I've heard too many “hate the war, love the troops” reports. You know the drill: a soldier dies and muted doubts about the war are carefully balanced by respect for the soldier's commitment to protecting and serving the nation. Honestly, it has always sounded strained – because it is nonsense, a misguided attempt to correct the errors of the Vietnam war. Now, we might all just accept this deception if it worked. But the worst part is that this “respect” isn't actually helping returning servicemen reconnect. About the same fraction of Vietnam and Gulf War veterans suffer severe psychological illness.
Many people are serving their communities by working hard in underpaid jobs. Or protecting the nation by defending the rights of the vulnerable. None of these jobs come with the pay and perquisites of the armed forces, which are accepting the unqualified and frankly bribing the qualified to join or reenlist.
You don't need basic training to serve your country. You just need the basics. Strive to improve yourself, love your family and friends, and do what you can to help the needy in your community.
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