How many here have seen combat?

[rebelskypirate]

Hello to all DU'ers,

There are many here who discuss the war in Iraq, the war on terror, and possible wars to come. Of course, such discussion is an absolute right as Americans, and I question NO ONE's right to do so. What I am interested in is how many here have SEEN war up close, not on TV, not read about it, but served and seen what it is really like?

While anyone may have an opinion on this issue, very few Americans really KNOW what it is like, as the percentage of those who have served in combat is small in all services, even the Army. Not everyone who has served or even been "in country" has seen combat action involving risk to life and/or killing, and even those who have are hard pressed to explain it to those who have not.

Anyways, would be interested to hear from any of you out there who have been "in the *hit" as they said in "Full Metal Jacket", either here or on the Vets forum. I do think that we can do our best to get the truth to this board so people may know it, vs media spin.

One thing I in my opinion all vets will agree on is that what Americans see on TV is NOT what it is really like, no matter how you view war. However, PLEASE let no one here think I am wishing or advocating the experience of combat on ANYONE, even warriors....

thanks to all that have served, you are the reason we are free

[Scrooge]

1. Iraq?

Those who serve in Iraq are the reason I am free??? Sorry, but I disagree. I thank those that join the military to be available to defend our country, and I understand that those who join have to obey the commander in cheif, and I thank them for that, but dont tell me that those serving in Iraq are keeping me free.

[Heyo]

2. I agree with him in the sense that...

....because of the kind of people who have the fortitude and are willing to do one particular thing that strikes me... they will advance into live fire... that we are free.

It's the kind of people who exited the landing craft and walked up Normany beach...

Something I have never done, pray I never have to....

But it's people with the guts to do that... to advance forward into enemy fire... that we still have what we have today...regardless of what conflict happens to be going on or who does or doesn't agree with it... it's people like that, in general, who keep us free.

Heyo

[rebelskypirate]

3. I meant to those who have served in ALL

Sorry, I meant to those who have served in all of our nation's wars, not just Iraq.

[From the south]

6. my perspective

The people serving in Iraq may not be keeping you free in any literal sense, but people just like them are responsible for ensuring the safety of this country.

I didnt and still dont agree with our reasons for going into Iraq but the fact remains....we are there with no good options except to see this "project" through. Hopefully we will learn some lessons...just like we do after every conflict we enter.

[SweetLeftFoot]

4. I've never been in the armed forces

but I did play Aussie Rules for a number of years. Does that count?

[From the south]

5. I have

Served as a forward observer in lebanon, was in panama, first gulf war, somalia (somolia ended my career in the military)

I agree that people dont really understand:

1. what troops go through

2. what motivates them

[Gabi Hayes]

7. gee,....sounds like supporting Hitler's troops as they began

the anschluss, then moved into the sudetenland

is Iraq our lebensraum?

keeping our country free?

from what?

the north vietnamese?


wake up