Who here is/was in military and was deployed to Iraq.

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: palehorse74
Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

And those reasons are?

 

[CaptnKirk]

Originally posted by: palehorse74

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq.

How do you have a 'Half-a-Trip' - unless you don't come back ?

You show 3 places, so that should be 3 trips, even if one was a 'staging through and returning from' type.

I had a trip to and back from 'Nam in '66 - '67 - it included Hawaii, Guam, and Japan.
I was 1 trip with 2 stops inbound and 1 stop on the return.

My son is in Iraq right now, a second tour of duty.
He can't really say anything.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: mOeeOm

Originally posted by: shadow9d9

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: ntdz

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

:thumbsup:

Good luck over there.

Glad you're going and protecting us and not DVK. Don't pay attention to P&N peeps here most of them like the french!

Protecting us in Iraq? What exactly is he protecting us from?

:shocked: from the same terrorists that flew the planes from Iraq International Airport to newyork and committed 9/11....don't you know?

No from you blind neo-appeaser eurosocialist poonannies who sing "give peace a chance" while wearing your treehugger shirts driving your SUVs to peace talk/UNmeeting/oilforfood mixers so you can get sub $2 a gal gas. 🙂

Quiet down before I send Dick Chaney a PM to come over here for some target practice!

So he's protecting our $2/gallon gas? That's all I could muster from your jumbled mess of a post.

 

[40Hands]

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

Yeah we are the blind ones with our facts and you have what? Do you just like to impose your moral beliefs on the rest of the world? Maybe you have some gut feelings to go on?
I'm sure your reasons are great in YOUR mind.

SO....Just what are "THOSE" feelings that you base your faith in this administration on?

 

[shadow9d9]

Originally posted by: mOeeOm

Originally posted by: shadow9d9

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: ntdz

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

:thumbsup:

Good luck over there.

Glad you're going and protecting us and not DVK. Don't pay attention to P&N peeps here most of them like the french!

Protecting us in Iraq? What exactly is he protecting us from?

:shocked: from the same terrorists that flew the planes from Iraq International Airport to newyork and committed 9/11....don't you know?

Edit: Forgot to add, the WMDs that got moved...moved by who? thats right, terrorists in Iraq.

Sorry, Iraq is not related to 9/11... thought you knew that : (.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: shadow9d9

Originally posted by: mOeeOm

Originally posted by: shadow9d9

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: ntdz

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

:thumbsup:

Good luck over there.

Glad you're going and protecting us and not DVK. Don't pay attention to P&N peeps here most of them like the french!

Protecting us in Iraq? What exactly is he protecting us from?

:shocked: from the same terrorists that flew the planes from Iraq International Airport to newyork and committed 9/11....don't you know?

Edit: Forgot to add, the WMDs that got moved...moved by who? thats right, terrorists in Iraq.

Sorry, Iraq is not related to 9/11... thought you knew that : (.

Your sarcasm meter needs a check.

 

[shadow9d9]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: shadow9d9

Originally posted by: mOeeOm

Originally posted by: shadow9d9

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: ntdz

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

:thumbsup:

Good luck over there.

Glad you're going and protecting us and not DVK. Don't pay attention to P&N peeps here most of them like the french!

Protecting us in Iraq? What exactly is he protecting us from?

:shocked: from the same terrorists that flew the planes from Iraq International Airport to newyork and committed 9/11....don't you know?

Edit: Forgot to add, the WMDs that got moved...moved by who? thats right, terrorists in Iraq.

Sorry, Iraq is not related to 9/11... thought you knew that : (.

Your sarcasm meter needs a check.

Ah, quite right.. i skimmed over the Iraqi national airport : ).

 

[EndGame]

I was in S.A./Kuwait/Israel/Iraq during Desert Storm w/USAF......don't know if you're looking for us also....I supported what we did then, and I support our troops now....

 

[feralkid]

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: mOeeOm

Originally posted by: shadow9d9

Originally posted by: EXman

Originally posted by: ntdz

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

:thumbsup:

Good luck over there.

Glad you're going and protecting us and not DVK. Don't pay attention to P&N peeps here most of them like the french!

Protecting us in Iraq? What exactly is he protecting us from?

:shocked: from the same terrorists that flew the planes from Iraq International Airport to newyork and committed 9/11....don't you know?

No from you blind neo-appeaser eurosocialist poonannies who sing "give peace a chance" while wearing your treehugger shirts driving your SUVs to peace talk/UNmeeting/oilforfood mixers so you can get sub $2 a gal gas. 🙂

Quiet down before I send Dick Chaney a PM to come over here for some target practice!

