I Have No Respect for People in the Army

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Member
Jul 21, 2011
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First of all, who is neckbeard? Many of you refer to him as the prodigy of all trolls.

I started this thread in hope that it would work like a court of law. I provide my argument, and in rebuttal, you provide yours (if you disagree). Many followed this code of conduct, and I thank you for your arguments. While I may not agree with some, I'm grateful that you stated your position and provided concrete examples. Calling me stupid, a troll, immature, narrow-minded is very childlike. Calling me narrow-minded and explaining your position on the issue, however, is respectful and worthy.

So far I gather this much from my thread. Those who are in the military or at some point have been in it, have family in it, or friends enlisted, seem to disagree with me. You brought up many valid points, thanks for widening my perspective.

Many agree with me. This just shows to tell that my way of thinking is not limited to my family and my upbringing. This means that there has to be at least some truth in my very crude generalizations and stereotypes.

@Angry Irishman: This feels like a personality test. I love them!

How old are you? It's pretty clear that my age is below 30 from my mediocre writing skills.

Have you ever considered doing something for your country or fellow citizens?
In other words, volunteering? I have done it for two groups: the disabled and the elderly. They actually need the help.

Or is that out of line or unnecessary in society?
I'm undecided on that. On one hand, I see that many cultural groups and underprivileged citizens need the help. On the other, the more help you get the lazier you get. In fact, a close friend of mine was laid off roughly 3 years ago. He was VERY hard working. After getting his unemployment for 2 years he got lazy and stopped looking for a job. I guess helping IS necessary, but in a different way than it is currently done. Give the citizen a fishing rod, not a fish.

What do you do for a living?
Student. I have a full time job during the summer.

Where are you a citizen?
The United States.

Do you think being a soldier or in the military doesn't entail war (killing?) regardless of intellect or rank?
I have no problem with killing, especially if you are a soldier. It needs to have a purpose that is universally accepted, however (WWII). We can all agree (even some Nazi's) that intervention in Europe was desperately needed.

Do you understand the roles of the military?
Depends on the military. The one in the U.S has many roles. Protecting its citizens is one. But I am not the only one who feels like we are overreaching a bit.

Do you think a soldier is not a citizen?
Of course a soldier is a citizen. A serial killer is also a citizen and should be given a fair trial regardless of his atrocities.

Should we or any other country not have a military? Why?
In a Utopian world, maybe. But humans are genetically predisposed to fight.

How do you feel about minorities?
Depends on the minority. If they work hard for a good life for their family and themselves, that is amazing. My parents came to the U.S from Europe (not gonna say which country, but it isn't third world) and worked their fingers off.

And finally....Do you consider yourself educated?If so, please elaborate.
Trick question? I don't really know. It depends on the topic. I know NOTHING about cars (see my post about selling my car) but I know a lot about psychology and sociology (had a teacher who wrote many books about the subject and is actually somewhat famous). I scored a 2300 on my SAT, but its been proven to be a bit biased.
 

HAL9000

Lifer
Oct 17, 2010
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Not trolling...it's just not an ambition of mine to troll unlike yourself. Am I insulting you, yea I suppose I am. So sorry.

It's offensive and insulting to me that every time I read a response of yours I have to remind myself that all English folks aren't like you. Check that...all PEOPLE aren't like yourself. I have to remind myself that you don't represent what most educated, contributing, rational people ARE to a society or country.

Factually (not delusional or moronic), I'm sure most folks would draw the same conclusions as myself...you're naive, young and very confused about so much...sad really.

You can't state opinion as fact, stop the insults grow up and move on. You don't know me, you know nothing about me.
 

Angry Irishman

Golden Member
Jan 25, 2010
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You can't state opinion as fact, stop the insults grow up and move on. You don't know me, you know nothing about me.

you're delusional....you state your fucked up opinions as fact on a continual basis.

YOU of anyone telling me to grow up is really quite funny. I don't need to know you personally to make a judgement call on your persona...and desire for attention.

Moving on....I wish you would on a permanent basis.
 

Old Hippie

Diamond Member
Oct 8, 2005
6,361
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but that I do not think they deserve the respect that people generally give them. I always hear - on the radio, television, and the general public, how we should be super-respectful and honorary of soldiers. It makes my stomach crawl when I hear soldiers being commemorated as if they joined the army to protect the nation from harm and bring peace to the world. Why do I feel this way? See below.
How stupid.
 

HAL9000

Lifer
Oct 17, 2010
22,021
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you're delusional....you state your fucked up opinions as fact on a continual basis.

YOU of anyone telling me to grow up is really quite funny. I don't need to know you personally to make a judgement call on your persona...and desire for attention.

Moving on....I wish you would on a permanent basis.

Brilliant, thank you for constantly informing me what you think about me... Like I give a fuck.
 

child of wonder

Diamond Member
Aug 31, 2006
8,307
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Do you respect anyone with that attitude? I've met plenty of people with no military experience who were like that, and it's always obnoxious.

No, but the attitude seems to be more prevalent among ex-soldiers. I'd imagine many of them believe that since their were in the armed forces somehow their opinions are automatically better or hold more merit. I'm sure it's also a result of their training.

Either way, it's obnoxious.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
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No, but the attitude seems to be more prevalent among ex-soldiers. I'd imagine many of them believe that since their were in the armed forces somehow their opinions are automatically better or hold more merit. I'm sure it's also a result of their training.

Either way, it's obnoxious.

Because in many situations being sure of yourself and firm is the kind of leadership that gets the mission accomplished and keeps everyone alive. I'd say that attitude is more prevalent among former NCOs.

