I have a question for anyone who reads this particular post. First I have to set it up.
Let’s say that you are between the ages of 18 and 25, live at home with mom and dad, can’t afford to go to college and even if you could, you probably wouldn’t. Your prospects are few and your responsibilities growing. Then you see an advertisement for a job that is perfect for someone in your situation. The job requires that you pass some tests, fill out some forms and a physical examination to ensure you’re capable of performing the job. The job also requires a commitment for a certain period of time, but once that commitment is over, you can either commit to another few years or walk away. The benefits include free medical, free housing, free food, free financial advice, two weeks paid vacation per year, a decent salary considering you don’t have to pay for shit, and educational stipends that you can use when your commitment ends.
The job, like any, requires that you do what your superiors tell you to do including work where and when they tell you, as well as where you’ll be living while you do your job.
The major downside of the job is that it can be dangerous, possibly fatally so. Of course, when your job does become dangerous they increase your salary to compensate you.
You know all of this information prior to making the commitment to work for the company offering the job, but once you sign on the dotted line, you’re committed.
Now, let’s say that you decide to accept the terms and conditions of employment. You speak to your parents, tell them that you’ve signed up for a job that will solve many of your problems. Like any good parent, they worry about what kind of danger your new position might present.
At some point, you’re done training and you’re ready to rock. Then you receive your assignment and get shipped off to do your job.
At some point, you are killed on the job. How would you want your parents to respond? By flipping out and parking their crazy asses out in front of the company president’s home, harrassing him at every possible moment?
I honestly feel sorry for the American servicemen and women serving all over the globe. I mean, having some civilian questioning the value of your job is beyond the pale.