I didn't know straw men drove cars.

 

[EatSpam]

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

I'm a 26 year old able-bodied male and I could give a rat's ass about what my peers are doing. Just sayin'. 🙂

 

[kylebisme]

Originally posted by: palehorse74
Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

I'm defeantly not the type to absurdly claim to know "the whole truth"; and even if I thought I did, I wouldn't be so beligerent as to try and dish it out though the barrel of a gun.

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

And I'm fairly certain YOU will never be able to understand why it is that some people feel serving their country requires them to do something different. I generally like military people, but every so often there is some sanctimonious jackass who thinks only he has access to "The Truth" and only he is a true patriot and all that bullshit. Don't be fooled, more often than not, for him it's not about serving his country, it's about feeling morally superior to those who disagree with him. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for people who serve their country, whether in the military or in some other fashion, but I still reserve some contempt for the people who do it not for the service, but for the big stick it gives them in arguments. Most military people do it for the right reasons, but people like palehorse are in it more for the high horse it gives them. I'm sure in his mind that's not really the reason, but I submit that no one who REALLY understood what serving your country was about would make such a condescending and self-serving statement.

 

[palehorse]

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

And I'm fairly certain YOU will never be able to understand why it is that some people feel serving their country requires them to do something different. I generally like military people, but every so often there is some sanctimonious jackass who thinks only he has access to "The Truth" and only he is a true patriot and all that bullshit. Don't be fooled, more often than not, for him it's not about serving his country, it's about feeling morally superior to those who disagree with him. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for people who serve their country, whether in the military or in some other fashion, but I still reserve some contempt for the people who do it not for the service, but for the big stick it gives them in arguments. Most military people do it for the right reasons, but people like palehorse are in it more for the high horse it gives them. I'm sure in his mind that's not really the reason, but I submit that no one who REALLY understood what serving your country was about would make such a condescending and self-serving statement.

we are each entitled to our own opinions.

I dont believe that my actual service is "the truth", or by itself led me to the truth, but rather it is what I have learned, seen, and done during said service that has brought me to the truth.

I just happen to be up to my ears in the entire situation, in more ways than you could possibly imagine. Does that make ME better than you, as a person? no, it does not. But, it certainly makes me more educated than most on the subject; and I'm therefore able to opine from a much more educated perspective.

Thankfully, for your sakes, you will never see, hear, or know some of the truths I refer to. On one hand, that keeps you sane and safe; but, on the other hand, that makes it very difficult to debate this subject with you. In a perfect world, there would be no secrets. Alas, this is certainly not a perfect world.

Am i James Bond? no. Am I'm some wannabe action-hero? hell no. But, I do have access to much more knowledge on the issue than most of you will ever have.

All that means is that my service has lent itself to seeing and knowing what I consider "the truth."

I'm not "holier than thou," but I'm much more versed than thou on the specific subject at hand.

(And i dont mean any offense by this.. it's just the truth of the matter, for lack of a better way to describe it. deal with it. If you wish to work toward finding out or ever knowing the answers and truths, then I encourage you to sign up and go for it... GL!)

 

[maluckey]

Been there...twice, going back in October. My own personal opinion is that it's a mess, not because of the United States, but the very culture of the country itself. It's not Islam that made the mess, it's OIL, other nations allowing pocket dictators to run amok and overindulgence of stupidity on the part of the major world powers. Every other nation in history was trounced and beaten down when they had something that another nation wanted. In the case of certian oil-laden countires, the nations spent too much time pandering to them. Now they get to reap what was sown with the spoled rotten teens that are the ME countires. Let's face it...We gave Erkell (sp?) unlimited funds and power, and that's what happens.

 

[JS80]

Originally posted by: Ordie

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

Yep,

Headed over there myself for the first time. 6 years in the Marines and now 6 years in the Air Guard I am presented with a chance to actively participate where so many other brothers and sisters in uniform have. You can't explain it really. I joined the service right out of high school knowing the risks involved. I volunteered to go over and wasn't forced or ambushed by it. It's just something you want to do when you serve. It's the pride that keeps you going and keeps you motivated to want to help. If my only contribution is to allow someone who has been over there a chance to come home then I accomplished something great. I am not looking to go over there and be Mr. Action Hero. Corny as it may sound, when you wear the uniform(I don't care what uniform) you know the feeling.

Wish me luck,

Ordy

God bless you guys. I may quit my job and join if Iran starts WW3. But for now I think I am better useful to the government paying all the taxes I pay with my high salary job.

