it sucked then and sucks now, but I don't know the answer to how to make the public respect the military, but I still say that there are people out here that do respect us. Maybe it is because of the things that we were and the one's in now have to do to ensure they are safe, you know what I mean the dirty jobs, that they don't want to see and have to do.

Agreed coach, there are those who do respect us. But then are are those hold overs from the 60's who still believe the men and women serving are nothing but war mongers. Some think that if we get rid of our military the rest of the world would love us and then we wouldn't need one. Others are the ones Sean Connery spoke about in The Presidio when he said [paraphrased] America is like a big fancy house and the military is the doberman you let out at night. You don't want your fancy friends to see him, but you'll hit him on the nose if he fails to get the crook who jumps your fence.

And the sad fact is that many of these former hippies are now the "baby boomer" heads of corperate America.

But no matter what they think, or whether they respect us or not, in the end, we win. And we win because we sleep secure in the knowledge they cound not exist in their state of freedom without us, pure and simple.

I served proudly in the "BY GOD" UNITED STATES ARMY on active duty from 1981 - 1984. I was never told of any money, nor was I offered any money. The Viet Nam era GI Bill was gone and the Montgomery did not yet exsist. I recieved NO signing bonus. I joined to serve my country. For those who have read other thing I said about this know what service means to my family.


crimefighter...i know EXACTLY what you are talking about~! I joined the US ARMY in 1985 not for college money or benefits, and with none of them or a signing bonus or any of that other crap. I had every intention of making the Army my career..circumstances and poor choices in my life prevented that, and I had to get out because I became a single mom, even though I felt bad for getting out because I know I was needed where I was at..

but when I got out and decided to go to college, there wasn't any 'gi bill' for me..I didn't sign up for it so I didn't get it..that didn't stop me..I kept on and went to school, got the AA, was goin for the BA when ill health stopped me cold..

but I am proud of my service in the Army..wouldn't never change a single part of it. And I am glad I got a chance to go to college for a little while, and when my kids go, who knows, maybe I might go back too..

Is there respect for our troops? Depends upon where you go in the US, I think. Some regions have more than others..but I agree with you in that there definetely needs to be more appreciation of the effort and sacrifice given by our troops who are defending the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

I'm not gonna lie here. I joined because I had was a young married man with a child on the way. I had just been laid off from my job and I knew I had to do something. There was a history in my family too, but the primary reason I joined was to support my family. Once I was in...different story. I think every step we take in life sets us up for the next step. I've had too many things that have happened to have just been coincidence. But...if I had things to do all over again I would have retired from the Army. Twenty two years have gone by too damned fast, and I would now be retired if I had stayed in. I'm damn proud of my service to this country, and wish I had served it longer.

I believe 53% of American citizens strongly support our Military. To me this number is a disgrace but very much appreciated?

Solution:
A good first start. Abandon and completely dismantle our current public school system and rebuild from the ground up.
This rebuilding process will include all the principals this Nation was founded on.

This action alone should improve the dismal 53% Military approval up to around 85 to 90%. However this is a long term solution but sooner or latter it has to take place.

I agree on the issue of schools cedar. They are more liberal in their methods than ever before. Districts have turned into a "pat yourself on the back" system if a student flunks a test, or does something bad. They need to go back to teaching responsibility, integrity, hard work, and the such.

I agree with surface .. the public ignores the military .. and fire fighters and the cops ..until they need us ..I've got saying about support:
Nobody gives a damn about firefighters until they've got 1200 degrees of fahrenheit licking a their butts .. same goes for the military .. even ow we've got ill-equipped troops in Iraq and virtually nobody seems to care about ti

Kipling wrote this in 1892. Now you tell me what's changed....

"Tommy" by Rudyard Kipling

I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.

I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.

Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.

We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.

You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!

I don't really know who Kippling is, but I like that so much that I'm saving it to my harddrive. By the way, it's good to see you here. Just in case you haven't already figured it out...this is Smitty from the other site.

Rudyard Kipling...remember the Jungle Books? Just So Stories? Captains Courageous. The poem Ron cites was written after Kipling's son was killed in the battle of Loos, WWI, I believe.

I think that Heinlein had it right in "starship troopers".
Some type of service, military or what he called "federal service" should be required for anyone to be able to run for any kind of elected office.
Heinlein took it farther of course, and required such service for citizenship, but thats a bit too far for me.

Hi Pam!!

No, actually that poem was written back in 1890, If Smittie gets back here to see this post, it would behove him to go to the library and check out a book of Kipling's poems.

Rudyard Kipling, a journalist for the news media in India (Boo, hiss! Eh, guys?) Was a champion for the common soldier, memorializing the duty and sacrifice of the unsung British "Tommy" who'se blood bought Empire for Queen and Country.

Kipling wrote many poems about the common soldier, "Tommy Atkins" - Among the most famous being "Tommy" that I posted above, which shows the ill treatment and disrespect often afforded to the soldier. Other good poems are "Danny Deever", "Gunga Din", "Fuzzy Wuzzy", and "Ther Young British Soldier"

Kipling also wrote a book of short stories named "Soldiers Three," creating the characters Privates Mulvaney, Leoroyd, and Ortheris. These three have many escapades throughout Kipling's collections of short stories, and are a trio of rascally, resourceful 'Old Sweats' who have made the Army their lives, can never seem to keep ahold of the stripes; reek havoc on foe and dithering officers alike - and have a beerily cheerful time while smiting the Queen's enemies!

I believe Smitty has already run afoul of Stanley Ortheris. He's a cunning old lingualist, smart Cockney that he is. But get Kipling's books - and you enjoy.....

Hey Ron, finally made it back here. I haven't been very active online at all lately. I've gotten back in the gym and actually found a life. You'll still see me drop in from time to time, but I'm spending more and more time working on getting myself back in shape. Once I'm able to finally buy a motorcycle I'll be online even less. Anyway, I'll try to find a copy of Kippling somewhere.