I am a recruiter for the Army National Guard. I use several benefits of the Guard as selling points. These include College Tuition (we pay 100%), bonuses (up tp $20,000), and the student loan repayment program (up to $18,500). I also promote service to your country, pride in accomplishment, and being part of a team. I work for the 39th Infantry Brigade, which is one of the most deployable National Guard units in the country. I always talk about deployments to new recruits. I have pictures and awards from Egypt and Iraq on my desk. No one comes through my office without fully understanding that they can and will be sent overseas.
Now, war protesters, many of which are veterans and Active Duty soldiers are saying that they joined for college money and did not wish to get involved in the war...
No, you signed up to serve your country, and to faithfully follow your Commander-in-Chief. If you do not have the stomach for war, do not put on the uniform. The oath of enlistment mentions fighting battles, winning wars, and even sacrificing ones own life for their country, but never once does it mention college money or travel.
I am not a Republican or Democrat. I am not a serious fan of President Bush. I have my doubts about his competence, and even a few about his personal integrity. I do not believe that it is my place or the place of any soldier to stand arm-in-arm with Jane Fonda or Tim Robbins to protest the war in Iraq. If you wish to publicly criticize the war, fine, but do not stand with Hanoi Jane to do so. Do not claim that you "joined for college money". Have the courage of your convictions, and proclaim your true reasons for wanting to leave this war behind. If you are a coward, then leave the service. If you have viable reasons of conscience, by all means, tell the world why you protest this war.
Don't take the side of Jane Fonda, she is a traitor to all soldiers. Don't state that you only joined for college money, you took an oath. Do not let your own personal lack of courage be your guide.
Picture of the Week
Really, America?...
4 comments:
I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the State of (STATE NAME) against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (STATE NAME) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God.
Hmmm, i dont see anything about joining for college money in here Mr. Recruiter. What could these poor young people be protesting?
Hey 22G, do you have the Soldier's Creed handy? If so, please post it...
I am an American soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am diciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and i am professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American soldier.
Gee Mr. Recruiter, these protestors dont take oaths very seriously do they?
Life aint all rainbows and candy canes.
Post a Comment