Military (Political) Justice

[Dave Stewart]

My step father was in the army in the late 20,s. Talk about benefits, there were very few.In fact soldiers were not looked at with much respect. There was the depression, very few could even enlist, promotions?Pay raises?.One cost no one mentions very much, is the national guard, and ready reserve.We couldn't even fight Canada with using them.There will be more cost cutting, its sad but true.When it comes to increased taxes for military, the "what have you done for us yeasterday" comes up.If we are to continue to be the worlds policeman, who will pay?I dont care if the Iraqis kill each other off, same with syria,were going broke defending our point of view, and more and more of the world is not agreeing with us.

Not sure where you are getting your views on the National Guard and Reserve. If you would take the time to go visit a National Guard or Reserve unit you will see just about everyone now days has a combat unit patch on their right shoulder. Many Guard and Reserve personnel have as much time in combat zones in the past 10 years as their active duty counter parts. Many have given their lives in combat since 911. Implying the Guard and Reserve are ineffective is a slap in the face to a whole lot of folks that have performed their duties with the highest standards and honor...both here in this county during crisis and overseas in combat zones.

I for one an glad that I have passed the age that I can be ordered back to active duty from retirement without Congressional approval. I don't think I would be keeping my rank very long with all this sacrificing our troops in the name of "political correctness". Suicide rates and PTSD are at an all time high in our military because of too many deployments of troops with their hands tied behind their backs. No doubt we could have used the reinstitution of the draft years ago...but it won't happen unless someone starts coming across the border with tanks and guns...the reason is simple, now days if the draft was instituted, they would have to draft females....and if you think the public outcry was bad during Viet Nam when they were drafting little Billy....just imagine trying to draft little Suzy.

For sure the acitve military is on a draw down.....happens after every war. The Guard and Reserve are being drawn down too. The sad part of all this is that they are cutting the benefits for those that served and earned those benefits. Yes, we military retirees are taking a hit, especially in the health care area. Folks on active duty that have planned a career are taking hits also. Certainly all of us in this country are in for some sacrifices to get the deficits back on track....no doubt in the form of taxes and less government handouts...but to target veterans that earned their benefits by enduring all the hardships and sacrifices of military duty is just WRONG. One thing you can bet on........those high dollar pork barrel defense contracts will continue.

As for SSG Bales...he will be sacrificed also in the name of "political correctness". What they should do is put him in the same cell as the Muslim Major.

[Tom523]

The National Guard and Reserve have come a long way since I had to train with them in 1980. They are an effective fighting force now. I couldn't say that back then. I work with AGR and you couldn't tell the difference between them and AC.