My Military Exp.

[blueinindiana]

I served in the Military, U.S. Navy (Enlisted) to be specific during the 1990’s. Most of the servicemen I met during my tour, joined for college, training and or lack of better job opportunities at home. I am not saying I or anyone else was not patriotic but patriotism played very little in the decision to join the service.

The military is nothing like it is portrayed in the movies. Most of your time is spent doing dull tasks that will matter little over time. All the radars and equipment look exciting the first time you see them but stand watch on them for 12 hours.

The military is made up with the same people in civilian society and thus the military has the same problems as the rest of society does. Putting on a uniform does not make you a hero, just like in life; your actions are what really counts.

I am not against the military, I am proud I served. It was a wonderful learning experience in numerous ways. I must confess there where times I would have left in second if somehow my enlistment ended early. I think everyone who has ever served had second thoughts from time to time.

However I did serve my time and served it honorably and will be damned if my patriotism gets called into question, especially from those who have never served.

[PWRinNY]

1. Thank you :-) eom

[Captain Hilts]

2. What did you do in the navy? nt

[blueinindiana]

5. Sonar Tech

I operated and repaired sonar equipment used to locate, identify and track submarines.


However most of the work aboard ship has little to do with what you where trained for in military schools.

Life on board ship can be hard sometimes very hard.

It may not be the same thing as being in combat but its no cake walk either.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

3. Same here

Former active duty, still in the reserves.

I love it when someone questions my patriotism, and I just pull out my ID card and ask to see his. You can practically hear the crickets chirp.

[Captain Hilts]

13. I pull out my Walter Reed platelet donor card. Shuts 'em up. nt

[babylonsister]

4. First off, welcome to DU, bllueinindiana.

Second, most every job anyone has, military or otherwise, can be less than ideal and most of us have second thoughts, bad day or weeks, etc.
Third, who's questioning your patriotism? I am totally against this war but consider myself a rabid patriot. I want our soldiers home because of that, and am not questioning soldiers' motives for being there, only this admin for messing it up so badly and getting people killed, Iraqis and soldiers, so needlessly.

[blueinindiana]

6. No one really

Just the general feeling the right wing wants to portray if your against Bush, Inc your unpatriotic.

[annabanana]

8. (it's one of their favorite, dirtiest tricks)

They've been pulling that particular line of crap for decades.. We have a whole bunch of wild and honorable vets here at DU

Welcome!

[babylonsister]

10. Don't believe everything you hear and always consider

the source. You are cherished here, at least by me, for your service. You are also entitled to your opinion, as am I, and if that means exposing this admin for the dishonorable, unAmerican way they've been acting in our name, so be it.

[stillcool]

7. Hey....what does patriotic even mean anymore?...

It's so far off the mark, when considering what 'America' has meant to me in my past. Of course, so much has been revealed about what we really are...that I'm not sure 'patriotic' is such a good thing to be anymore. Nostalgic for memories that don't belong to me. For some reason, when the word 'patriotism' comes to mind...I see Nazi Germany.

[annabanana]

9. Not me..

I consider being a citizen of this country a job and a duty. I believe that our government should work for US, the people, and not just the rich ones either. I consider myself a patriot, whose duty it is to hold the administration's feet to the fire when it gets off the track. I feel personally responsible for horrible actions taken in my name and will not rest until I can see to the righting of wrongs.

They made crap out of the word "liberal".. I will not....NOT cede the word Patriot to those un American fascists.

[babylonsister]

11. I'm with you, annabanana! nt

[stillcool]

12. The word you don't want to cede....

has taken on a new meaning for me. I do not mean to imply that any one should relinguish their ideals. If the word conjures up a different meaning to you, by all means hang on. To me ....it's tainted, as is my image of my country. I do not pledge my allegiance to this government. And, until this government is no longer calling the shots for this country....well, I guess I'm a traitor!!!!!

[annabanana]

14. I have NEVER pledged any allegiance to ANY

administration..They are our employees, nothing more. THEY are the traitors. They have abrogated every oath they ever took to protect the constitution from enemies domestic AND foreign. This so called administration is a CRIMINAL SYNDICATE and they deserve not a jot of loyalty from any real American patriot.