SS and Ziegenfarm - I agree with both of you.

I am in no way confused.  I dont agree with everything that has been done...but I dont make the decisions - I listen to them.  I knew when I signed up what I was getting into - and I dont regret it in anyway.  I love my unit, I love what I do...and I have throughout my time.  It's a society that I fit into far better than the anti-war; anti-military environment I grew up in.

And dont let the looks fool you - I'm about as crass and disgusting as they come.  And you know what - I am doing what I want to do with my life - I am serving a country that I love - but more importantly I am serving for my family and friends - I am working as a dog trainer, I am going to be an officer - I have a boyfriend I love - and no one is stopping me from attaining my goals - and in that sense I am fullfilling my American Dream.  I wouldnt want to live anywhere else....well...maybe in switzerland...but only because I like to ski and ride horses...I'd be the ski/ride horses hermit...I tend to like the people here a little more...more blunt.

~Cate

Uglydog,

I NEVER thought that I would agree with you on anything. But here, you are right on point!!!

Regards

without getting into a debate on the merits of this war in iraq, i think we should all remember that the men and women in our military do not get to choose where and when they serve. they obey orders. it makes me angry too that they STILL do not have the equipment they need or the care HERE once they are home. but, hopefully we have learned the lesson from vietnam; our anger should be directed at the administration in power, not our service people. every one of our servicemen and women should be honored when they come home.

cate - thanks for your service. you sound like you have a very sensible mind.

in our town, we now have flags flying on the main thoroughfare with the names of all who are serving. it identifies each person and the branch they are in. i remember vietnam and the reception my cousin and bro-in-law got from some. this is a big improvement.

mom, I agree, I have two family members in Iraq today. Thank God they are army and not reserves. The reserves are front line today. (less money put into them) Disposable. The things they have to do to keep their family together is incredible. My niece stays with me while her husband is in Iraq, then her husband stays with me while she is there. Something I think would destroy most families. I just hope the next President uses a bit of common sense.

Fear of Civil War in Iraq

The Guardian
March 30, 2008

The gunfire built to a steady rhythm. American soldiers in a Stryker armoured vehicle fired from one end of the block. At the other end, two groups of Shia militiamen pounded back with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. US helicopters circled above in the blue afternoon sky.

As a barrage erupted outside his parents’ house, Abu Mustafa al-Thahabi, adviser to the Mahdi army of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, rushed through the gate to take shelter. He had just spoken with a fighter by mobile phone. ‘I told him not to use that weapon. It’s not effective,’ he said, talking of the rocket-propelled grenade. ‘I told him to use the IED, the Iranian one,’ he added, referring to an improvised explosive device. ‘This is more effective.’

-Andy, Youre being Naive, wishful thinking I know...

One fact to keep in mind, and NEVER forget; our troops in the middle east volunteered. The K-9 dogs did not have that choice.

I agree Nicole that many volunteered.  Brave Men like Pat Tillman, the NFL star who gave up millions to enlist after 911.  He was found killed from "Friendly Fire"...3 shot to his head from 10 meters.   Doesnt sound very friendly to me.   3 to the head is no accident.. Sorry.     Pat had been writing a diary & his entries were becoming very Anti War, he was beginning to speak out publicly and question the legality of this war..

Many National Guard, had No idea at time of enlistment 10+ years ago, they would be fighting in a Civil-Guerrilla type war, for multiple deployments.   

So much for the 1 weekend a month..& helping American communities in times of natural disasters.   Those are the ones I really feel for.   They are on the front lines, Ill eqipped & ill prepared to be doing what theyre doing. 

Where is Border patrol? Where is the Fence?  10 Miles of fence to date, being invaded daily.

Enlistment is 3-6 years typically.  You can re-enlist - but again - 3-6 years.  Most people in the Guard today are here and knew there was a war when they re-upped or enlisted or comissioned.  Just a bit of Army Trivia.

~Cate

Cate..the war is all of 5-6 years old.  That puts anyone over the age of 25, as an unsuspecting "Beneficiary" of a stupid Occupation. There are tens of thousands that fall in that category. Some men, Natl Guard, in the 50s are doing tours. Its Insantiy.

Another 8 US Soldiers killed yesterday for Oil & Israel, pending DOD confrimation.

http://icasualties.org/oif/

"Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, more than 50,000 Guardsmen were called up by both their States and the Federal government to provide security at home and combat terrorism abroad."  -From National Guard website.

After the initial invasion, it was told to many US Soldiers,  that they would be returning "within weeks."  

Not the case now it appears. That was over 5+  years ago.   Troops are leaving in Record numbers, even with Huge bonuses they are paying now. Over  6,000 Suicides from US  Veterans just last year, having served in Iraq. We will see alot more of that.