Originally posted by: StepUp
Justin
I feel ya.
Those who know my posts on this board know I'm about as anti-establishment as it's possible to get. I have never trusted governments, especially ours. Still, I have always appreciated the freedoms we have, and the ideals that this nation was supposed to be founded on.
In high school my US History professor engaged us in debate one day. Eventually he confronted me; "Phoenix you have strong feelings about things, and you make some good points. But if you want me to believe in your conviction then I have to ask, 'what have you done about it?'" He then gave me his copy of Starship Troopers and sent me on my way. I came back a few days later and tried to engage in a different line of debate to which he responded, "I don't think you really understood the book. Go read it again. And if you want to object to my views, rather you have rational grounds or not, just remember that I was not only willing to put on a uniform to protect what I believed, I was willing to take it off again when it became a shackle rather than a tool."
After a couple more years of consideration I joined the Navy. The first gulf was going on, and while I didn't totally agree with all of the surrounding issues, I believed I would be able to balance my convictions and my military role. More importantly, I wanted to give my service and earn the right to exercise my citizenship rather than merely being 'entitled' to it. Very few people understood my decision, and most called it flat out crazy given my aversion to authority and government.
I can't tell you that it was easy service. My job was easy, my duty assignment the absolute cream of the crop, and the people I worked with and for were top notch. However I was correct not only in my assumptions about the ridiculous nature of military life, but also the total moral and ethical bankruptcy I encountered from the bureaucracy. It reinforced, and even strengthened my distrust and loathing of our government. But it also strengthened my pride and sense of 'ownership' as a citizen.
I faced disciplinary action more times than I can count, court martial/captain's mast something like 9 times. Every time it was because I refused to yield my principles to imposed military requirements. I was fortunate in that each time my superiors backed down, so I never suffered any real punishments for my idealism. It could just as easily gone against me. I can't say rather my conviction impressed/inspired them, or if they just decided it was bull-headedness and futile to waste resources on the attempt. I like to believe it was the first, but who knows really.
What I do know is I would do it again if I was living over. Despite all the struggles, all the abhorrent things I saw...God help me I would gladly do it again. Partly because I'm proud of what I accomplished (E1-E5 in 20 months, various citations and awards, doing my job while NEVER compromising my ideals), partly because what I learned allows me to be confident in my outlook and actions with regards to our government, but mostly because I see myself now as a full citizen of the United States of America, qualified to accept all rights and responsibilities of that role.
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Now, as to your situation. *sigh* While I would serve again 15 years ago, there is absolutely NO CHANCE I would serve under this administration, and very little I would serve under anyone so long as we're engaged in the 'war on terror'. While it's a personal choice, it's also about non-partisan things that are bad now and going to get worse - treatment of soldiers, military benefits, dangers both to life and limb and civic identity, etc. As much I would love to support your quest for citizenship, I couldn't live with myself if I suggested to anyone that it was in any way acceptable to be a part of what's going on right now in the government of this country.
As someone else mentioned already, there ARE other ways to serve...other ways to earn your place. They are every bit as noble and important...maybe even moreso. Look into them. Seriously.
Should you decide to serve I would say this: you are NEVER required to be anything but yourself, or to do anything you don't believe in. You must, however, be willing to accept absolutely any results of your choices. You do NOT get to offer your service then feel cheated or abused when you are asked to serve in a way you don't agree with. You have to go in fully aware of what you are going to be asked to do, and willing to either do it, or accept the punishments of not doing it. And realize that YOU are the one responsible for putting yourself in that position of having to choose. You, and you alone. I fully support your right to stand by your morals and ideals, even in the face of grave consequences to all involved...but you must accept what comes as a result. If you can do that, then I say do whatever you truly believe to be right, and you will have support and respect - even if it's pragmatically useless.
The whole wife issue is something else entirely, and only you and her can answer that one. I think there is value in demonstrating ones commitment to their nation, especially to a new citizen. It is a good example. Just make sure they fully understand that you're running towards something and not away from something. Just like service itself, you'll need to be willing to accept whatever consequences arise from your decision.
Good luck.
