Poll: Do you automatically respect people in the military?

[Dags90]

really? that seems odd

here in Aus they really did a drive towards apprenticships, getting one doesnt seem too hard since theres like a whole government thing behined it

It depends on the program. There are plenty of opportunities to learn how to be an auto mechanic/HVAC tech through private schools ($$$). But the pay is generally still mediocre and you wind up with a fair amount of debt in the process.

There really aren't many options in formal schooling if you'd want to have my dad's old job: industrial mechanic. It's mostly on-the-job training and such, so you have to wish upon a star for a employer who really needs someone. Since they're much less common, they also command higher salaries.

 

[the clockmaker]

It depends on why they joined the armed forces to begin with.

If they're a bloodthirsty assbag looking for a reason to kill random strangers, then no.

Thing is, have never met a bloodthirsty assbag who joined to kill random strangers, not one.

 

[Mr.Cynic88]

"Do I automatically respect people in the military?" Well, I automatically respect what they have been through/are capable of. I mean, they have been taught to kill by the ablest teachers in their country. They put their lives on the line for low pay and a greater purpose, and that should always been remembered when talking to a veteran.

On the same token, you should also remember they have been indoctrinated into a cult where they must unquestionably follow orders during traumatic experiences, and they may have done things so brutal and savage that it haunts them every night. It can be dangerous to talk about certain touchy subjects like world politics with veterans, because their perspective is not going to be the same as a civilian.

So yeah, there are multiple sides to this respect thing.

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

I respect them, even if I really hate everything they stand for and do. They are people who do incredibly taxing things in terrible conditions. Though you can train anyone to do the same, I still respect them because they're doing something I don't want to ever do.

 

[Programmed_For_Damage]

I respect the fact that they are dedicated to something that I couldn't/wouldn't do, but then again that goes for a lot of people like doctors, charity workers, sewerage plant employees. At the end of the day soldiers are just people and just as flawed as everyone else.

I'm the type of guy who treats anyone with respect until they give me a reason not to. Then good luck in winning me back.

 

[soren7550]

That depends. Have they gained anything positive from it? Are they a better person for having been in it? Are they just using it as an excuse to do/don't do something? Things like that. Although if I do see someone in uniform on the street, I will salute them.

 

[PoolCleaningRobot]

I do at first but my opinion of them can change real quick if I know someone long enough to find out their an ass hole

 

[sky14kemea]

Considering I'm currently trying to join the Navy, I wouldn't say I show them tons more respect than I would for anyone else I know.

Having said that, I do admire people who are willing to put their lives on the line, not just for the ones they love, but for complete strangers as well.

I know there are some people that only join the military for power/money/benefits, but that's not always a bad thing either. It's if they want to abuse it.

 

[The Lunatic]

Generally speaking, if you're willing to offer your life to protect my nation, yes, I have respect for that ideal.

That's not to say that all people in the military have that ideal, but, that's ultimately what they represent.

The British Army expects a lot, and you have to be a pretty reasonable human being to get through it.

Not to say that's a blanket statement of all, but, for the most part.

 

[Zen Bard]

I appreciate those who serve but I respect those who've been deployed.

But as a general rule, I rarely respect someone "automatically" because of association.

 

[shrimpcel]

No, I do not automatically respect them and I am rather pissed off by the people who do.

 

[aceman67]

My Father served 25 years, and did 2 Peacekeeping tours in Bosnia, seeing horrible things while helping stop Slobodan Milo?ević from committing Genocide.

My Uncle served 30 years, and served in the Golan Heights, where 10,000 Peacekeepers stood between two nations, stopping a war over the mineral rich area.

My Grandfather on my mother's side Served as a pilot in WWII and Korea. He was injured during the Attack at Pearl Harbor, and flew Grumman F6F Hell Cats off the USS Enterprise and USS Bon Homme Richard. During Korea he flew Med-evac helicopters.

My Grandfather on my father's side was a Merchant Marine, serving on ships that sent indispensable supplies to Europe for the Allied war effort.

So, as you can guess what my answer will be: The Soldier will have my respect till he loses it, but I will always respect the uniform.

You can say all you want, but you cannot deny the fact, that regardless of their reasons, they signed away their freedom to serve, not just their country, but you as well.

If War ever came to our shores, these are the men and women who will protect you the best they can, even if that means sacrificing their lives in the process, while you get to safety.

If you have an issue with war, take it out on the Politicians who start it, not the soldiers who have no choice but to fight it.

You have the right to vote: USE IT!

...you can't deny that the shit many of us have been through deserves some recognition.

Thank you for your service.

 

[Rawne1980]

As an ex British Soldier I would say I do.

I know what it's like and i've been to some of the shittiest places on earth and seen quite a bit.

But that's professional respect. Much the same respect as I give to Firemen, police, Doctors, Nurses and Farmers (why farmers you don't ask? because it's a fucking tough job and it supplies us with fresh food) or anyone else that works hard at what they do.

I wasn't forced to join up, it was my choice, so I expect nothing for what I did. It was a job, I got paid damn well and I got to travel to a hell of a lot of places ... some quite nice ones included.

 

[Raven_Operative]

I respect them for being able to make it through the hell that is basic training, as well as for what the job can possibly entail. I don't worship the ground they walk on, however, but they do sit higher in my books than your average McDonald employee.

 

[beastro]

Yes, however but a few I don't give leeway with when it comes to pushing their weight around and one of those is a man who saw and smelled the graves of Hue.

If they're an ass then I still respect the uniform, not the man wearing it. If they dish it out, I give it right back. Their profession defers respect, but not to make everyone a doormat.

Fortunately most I've met are nothing but respectful and an honour to their country... when sober.

 

[MASTACHIEFPWN]

I respect conscripts/drafted soldiers, mainly because they are being forced to murder/be murdered.

While I respect what soldiers do, something doesn't necisarily fit very well with me, a person who fully gives themselves to murdering others... I understand it is unfortunantly necisary, and I don't disrespect people, it's just... bleh, it's kind of a hard topic for me.

 

[Kennetic]

I'm in the US Army and I don't respect everyone who joins. However, if I see a random military dude at, say, the airport, I can ask that dude to watch my laptop while I take a leak and not think twice about it. Plus it's alot easier for me to relate to a military person than a civilian. Civilians just don't get it .
Also, I've never met a serviceman who has raped civilians overseas. That crap is exaggerated by the media as it may have happened once or twice by American soldiers (British soldiers however, are some horny bastards. FACT.) We don't go around murdering people either. Our rules of engagement is ridiculously strict and there were situations in Iraq where we should have shot but didn't because we thought we would have gotten in trouble if we did (we were surrounded by Iraqi Army dudes who had AKs pointed at us and we were like WTF)