Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » Are there some people who are simply not cut out for miltary service? Maybe they just aren't tough enough to handle it. Maybe?

Are there some people who are simply not cut out for miltary service? Maybe they just aren't tough enough to handle it. Maybe?

I think I'm tough enough but I know I wouldn't do well. Taking orders is not my strong suit especially if I don't understand WHY. Now I know that chain of command rules and folks don't have time sometimes to be questioned or challenged. So in that way I'm too soft.

I'm thinking about creative people, imaginative people, sensitive people. Maybe they are not meant to witness death or seeing their friends blown up. Maybe they simply don't have the "right stuff" to be a good soldier emotionally. They love their country and are very patriotic but they just aren't able to do the tough stuff required of a solider. What do you think?  Are some of the homeless soldiers there because they never should have been in the military in the first place? Sad.

Posted - April 7, 2019

Responses


  • 19937
    Now that we no longer have a draft, all service is voluntary.  Until that time, however, if you were called up, you went unless you were rich or possibly had some physical ailment or condition that would prevent it.  The last "good" war we fought, in my opinion, was WWII.  There were very good reasons to become involved in that war.  Everything after that was bullfeathers and we never should have gotten involved - especially in Vietnam.  Similarly, warring against Iraq and Afghanistan was a fool's errand.  How many soldiers have come back wounded in body and mind from those conflicts?  

    I am not (nor was I ever) tough enough to go to war voluntarily.  If my country were attacked and my way of life threatened, I would like to think I would do my part, but I'm not at all sure I could come out of it with my mental health intact, even if my body were whole. This post was edited by SpunkySenior at April 8, 2019 12:41 PM MDT
      April 8, 2019 9:19 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    I can't even imagine the horror of war firsthand L. Having to kill someone so I don't get killed? Seeing my mates die? If I can't even imagine it how could I survive it? Thank you for your thoughtful reply! :)
      April 8, 2019 12:43 PM MDT
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  • 19937
    I understand completely and I'm glad there are those who are patriotic enough to defend this country.  I salute them.
      April 8, 2019 3:38 PM MDT
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  • 6023
    I am not suited for military service.
    Disregarding my lack of motivation for physical conditioning...


    I have not taken an official psych-eval for military service, but the couple "unofficial" ones I took said I find it too easy to disassociate.
    If I understood the psych-speak: They would basically be training a psychopath, by the time I was out of Basic.
      April 8, 2019 1:23 PM MDT
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