Why do people enlist in the army and then complain about casualties?
441153
Firstly the writer "space_tnt" hasn't a clue about the military, current affairs, or past history. You should ignore his comments which are NOT true.\n\nThe vast majority of military personnel do not complain about casualties.  They understand their occupation and its hazards. \n\nMost complaints come from anti-war activists, or individuals who do not support the war. Their comments and complaints are produced with an eye on political gain, not concern for soldiers.\n\nI hope Americans have not lost sight of a vision encompassing freedom and democracy for all.  \n\nKeep in mind that Operation Overlord, D-Day and our landing in Normandy during World War 2 (June through August)caused:\n   53,700 dead,\n   18,000 missing,\n   155,000 wounded.\n\nWill we ever be prepared to make such a sacrifice again?\n\nBe PROUD and supportive of our efforts.\n\nPS:  I retired from the US Army after twenty years of active service.
205101
Some people just don't know how to act.  Sorry that it happened.\nThank you for your service and your sacrifice!
213419
ive heard that if you are an officer you had to request discharge in writing. in your case go down with a bunch of friends say ,"give me the papers" and dont say anything else. call ahead make sure they have the papers and have them identify the papers while your on the phone [ dd214, whatever,etc] if you didnt sign anything to reserve a job i think its bs... anyway i enlisted way back in '66 and ever since i've thought recruiters are a bunch of low life blood sucking cowards... especially the young ones who should be out there doing the fighting if thats what they believe in ... and i dont care if they already did 2-3 toures ..instead of "hustelling" young impressionable children into  a possition where they may have to kill for a living.. and live [ if they're luck] with it for the rest of their lives... hey if you want i'll go with you to sign the papers! they piss me off lieing punk cowards that they are .they used to get paid commision .. i dont know about now.. if you think about it they are the worst kind of child molesters!
647998
Except for WW II, the US has never had a long line of young men (and later women) eager to go to war. Washington complained frequently about how hard it was to keep his army together. Of course, it doesn't help that the US, even befoe it's inception, never paid its military very well and welched on promises made to entice people to enlist. And God forbid you were not injured badly enough to die, because the US has never willingly spent enough money on medical care for disabled vets.
1053349
nice question its because most of the people dont know about army & some people who knows even a bit of it try to show off
513781
You are an American and should be proud of that.  Those who hate Americans (like some of the mensa candidates who answered here) want to tear you down because when you are strong they can't bully you.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with anything that you said.\n\nTo those who say you don't serve your country because you aren't in active duty truly don't understand the sacrifices that military spouses make and they are the ones being arrogant.  Without the support of the spouses at home those in the military couldn't do their jobs.  They want all the credit themselves without sharing that with all the others that helped them get where they are.
629325
Isn't going to war and protecting our country why you join the military?  Or are you one of those who just want the money for college?  If you are you are pathetic.
1167843
Amen. I am so sick of Army commercials and recruiters calling me and telling me that I can get tons of money for college and all these benefits, and they never once mention the 2000+ soldiers that have never been able to finish their college career. I am proud of the soldiers who have fought and died in America's wars, but I wish that the government would start making the army look more like an "army" and less like a financial aid program.
603901
My reason is this, I want to serve in another way.  I'm currently going to school to become a clinical psychologist.  I would like to become a therapist for soldiers, both in duty and retired.  The emotional effects of war are horrible.  People need to be there for the soldiers when they return.  That is what I would like to do.
207156
It really is amazing how many people you find in the Army that are willing to go out of their way for you, I guess that is why `they joined up. It is one of the biggest things I miss about being in. And rizzo822002, thank you and keep your head down.
870659
Poor and rich alike can make a choice to join the armed forces. \nYour question makes no sense.  Where are you getting your sources?\n\nQuit blaming everybody else and take responsibility for your actions!!!!!
155262
Two reasons\n\n1. The military feels it gets better folks on a volunteer basis\n\n2. The public would not stand for it at this point.
860002
The US army is a mass organization that relies on volunteers.  When they enlist someone they get not only the cream of the crop but a few rotten apples too.  These rotten apples commit crimes in the military in peace time as well as war but it usually only makes the local news papers.  Given that there is a reporter every square foot in Iraq this crime was destined to be world news.\nLack of adequate supervision allowed these few with criminal tendencies to misuse the authority of a military uniform to commit crimes like this one.
864187
Honestly, when discussing the war with liberal friends, they honestly believe that soldiers are stupid, misinformed or dirt poor. They don't come out and say it like that, but its obvious they struggle with the fact that people enlist for a lot of reasons including sense of duty and calling. I don't know if it will hurt them or not but I think it shows Kerry's and other Democrats true colors.
54458
Its not just about money, some just want the status quo to continue, others want to see change happen for safety reasons.  Overall, people are just scared no matter what and war usually makes people think about their own mortality and how precious life can be.  Then there are those that believe in standing up and supporting the country that gave them freedoms that otherwise they wouldn't enjoy elsewhere.  I was anti-war while in high school but I ended up joining the Army and spent the best 5.5 years in my life.  I would do it again if I could.  But I learned also that those that have been to war, don't want it to happen again but they realize that sometimes war is the only answer, talking doesn't always solve it.
960053
Because they are born to be soldiers.  Many many men are born to fight. Mercenaries are a select group. As far as the unfortunate suicides you speak of, it may not be that they "weren't happy to away from the battle field."\nIt may have been that they were haunted by all the people they killed or murdered or maimed or tortured.  \nI understand when you get older, you have a lot of time to think about the things you have done.\nIts doubtful they wanted to be on ANY battlefield anymore.
246130
why would you think they would be thinking about our troops? most of them are self absorbed snobs who only think about themselves and next few million there going to make. so who cares if they mentioned the troops or not, as long as we keep them in thoughts is all that matters.