 

[SarcasticDwarf]

I joined the Army in late 04 and am waiting to go back to BCT (was injured this past summer and am waiting on paperwork). About 1/2 of my reserve unit has been deployed (I should say half of those currently in the US, it is probably closer to 70% that have been deployed) and every one of them would not hesitate to go back. As some of the above posters have stated, I think it is something you have to be a part of to understand. Hell, I don't understand the interest in fly fishing, but many people do. Does that make it a pointless sport or their opinions invalid?

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

And I'm fairly certain YOU will never be able to understand why it is that some people feel serving their country requires them to do something different. I generally like military people, but every so often there is some sanctimonious jackass who thinks only he has access to "The Truth" and only he is a true patriot and all that bullshit. Don't be fooled, more often than not, for him it's not about serving his country, it's about feeling morally superior to those who disagree with him. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for people who serve their country, whether in the military or in some other fashion, but I still reserve some contempt for the people who do it not for the service, but for the big stick it gives them in arguments. Most military people do it for the right reasons, but people like palehorse are in it more for the high horse it gives them. I'm sure in his mind that's not really the reason, but I submit that no one who REALLY understood what serving your country was about would make such a condescending and self-serving statement.

we are each entitled to our own opinions.

I dont believe that my actual service is "the truth", or by itself led me to the truth, but rather it is what I have learned, seen, and done during said service that has brought me to the truth.

I just happen to be up to my ears in the entire situation, in more ways than you could possibly imagine. Does that make ME better than you, as a person? no, it does not. But, it certainly makes me more educated than most on the subject; and I'm therefore able to opine from a much more educated perspective.

Thankfully, for your sakes, you will never see, hear, or know some of the truths I refer to. On one hand, that keeps you sane and safe; but, on the other hand, that makes it very difficult to debate this subject with you. In a perfect world, there would be no secrets. Alas, this is certainly not a perfect world.

Am i James Bond? no. Am I'm some wannabe action-hero? hell no. But, I do have access to much more knowledge on the issue than most of you will ever have.

All that means is that my service has lent itself to seeing and knowing what I consider "the truth."

I'm not "holier than thou," but I'm much more versed than thou on the specific subject at hand.

(And i dont mean any offense by this.. it's just the truth of the matter, for lack of a better way to describe it. deal with it. If you wish to work toward finding out or ever knowing the answers and truths, then I encourage you to sign up and go for it... GL!)

Making quite an assumption, aren't you? I may not have your particular perspective on the issue, but I don't know that I'm less educated as a result. After all, I'm some random guy on the internet, who knows what real life perspective I have. Just because I don't make a big deal out of it at every possible self-serving opportunity doesn't mean I'm in the dark here...

Which was exactly my point. Without knowing anything about me, save my opinion on the subject, you figure that your experience gives you a superior view on the topic that allows you to talk down to me...that makes debating the subject with me difficult. THAT was the point I was trying to make, you don't just view your service as a method to help you understand the situation, you view it as a symbol that means your views on the topic are better than those of people you know nothing about. Seems a little foolish to me, don't you think?

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

And I'm fairly certain YOU will never be able to understand why it is that some people feel serving their country requires them to do something different. I generally like military people, but every so often there is some sanctimonious jackass who thinks only he has access to "The Truth" and only he is a true patriot and all that bullshit. Don't be fooled, more often than not, for him it's not about serving his country, it's about feeling morally superior to those who disagree with him. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for people who serve their country, whether in the military or in some other fashion, but I still reserve some contempt for the people who do it not for the service, but for the big stick it gives them in arguments. Most military people do it for the right reasons, but people like palehorse are in it more for the high horse it gives them. I'm sure in his mind that's not really the reason, but I submit that no one who REALLY understood what serving your country was about would make such a condescending and self-serving statement.

we are each entitled to our own opinions.

I dont believe that my actual service is "the truth", or by itself led me to the truth, but rather it is what I have learned, seen, and done during said service that has brought me to the truth.

I just happen to be up to my ears in the entire situation, in more ways than you could possibly imagine. Does that make ME better than you, as a person? no, it does not. But, it certainly makes me more educated than most on the subject; and I'm therefore able to opine from a much more educated perspective.

Thankfully, for your sakes, you will never see, hear, or know some of the truths I refer to. On one hand, that keeps you sane and safe; but, on the other hand, that makes it very difficult to debate this subject with you. In a perfect world, there would be no secrets. Alas, this is certainly not a perfect world.

Am i James Bond? no. Am I'm some wannabe action-hero? hell no. But, I do have access to much more knowledge on the issue than most of you will ever have.

All that means is that my service has lent itself to seeing and knowing what I consider "the truth."

