Reply #19: This is why I don't hate the troops or think less of them.

[knitter4democracy]

Many of them choose to go into the military for economic reasons, and they're betting that they won't get killed. They're hoping they'll get some good training for a better job when they get out or that it'll pay for college. The recruiters know that and push all that, making them think it'll all be okay.

My step-brother was in the Navy starting in '91, and he ended up getting trained as a medic for the special forces. He was in Korea the last time everyone was talking war on Clinton's watch. He went into the Navy out of pride for our country and to avoid college (didn't want to go, and family pressure to go). He sure didn't think he might die, and he got out as soon as he could after Korea after seeing that one mistake by one ruler, and he and his buddies are going in.

He also almost killed his wife a couple of times in his sleep--got her in a headlock in his sleep (he's always slept-walked), and one snap, she's a goner. Both times she managed to wake him up and talk him out of whatever he'd been dreaming. That stuff is more serious than most average people think.