I often get sideways glances from senior NCOs when I ask junior soldiers their opinions. I'm really the opposite of what you're describing. :p
 

BigDH01

Golden Member
Jul 8, 2005
1,631
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The military population is just like every other population, some people are "good" and some people are "bad." Some people join for patriotism, some people join because they want to kill, some people join because they have few other options, some people want adventure, etc, etc.

The only thing I find annoying is the constant belief that these people put their lives on the line for freedom. This is no different than believing that everyone who joins just does so because they want to kill. I was walking through an airport once with a national guardsman in uniform and he was approached several times, "thank you for your service." He told me he hated that, he hadn't been within 1000 miles of combat, and would probably never see it.

The latest person I knew that became an officer did so because her French degree afforded her no other opportunities. She's now in Hawaii, probably living it up in paradise while Uncle Sam pays for her housing. It's tough for me to thank her for her service given her circumstances. I remember that there were some medical issues just before she took the oath and she was devastated. Not because she was going to miss the chance to serve her nation, but because she was about to be left jobless. I don't know why she deserves my thanks more than any other white collar worker.
 

TallBill

Lifer
Apr 29, 2001
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The military population is just like every other population, some people are "good" and some people are "bad." Some people join for patriotism, some people join because they want to kill, some people join because they have few other options, some people want adventure, etc, etc.

The only thing I find annoying is the constant belief that these people put their lives on the line for freedom. This is no different than believing that everyone who joins just does so because they want to kill. I was walking through an airport once with a national guardsman in uniform and he was approached several times, "thank you for your service." He told me he hated that, he hadn't been within 1000 miles of combat, and would probably never see it.

The latest person I knew that became an officer did so because her French degree afforded her no other opportunities. She's now in Hawaii, probably living it up in paradise while Uncle Sam pays for her housing. It's tough for me to thank her for her service given her circumstances. I remember that there were some medical issues just before she took the oath and she was devastated. Not because she was going to miss the chance to serve her nation, but because she was about to be left jobless. I don't know why she deserves my thanks more than any other white collar worker.

Quite a few people do put their lives on the line though, fairly often. I thank other vets for their service.
 

Alone

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2006
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Lots of people seem to think the whole army is just a bunch of gunslingers.

Not all of us joined to kill people. I had other options, better skills, and I'm sure I could have secured a good paying job civilian side. But 30 years from now I don't want to look back and feel that I wasted my life sitting behind a desk every day.
 

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
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I don't look down on someone for joining the army, but it doesn't increase my opinion of them either.

I always have to bite my tongue when the whole "fighting for our freedoms" bit comes up in polite conversation, though... since the War of 1812, has any war by the United States been fought to protect our freedoms?
 

child of wonder

Diamond Member
Aug 31, 2006
8,307
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Because in many situations being sure of yourself and firm is the kind of leadership that gets the mission accomplished and keeps everyone alive. I'd say that attitude is more prevalent among former NCOs.

I often get sideways glances from senior NCOs when I ask junior soldiers their opinions. I'm really the opposite of what you're describing. :p

Self confidence is a great trait and our soldiers definitely should feel that way of themselves.

I'm talking about guys who take it a step further and have the attitude of "I was in the armed forces, hence, every opinion I hold is automatically correct and any differing opinions are to be ignored."
 

ViviTheMage

Lifer
Dec 12, 2002
36,189
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madgenius.com
They didn't volunteer to protect me. They volunteered to earn a paycheck or see some of the world. Don't try to pretend it wasn't for selfish reasons.

Edit: Do I have to put a footer every time I generalize? I mean, it's fairly obvious.

I agree more or less with this...but I do thank the ones who fight for us.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
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Lots of people seem to think the whole army is just a bunch of gunslingers.

Not all of us joined to kill people. I had other options, better skills, and I'm sure I could have secured a good paying job civilian side. But 30 years from now I don't want to look back and feel that I wasted my life sitting behind a desk every day.

I'm in the Army and still worried about that.... :p

Link
 

BigDH01

Golden Member
Jul 8, 2005
1,631
88
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I'm in the Army and still worried about that.... :p

Link

Awesome!

Perhaps it's because most of the .mil I know are Air Force officers, but yeah, my perception is that there are quite a few people in uniforms behind a desk.
 

qliveur

Diamond Member
Mar 25, 2007
4,090
74
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First of all, who is neckbeard? Many of you refer to him as the prodigy of all trolls.
No. That would be theflyingpig.

Neckbeard cannot be considered a prodigy because he consistently fails to entertain. He merely annoys, and any no-talent hack can do that if they're persistent enough, which he is. What he lacks in talent he makes up for with spam.
 

mcurphy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2003
4,150
8
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Not trolling...it's just not an ambition of mine to troll unlike yourself. Am I insulting you, yea I suppose I am. So sorry.

It's offensive and insulting to me that every time I read a response of yours I have to remind myself that all English folks aren't like you. Check that...all PEOPLE aren't like yourself. I have to remind myself that you don't represent what most educated, contributing, rational people ARE to a society or country.

Factually (not delusional or moronic), I'm sure most folks would draw the same conclusions as myself...you're naive, young and very confused about so much...sad really.

I have no respect for people like the OP.

I have even less respect for people like Neckbeard.

Well said AI, Neckbeard's life really is sad and pathetic.
 

edro

Lifer
Apr 5, 2002
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I do not think most military folk are violent and join because they can act violently.
I think there is a very small percentage who do that.