I'm not "holier than thou," but I'm much more versed than thou on the specific subject at hand.

(And i dont mean any offense by this.. it's just the truth of the matter, for lack of a better way to describe it. deal with it. If you wish to work toward finding out or ever knowing the answers and truths, then I encourage you to sign up and go for it... GL!)

Making quite an assumption, aren't you? I may not have your particular perspective on the issue, but I don't know that I'm less educated as a result. After all, I'm some random guy on the internet, who knows what real life perspective I have. Just because I don't make a big deal out of it at every possible self-serving opportunity doesn't mean I'm in the dark here...

Which was exactly my point. Without knowing anything about me, save my opinion on the subject, you figure that your experience gives you a superior view on the topic that allows you to talk down to me...that makes debating the subject with me difficult. THAT was the point I was trying to make, you don't just view your service as a method to help you understand the situation, you view it as a symbol that means your views on the topic are better than those of people you know nothing about. Seems a little foolish to me, don't you think?

So you think you can speak better on the subject than soldier that has BEEN THERE, based on your BBC/CNN news reels?

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: Acanthus

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: Rainsford

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

And I'm fairly certain YOU will never be able to understand why it is that some people feel serving their country requires them to do something different. I generally like military people, but every so often there is some sanctimonious jackass who thinks only he has access to "The Truth" and only he is a true patriot and all that bullshit. Don't be fooled, more often than not, for him it's not about serving his country, it's about feeling morally superior to those who disagree with him. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing but respect for people who serve their country, whether in the military or in some other fashion, but I still reserve some contempt for the people who do it not for the service, but for the big stick it gives them in arguments. Most military people do it for the right reasons, but people like palehorse are in it more for the high horse it gives them. I'm sure in his mind that's not really the reason, but I submit that no one who REALLY understood what serving your country was about would make such a condescending and self-serving statement.

we are each entitled to our own opinions.

I dont believe that my actual service is "the truth", or by itself led me to the truth, but rather it is what I have learned, seen, and done during said service that has brought me to the truth.

I just happen to be up to my ears in the entire situation, in more ways than you could possibly imagine. Does that make ME better than you, as a person? no, it does not. But, it certainly makes me more educated than most on the subject; and I'm therefore able to opine from a much more educated perspective.

Thankfully, for your sakes, you will never see, hear, or know some of the truths I refer to. On one hand, that keeps you sane and safe; but, on the other hand, that makes it very difficult to debate this subject with you. In a perfect world, there would be no secrets. Alas, this is certainly not a perfect world.

Am i James Bond? no. Am I'm some wannabe action-hero? hell no. But, I do have access to much more knowledge on the issue than most of you will ever have.

All that means is that my service has lent itself to seeing and knowing what I consider "the truth."

I'm not "holier than thou," but I'm much more versed than thou on the specific subject at hand.

(And i dont mean any offense by this.. it's just the truth of the matter, for lack of a better way to describe it. deal with it. If you wish to work toward finding out or ever knowing the answers and truths, then I encourage you to sign up and go for it... GL!)

Making quite an assumption, aren't you? I may not have your particular perspective on the issue, but I don't know that I'm less educated as a result. After all, I'm some random guy on the internet, who knows what real life perspective I have. Just because I don't make a big deal out of it at every possible self-serving opportunity doesn't mean I'm in the dark here...

Which was exactly my point. Without knowing anything about me, save my opinion on the subject, you figure that your experience gives you a superior view on the topic that allows you to talk down to me...that makes debating the subject with me difficult. THAT was the point I was trying to make, you don't just view your service as a method to help you understand the situation, you view it as a symbol that means your views on the topic are better than those of people you know nothing about. Seems a little foolish to me, don't you think?

So you think you can speak better on the subject than soldier that has BEEN THERE, based on your BBC/CNN news reels?

Did I say either of those two things?

 

[skygod99]

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

I have not seen a post this good, ever. Good one:thumbsup:

I know exactly what you mean. I myself served 8 years active duty army.

Yes, I participated in the GWOT, but not in Iraq.

Edit: I think its lame how some still are so blinded by partisan hatred they cant understand what palehorse is talking about.

And thats the difference between those that have had the honor of serving our country, and those that dont, its not about policitics or beliefs. Its about knowing that you played your part in the big picture. Its about knowing that you volunteered to stand up and defend this country, and to volunteer your life for it if need be.


-And lets not have a petty pissing match about "How are our troops defending us in Iraq"?

-They are defending us when they wear the uniform, anywhere they are, and at anytime. Lets not piss on their service with pathetic policital talking points.

