And when you need them? If, say, the soldiers who enlisted in 2001 ended up fighting a defensive war against Russia/China/insert country here instead of Iraq? It's the fact that they'll be there when we really need them that warrants respect.Fagotto said:I can respect achievement, regardless of how useful it is. I value how useful it is, but that is a separate category for me.dyre said:I wouldn't say education should factor much into how much you respect someone's profession. Utility gained for society is the much bigger factor of the two you mentioned. I'd take a bachelor's degree civil rights activist over a master's degree stock broker any day.Fagotto said:snip
Regarding your point about the military's helpfulness to our country, keep in mind that the purpose of a standing army isn't just to destabilize the Middle East, even if that's what they're being used for right now. It's also to have troops available if we ever really need them. I'd say the ideological value of being there if your country needs you warrants some respect, though the current exploitation of our military power by politicians doesn't.
The fact that they were used in that manner is a good reason for me to lack respect. They put themselves in a position to be used for purposes that may not be any good.
They provide some usefulness by being there. But just being there in and of itself isn't exactly a spectacular achievement.
As for your respect for achievement, you realize that higher education depends greatly on socioeconomic conditions, right? For example, in my town, everyone in my graduating class went to college, except one guy who enlisted in the IDF or something. Because their parents were rich and valued education. It's a completely different story in an inner city.