Poll: What if you were forced into military?

[k3v1n]

civilian service, I don't want to kill or get killed so that would be best for me

 

[Mezrev]

Well, considering I am conscripted to the army, starting service next January, this situation ain't that hypotethical for me (except for the foreseeable threat in the near future). Going to be a signalist, so I'd guess that falls to the frontline support category.

 

[J-Man]

Well it depends on what country's army we'er talking about. If it were China I'd probably go for long-range (less chance of dying). If I were in the US I'd sneak out of the country.

 

[Steelfists]

Where's the "Surrender the instant the enemy attack" option?

What are you, Fre... Okay, that's too easy.

I'm allergic and I have high blood pressure. Which is ironic, because I could easily be a sniper thanks to my aim.

There is a lot more to sniping than that. With an attitude like that I doubt you would last long in the training.

 

[MrSnugglesworth]

Jail.

 

[Abedeus]

Where's the "Surrender the instant the enemy attack" option?

What are you, Fre... Okay, that's too easy.

I'm allergic and I have high blood pressure. Which is ironic, because I could easily be a sniper thanks to my aim.

There is a lot more to sniping than that. With an attitude like that I doubt you would last long in the training.

Yeah, I know there's required a lot of patience, cold blood, sure finger... But even a normal infantry soldier requires that. Sniper is more needy, of course.

That's why I said "thanks to my aim". Other things, like having to control one's emotions (and not firing at a terrorist by an accident...), might he a bit harder.

 

[asiepshtain]

I did read the OP but I'm afraid you may have missed my point. The whole purpose of my reply was to state three things:

1)If the cause were just, I wouldn't need to be drafted because I would volunteer. Given your other assumptions it wouldn't be a jump for you to assume volunteering would include training.

2)It is not cowardice to refuse to kill just because you are told to do so.

3)There is a moral objection, but it is not with killing. The moral objection is being forced to kill. If you are going to kill another person, or even be part of the killing in an indirect role, it is important that you willingly agree to do so.

You speak of fighting for freedom, but a draft takes those freedoms away, and you cannot preserve freedom by restricting or eliminating it. Also, you mention illegal orders and not following them. This is a mute point entirely as I was speaking not of the military itself, but of the government which controls it. Moreover, being that the OP does not speak as to the justice of the upcoming possible conflict, I don't think it is fair to assume one way or another as to whether or not it would be a just cause. This is why I replied to both possibilities.

You speak of people jumping to cynicism... we're talking about WAR. You don't have to jump to cynicism, you're standing it in. War is what happens when things have gone wrong, and even when the cause is just, the outcome is ugly. It is never a good thing, though I'll admit it is necessary from time to time.

First thing first, my hat off for an intelligent and formed response. As for your arguments:

1.You clarify your earlier post saying you will volunteer but I still see a problem here, you say you will volunteer when you feel the need is just, however in order to be prepared you need to train now, before the actual need even presents itself. Thats what I meant by lacking in sight, you can't say "I'll volunteer" only when you feel like it, you train now for the fight later.

2. True, but I don't think I ever stated the opposite.

3. "You speak of fighting for freedom, but a draft takes those freedoms away, and you cannot preserve freedom by restricting or eliminating it." I completely disagree. Completely. It is necessary for freedom to be restricted in order to have freedom, absolutely. You might think of this as an oxymoron but it isn't. freedom without law is nothing, and law is the restriction of freedom. Absolute freedom only works if you are the only living thing. When there even two people, freedom must be restricted and controlled so that both people would have the maximum possible freedom for both, but no more.

"we're talking about WAR" No, we're not. And this is major. We are talking about preparing for a war. A trained and ready army most important function is that of deterrent. A preventing force against war. If game theory can teach us anything is that we must show at all time the fact that we will defend ourselves if attacked, while at no time attacking without need.

 

[Nmil-ek]

I would dissapear and move country, I abhor war to the very fibre of my being and enough Scottish/British died for my right not do so. I dont have any political standpoint, no intrest in eastern nations politics or so called terrorism or in patriotism so there is absolutley no reason for me to ever go to war bar some person in powers will that I would never comply to.

