I met a soldier today

[bush_is_wacko]

I had a soldier come to my work today. He was very polite, just asked for what he needed, exlained who he was, and left. He came back later to get what he needed with his wife. I was sooooo incredibly struck by how young they were. If he was standing next to my 15 yr. old I would not be able to tell which of them was older! I had to leave the room, in order to avoid letting him see me cry as he walked away. I know his back was turned, but I felt as if I was betraying him by crying. I just kept thinking, he could be dead next week or next month. Why are we sending these young men off to die? He looked so bright and so young!

[knowbody0]

1. i was young when they were going to vietnam

one day they are on the school bus, the next stop vietnam. so sad this legacy we give to our own children
i weep with you

[Patiod]

2. We bought beers for one soldier recently

He looked so young - in his uniform and short haircut, sitting in a "hippie bar" on South Street, obviously meeting someone. I went over and bought him a beer, telling him, "I'm against the war, but thank you for your service" He looked a little confused, but said thanks.

S.O. went over and said, "my girlfriend bought you a beer" (at this point, SO said the kid looked terrified - SO is a scary-looking weight-lifter) "and I'd like to do the same". I hope he didn't have to buy any of his own beer that evening.

[bush_is_wacko]

7. Me too!

I wish I could say the words to these soldiers that you said. I just end up crying. Maybe it is my motherly instincts that make me feel this way, but honestly, I'm not sure I would react any differently if the soldier standing there was my age. I would just compare him to my husband or myself, if it was a woman. I would probably compare an older General or something to my father. I just feel such an overwhelming sense of loss every time I think of how we have failed them. They are the bravest of men and women. I am awed and humbled by them and I feel nothing but helplessness in their presence!

[leftchick]

3. That is why you actually" Weigh the Consequences" before ....

going to war. This mis administration weighs no fucking consequences about anything but for how high the profits. It is sad most soldiers don't recognize that.
:(

[genieroze]

8. Maybe * should send his little twins off as cannon fodder. eom

[Dzimbowicz]

4. I understand your feelings

because I enlisted in the Marines before I graduated high school. For the first five months of my service I was seventeen. At that time I did not realize how young I was; the Marines made me shave daily, but I was still too young to have a beard. Almost one year to the day I enlisted, I was in a combat zone.

My question is: Why do we allow the flower of our youth to enter into such things. In my opinion, one should be twenty-one in order to enlist. By doing this individuals would have more time to think about such decisions before making them.

[Paranoid_Portlander]

9. You had to be at least 21...

... to be drafted when the modern draft first started back in October, 1940, which was also the starting age for adulthood. That rule changed quickly the following year, of course.

[Dzimbowicz]

12. Very interesting

I did not know that.

[Anakin Skywalker]

11. Hah! But No One Would Join Then!

OK. Not "no one", but enlistment would be lower. And the chickenhawks need the youths to fight their old men wars for them. But at least we don't have a draft....YET.

[Dzimbowicz]

13. True, very true n/t

[Mike Niendorff]

5. I had a similar experience at the airport a few weeks ago

Was picking up a relative at baggage claim, and I happened to get there a bit early. So, while I'm waiting, I notice this kid who was obviously just arriving home from duty. I don't use the term 'kid' lightly. He couldn't have been more than 19. It's funny, because I didn't used to think of 19 as young. But looking at that guy, he might as well have been 16, or 15, or 13, for all the difference it was going to make. I think of myself at that age, and how indestructible I thought I was, and I can't help but think of what life would've been like for me if I'd had to put that indestructibility to the test. Old enough to look death in the eye, but not old enough to know better.


MDN

[jeffvail]

6. Too young

I agree, that at 21 some people will be a little more capable of thinking through the decision to enlist. I joined the military at 17 as well, and looking back on my choice, while it has served me well, I would not repeat it. I have a completely different view on the world (at my old age of 27) than I did then.

Which is exactly why, of course, it makes sense to get people into the military when they are young. By 17 most people are certainly physically capable. Someone who hasn't figured out who they are and what they think is exactly what the military wants. The classic statment of how "basic training first breaks you down and then builds you back up again" works a lot better on the young and impressionable. Not to mention that any rigid hierarchy doesn't want its ranks filled with independent thinkers...

~Jeff
http://www.jeffvail.net/

[bush_is_wacko]

10. Yes

I think this is the tragedy of it! I know several men who served in The Gulf War and have two veterans in my family. One is brainwashed for life. The other is BROKEN for life. Guess which one actually saw the death and destruction of combat?

[Dzimbowicz]

14. I agree

I was physically capable for the Marines, but psychologically I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.

As you stated that your experience served you well, I concur. Although I would not accept a million dollars in exchange for the experience, I would not accept a million to do it again.

[newyawker99]

15. Hi jeffvail!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[bush_is_wacko]

16. Unfortunately

at 17 or 18 our children can still be brainwashed by the military! At 21 they are not as likely to go into a recruiting office with the opinion this is going to make a man or woman out of me and afterwards I can go to college. A 21 yr old has enough life experience, although not much more, to realize enlisting is not usually the BEST option.