What would you be doing today...

Former Member

if your nation didn't have a military and men/women willing to serve in it?

Former Member

Speaking German

Former Member

oh, god, here we go again.
Probably running around wearing a swastika on my arm and saluting Adolf Jr. Yes, thank god for our brave boys.
What's your point?
(I swear if anyone brings up vietnam I'm going to change my position on gun control and get in on the action myself)

Former Member

Originally posted by Prufrock
What's your point?

The men and women that served before you,
the men and women serving today,
and those tomorrow

are no different than any other people in your neighborhood.

There are gung-ho types.
There are sliders.
There are even some peace types.

But they're all doing their job in ensuring everyone in their country can be free from outside repression.

So when you think "us vs. them", it might be your own reflection you are cussing.

Former Member

Still wondering where you're going with this mate. If you're about to go off on a tangent about everyone not respecting the military, save it for an audience that might be aroused by the issue. Else, I don't know what you're on about.

Former Member

um, well, yeah, that's not exactly a contentious issue, that soldiers are people too. I think you have a general consensus on that one.

Former Member

I dunno, but I would imagine:

There would be a lot more dead Kosavan/Albanian people,
Tony Blairs ego would allow him to actually walk out of door,
People in the Falklands would be talking Argentinian,

Anybody got any other suggestions?

Former Member

Er... yes, the Armed Forces help secure the present and future of a country, and protect its interests and citizens. That's what are they paid for. It's their job. Doctors save lives, firefighters put out fires, police keep order, street sweepers keep us clean and safe from disease. Don't they deserve recognition too?