 

[goater24]

Having taken a fair bit of acid in my youth I think I wouldn't be allowed to serve, unless that is an urban myth. That said I would serve given that the circumstances were right and I was allowed. I would not get involved in a war I didnt believe in and would choose jail as a way of objecting.

 

[shippuudenfreak]

I'd serve. I'd want to make sure I'm dying so that the people behind me live to see another day. I don't care. They probably wouldn't let me serve, as im flat footed. I'd just volunteer anyway.

 

[killgannon]

I'd try to sneak out the country. Failing that it doesn't really matter where I'd end up, I'd still be KIA somehow.

 

[MSG_Klemer]

I'd serve. I'd want to make sure I'm dying so that the people behind me live to see another day. I don't care. They probably wouldn't let me serve, as im flat footed. I'd just volunteer anyway.

I have flat feet as well, it won't bar you from service. More likely in the case of emergency response in defense of your nation, flat feet would be the least of the worries.

 

[Steelfists]

Where's the "Surrender the instant the enemy attack" option?

What are you, Fre... Okay, that's too easy.

I'm allergic and I have high blood pressure. Which is ironic, because I could easily be a sniper thanks to my aim.

There is a lot more to sniping than that. With an attitude like that I doubt you would last long in the training.

Yeah, I know there's required a lot of patience, cold blood, sure finger... But even a normal infantry soldier requires that. Sniper is more needy, of course.

That's why I said "thanks to my aim". Other things, like having to control one's emotions (and not firing at a terrorist by an accident...), might he a bit harder.

Can you do complicated trigonometry equations in your mind in seconds? After several days lying prone in a muddy ditch awake and not being able to move?

Would you be able to not move a muscle for days at a time, except to piss and shit (in a bag, while still lying prone)?

 

[urithe]

I wish I had a choice, but unfortunately it is mandatory in Israel.

 

[sokka14]

This is why I feel sorry for (amongst others) the Germans.
If I was given the choice in real life it'd be between the 6 and 9 month options. if i knew i wouldn't be forced into actual combat i'd definitely pick the 6 month. if warfare was a possibility i'd go for long range.

hence, for this poll i choose long range.

 

[D3athBat]

Long Range Combot FTW!..
The further away I am from the assholes shooting at me the better..
I find sniping more appealing anyway,even the grueling training..

 

[Abedeus]

Where's the "Surrender the instant the enemy attack" option?

What are you, Fre... Okay, that's too easy.

I'm allergic and I have high blood pressure. Which is ironic, because I could easily be a sniper thanks to my aim.

There is a lot more to sniping than that. With an attitude like that I doubt you would last long in the training.

Yeah, I know there's required a lot of patience, cold blood, sure finger... But even a normal infantry soldier requires that. Sniper is more needy, of course.

That's why I said "thanks to my aim". Other things, like having to control one's emotions (and not firing at a terrorist by an accident...), might he a bit harder.

Can you do complicated trigonometry equations in your mind in seconds? After several days lying prone in a muddy ditch awake and not being able to move?

Would you be able to not move a muscle for days at a time, except to piss and shit (in a bag, while still lying prone)?

About math - probably. I prefer trigonometry to logarythms. But honestly? All you have to do is take a correction based on wind (small) distance (a bit bigger) and fire. It's not like you will be often shooting from 1,5km.

About the second - yeah. I'm quite good at still meditation. You know, where you sit in a silent darkness, with eyes closed shut and you are completely immobile for 30 minutes. Your body hurts like hell, but then you have to get up after 30 minutes.

You don't want to know how much THAT hurts. If you do, you understand. Besides, lying IS easier than sitting straight with legs crossed and hands on your knees.

 

[MURPHYCHACHO]

I'd enlist, then shoot off my toe and get out.

 

[A Raging Emo]

I choose Combat Support. It seems one of the least dangerous.

If you think about it, with Civilian Service, there is quite a chance that you will get bombed. If, of course, you are making ammunition and other things needed to continue a war effort.

This is, assuming, that the people my Country is fighting against are allowed to bomb Civilian Targets.

 

[Macgyvercas]

I'd love to be drafted. I've been trying to join, but they won't take me because I'm on perscription meds. If the draft comes back, it means they're desperate.