Quote:
Originally posted by jaguar
You military?
|
Only part-time these days, Jag. One weekend a month I get out of bed reeeeally early, put on a funny-looking outfit of assorted greens and browns, and assume my alternate identity as Major Hubris Boy, US Army Reserve.
Oh God... I'm going off on a tangent. Forgive me, Cellar Dwellars.
This past weekend was interesting because it was a drill weekend for my unit. The big topic of conversation (other than "Who do you think did it?") was "Do you think we're gonna be activated?" The general opinion is affirmative- based on the sound bites we've been hearing on the news from our political leaders, and the natural ability that all soldiers have to sense when their commanders aren't telling them something.
We may be wrong. We all hope so. The feeling around the battalion "clubhouse" was one of grim determination mixed with resignation. Don't believe the gung-ho crap you see in John Wayne movies: the quickest way to become a pacifist is to join the Army!
I'm pretty confident that I speak for most reservists when I say that I don't especially want to go. I've done it before. I spent 8 months in Kuwait back in '90-'91, and it isn't much fun. It's tough on the family, and it's a tremendous financial burden as well. All things considered, I'd rather stay home and read Harry Potter to my little girl.
We'll go if we have to, proudly and without complaint, because that's what we promised to do when we raised our right hands and took the oath. But we don't have to look forward to it, especially now...
It's a week after the attack and the shock and grief are starting to wear off. Suddenly, there are a lot of talk radio hosts, homespun foreign policy "experts" and drunks in bars barking about "sending in the Army", without thinking about the people who will actually have to go. Usually, the ones doing the barking are armchair warriors who've read a lot of Tom Clancy novels, but never felt the need to actually wear their country's uniform.
And that's fine. We don't mind. Really. We understand that military service isn't for everyone. But on behalf of all those who serve, let me make a request of any Cellar Dwellars who've managed to read this far: if you come across one of these bozos while they're mouthing off about sending in the military to clean up Afghanistan, do us a favor and tell them to shut the fuck up! You'll be serving your country well if you do. They're only fanning the flames of public opinion, and that's the last thing we need. There are lots of people who have better information and better training than these clowns. The real experts are busy trying to make the tough decisions right now, and they don't need help.
Thanks!
Love,
Hubris Boy, Major, MI
US Army Reserve