My Gen-X classmates and myself are surprised to hear that our participation in the Panama invasion, The Gulf War I, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the shameful Kosovo campaign doesn’t count.
I spent 4.5 years active army and another 16 or so National Guard. Out of 26 or so males in my HS class, half (voluntarily) joined the military in some form. Of course, with the economy that was handed to us, that was the only way to get a job...
Again, let me remind you all that I am by no means attempting to denigrate subsequent generations (after the so-called "Greatest Generation"). I am not claiming that any subsequent generation shirked its military duty. On the contrary, I'm pointing out that the "Greatest Generation" - through no merit of its own - was given a once-in-a-millenium chance to battle satanic forces for "mother and apple pie." Through no merit of their own, they were able to win the trifecta of 1) in a "desperate undertaking" conquering an almost equally-matched demonic enemy and thus returning home as unquestioned victors; 2) which coincided with the U.S.A. attaining superpower status; and 3) riding a demographic wave as a consequence of which there was almost always full employment and high economic growth. What's not to like about that?
In contrast, subsequent generations fought in - partly - highly unpopular wars against pipsqueak enemies - where's the glory in that? (I DON'T dispute that the job needed to be done, but invading a tiny island country like Grenada or using high-tech superweapons to pulverize a vastly outnumbered enemy who poses no real threat to the American heartland just isn't as glorious.
Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time - even though unearned - just is incredibly propitious.
Regards,