Re: A ? related to Carrie of London's post.

I did go in 1967. I found out in 1995 that my father had purchased a one way bus ticket from New Haven to Toronto for me and let me make the choice.

My best friend in life stepped on a UXO about 30 yards from me and went up in little pieces. I got mad as hell and guess what I did?

I re-upped for a 2nd tour of duty.

I woke up last night in 2008 sweating in the middle of a dream of a fire-fight. Incoming from every conceivable direction.

Whatever the answers are from people, please no trite ones. THINK this question over carefully.

Your life changes permanently.

Tra

Probably yes. I went the last time I was 20.

No need to discuss why. I think "yes" is sufficient.

for the first gulf war.  Did I do it because I was forced? NO.  Did I do it because I didn't have any other opportunities? No.  Actually, I could have made much more money in the private sector, but that wasn't my primary goal. I did so because I wanted to give back to a country that has given me, and my family so much.

I guess that some people won't understand that.  Some think that this country is a broken down evil empire.  That we do more bad then good in the world.  I couldn't agree less. If you truly want to look for evil, look to the east.

Yes is my answer.

-- Modified on 8/28/2008 9:35:50 AM

Lots of guys replied, but noone is reading them. I guess we're tired of politics. I know I am.

I enlisted USMC during Vietnam.

Also if there is a draft, the first question is does your number come up.  Then you decide on your citizenship.

Interesting question. I would have been the first in line for WW1 and WW2.

Now, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf2, were a waste of lives, national treasure and maimed our finest without any gain for the USA. Incredible.

It's like voting, if you don't do it you give up your right to bitch.

I was a horrible soldier, and the thought of reenlisting never entered my or my CO's mind, but I did my time like most everyone else of my generation.

If the privileged and impoverished alike had a legal, societal obligation to serve I'd have no problem with it. However; if the wealthy and well connected were again granted a plethora of machinations to side step their obligation then I too would bolt as did so many during the Vietnam era.