Good Luck to the guys heading out, keep your head down!
:beer:

 

[themusgrat]

Originally posted by: skygod99

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

I have not seen a post this good, ever. Good one:thumbsup:

I know exactly what you mean. I myself served 8 years active duty army. Yes, I participated in the GWOT, but not in Iraq.

It was good. I hope that you guys on duty don't really listen to these green peace keepers too much, because for every one who hates the administration and doesn't care about you guys, there are ten praying for you, regardless of whether our reasons for going in were right or wrong. God bless you all. :thumbsup:

 

[Rainsford]

Originally posted by: themusgrat

Originally posted by: skygod99

Originally posted by: palehorse74

Originally posted by: TallBill

Originally posted by: DVK916

Do you want to go to Iraq. I don't see how any sane person would want to go now.

Yes, but you wouldn't ever understand why. Its not about the politics or the mission. Its about being a 23 year old able bodied male who hasn't been over there, while how many hundreds of thousands of my peers have.

Most of you will never understand why it is that most of us serving take great pride in our service and in our mission, but the man who posted that has a good reason and a great dedication to duty.

I've had 2.5 trips during the last 10 years to the ME, with the last being in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq. I will likely go over again once I have completed more training. Each time I head out I do so in complete support of our President and this country, and nothing you anti's say or do will change that.

If any of you ever discovered the whole truth, or took a moment to study the real world, then you might have a chance to glimpse the logic, reason, and morality of our war on terrorism. Regardless of WMD's or whatever reasons you believe were the "false" ones which led us to war, there are a dozen other real reasons that hold true to this day. THOSE are the reasons we continue to fight, and THOSE are the reasons I continue to serve.

Those who understand, DO...those who do not understand, DONT DO. In other words, some of us who have our eyes open, and have been raised right, will serve and protect with honor and pride; while those who remain blind will just sit back and whine, cry, and opine from the safety of their computer chairs.

Which are you?

I have not seen a post this good, ever. Good one:thumbsup:

I know exactly what you mean. I myself served 8 years active duty army. Yes, I participated in the GWOT, but not in Iraq.

It was good. I hope that you guys on duty don't really listen to these green peace keepers too much, because for every one who hates the administration and doesn't care about you guys, there are ten praying for you, regardless of whether our reasons for going in were right or wrong. God bless you all. :thumbsup:

And don't listen to the nimrods who try to sell you on the idea that everyone who doesn't agree with them hates the troops.

 

[DVK916]

Originally posted by: SarcasticDwarf
I joined the Army in late 04 and am waiting to go back to BCT (was injured this past summer and am waiting on paperwork). About 1/2 of my reserve unit has been deployed (I should say half of those currently in the US, it is probably closer to 70% that have been deployed) and every one of them would not hesitate to go back. As some of the above posters have stated, I think it is something you have to be a part of to understand. Hell, I don't understand the interest in fly fishing, but many people do. Does that make it a pointless sport or their opinions invalid?

Edited: Removed what I said.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: WyteWatt

Originally posted by: RichardE

Originally posted by: WyteWatt

Originally posted by: MoPHo
My now bro-in-law went to Iraq. He was told he wouldn't have to go over there so he and my sister were planning on buying a house and getting ready to be married. then they shipped him over for a year. He hates the administration and current war...maybe a tad bit one sided...but he came back thankfully and finished his 8 years so he's done for good and they got married in October...no thanks to the current administration.

George Bush wasn't driving around in a truck kidnapping people to send to war. If you don't want to go to war, don't join the army............

Someone lacks reading comprehension

And that someone is MoPHo. Hating a war and an administration because it inconvenienced your civilian life doesn't say a whole lot. The army does this all the time with deployments, promotions, transfers, etc. I wish MoPHo's bro-in-law could tell us about his actual experiences in Iraq and how it compares with the information we're getting from the media.

Maybe he joined before the Dub jumped the shark and invaded Iraq!

 

[themusgrat]

Originally posted by: Rainsford

And don't listen to the nimrods who try to sell you on the idea that everyone who doesn't agree with them hates the troops.

I didn't mean that. It's just that I have yet to hear from many of you that you appreciate these guys. They believe in what they are doing, and are in a much better position to judge a war than you. I would listen to them, when the overwhelming majority in the armed forces support the President. My friend over there writes to me sometimes, and says that morale is high, and they fully support the President. But I have yet to hear from lots of people, including you, that the war can be justified at all. By telling people that, like it or not, who are risking their lives for you, that they are fighting for nothing, doesn't amount to support or patriotism in my book. Obviously, if you still agree with yourself, you have a different book. Time and people will tell which is the better.