Argument

Weather you are in the military service or a regular American citizen, there are many different reasons why people like or dislike our military.

To the people who like the military, a sailor, soldier, marine or airman might portray to them a model of patriotism or an example of personal sacrifice in support of our freedom and way of life. Others may also see the military service as a smart career choice, given the benefits, education and training programs offered. Often employers favor hiring former military personnel for these reasons, in addition to the discipline and work ethics that the military service instills in its people. For the men and women who are serving in the military, and enjoy of the military way of life, not only do they enjoy it for the work experience, but benefit from the adventure and excitement it brings to their lives. And there are others who see the good in the military only by the almighty dollar. Military business has always been good for the economy, not only for the nation as a whole, but for many small communities who thrive on military business. For example, how businesses in the communities of Temple, Waco, and Killeen, depend on the business from the soldiers at Fort Hood for their livelihood.

Most people who dislike the military, in my opinion, our misled into the belief that the military dictates foreign policy, and that it is the fault of the military that we are in a conflict (or conflicts) that they don't agree with. People must realize that foreign policy is not part of the military, and that a military person follows orders by going where he/she is told to go and fights who he/she is told to fight. Although a service member may have their own personal opinions and feelings on the subject, but this must be set aside and orders must be followed. This could also be one of the reasons service many members decide to get out of the military instead of making it a career. Many service people find that they dislike the military service for other reasons such as the day to day routine or the inability to withstand the emotional strains involved. In addition, there are many who dislike the way of life, the constant deployments and separation from friends and family.

Some would also argue that our military is too large and too expensive, given the threat of the Soviet Union has passed. In the 90's, after the cold war threat ended, the government initiated a severe draw down or reduction of the military and it's bases all over the country. Although I agree, that some cuts needed to be made, but the "Down Sizing", to its extreme, was a mistake and it is still being paid for today. In fact, several communities across the United States are still trying to recover from the loss of business due to closure of their local military base. Not only did some local communities suffer but the military is still trying to cope with the losses the drawdown