There are people in our society who, when there is danger, they head toward it, and we are grateful for that. Police officers, fire fighters, and of course, the heroic soldiers of our military.
The American soldier is fully committed to the task at hand. On the field of battle our troops don’t waver. They commit to the objective and they go out and do what must be done. If there are setbacks, they regroup and once again go out and do the job. Failure is not an option.
It’s because of this attitude that the United States has the greatest fighting force on Earth.
It’s also because of this attitude that the United States Armed Forces are subordinate to our civilian government.
It doesn’t always work for the best. Over the last seven-plus years, our military has had its expert advice thrown back in its face and its traditions ignored.
In the long run, though, we don’t ask for or expect objectivity from the American soldier. Because, an American soldier won’t say, “This is the wrong mission,” “You shouldn’t have sent me here,” or “Who, exactly, am I protecting by attacking this country?” It’s not their place to question.
It is our duty, though. Those of us out of harm’s way owe it to these courageous soldiers to only summon them to battle when we have exhausted all other options.
For our political leaders to use the enthusiasm of our soldiers to justify acts of war, is unethical and unfair. Of course our soldiers are enthusiastic. They are brave heroes, taking orders and fighting on our behalf without question.
We don’t ask our soldiers for perspective, and they’re in a bad position to provide it. We ask them to accept the mission, pick up our flag, and move forward. When they do so, it’s not a sign of our wisdom. It’s a sign of their character.
The American soldier is fully committed to the task at hand. On the field of battle our troops don’t waver. They commit to the objective and they go out and do what must be done. If there are setbacks, they regroup and once again go out and do the job. Failure is not an option.
It’s because of this attitude that the United States has the greatest fighting force on Earth.
It’s also because of this attitude that the United States Armed Forces are subordinate to our civilian government.
It doesn’t always work for the best. Over the last seven-plus years, our military has had its expert advice thrown back in its face and its traditions ignored.
In the long run, though, we don’t ask for or expect objectivity from the American soldier. Because, an American soldier won’t say, “This is the wrong mission,” “You shouldn’t have sent me here,” or “Who, exactly, am I protecting by attacking this country?” It’s not their place to question.
It is our duty, though. Those of us out of harm’s way owe it to these courageous soldiers to only summon them to battle when we have exhausted all other options.
For our political leaders to use the enthusiasm of our soldiers to justify acts of war, is unethical and unfair. Of course our soldiers are enthusiastic. They are brave heroes, taking orders and fighting on our behalf without question.
We don’t ask our soldiers for perspective, and they’re in a bad position to provide it. We ask them to accept the mission, pick up our flag, and move forward. When they do so, it’s not a sign of our wisdom. It’s a sign of their character.
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