"Full of rest, defense, and nimbleness."

Greyhawk blogs about the fact that Army recruiting numbers are positive and gets attacked for it (see comments section). One of his readers, Dadmanly, comes to his defense with such thoughtful commentary & consideration that I simply had to post it in its entirety here:

IRR Soldier and Kevin, both stridently on the other side of just about any issue with Greyhawk, can no doubt selectively quote any number of individual data points and cry, "the sky is falling!"

They wanted to serve, but with caveats and conditions. Only if, I didn't think that meant, why do they come after me, this was the only way I could pay for college, I didn't volunteer for perpetual indenture...

The facts are, that if the situation was as bleak as either of these carpers maintain, there would be open mutiny, mass desertions, and untis would be unable to operate.

Meanwhile, those of us in the Guard and Reserves continue to see large numbers of our troops reup and reenlist, knowing what the added years of service almost certainyl bring in deployments overseas.

Yes, some of us older NCOs are punching our clocks. After more than 20 years in, and with regular civilian careers, our families, doing another 3 or 6 years with a likely deployment is a lot to ask. So many opt out.

Greyhawk's point of view matches that of commanders throughout the military, and the majority of soldiers.

He does not create that sentiment; he is popular with military because we recognize the truth and reality behind what he says.

Gentlemen, you served, perhaps reluctantly, perhaps defiantly, and maybe you felt it was more than should have been asked of you.

We still appreciate and honor your service. Why can't you honor ours? Perhaps if you find new interests or areas of life tp explore, you won't need to spend so much time looking on from the sidelines, and bitching out those still on the field.

Posted by dadmanly at April 2, 2006 12:11 PM