The values I was taught at The Boat School, and what I acquired in the Marines, were fantastic. Now...they're toxic masculinity. Our Founders aren't men worthy of admiration- they're just a bunch of racists. Capitalism is evil and exploitative. And worst of all is the squelching of free political thought and speech.
Are we truly still a country where individual liberty is the central value? Because I always considered that the core "bargain" of my military service. Civilians are obliged to keep this a country worth defending, and I'll defend it. Well...they're no longer holding up their end of that bargain.
They mock our values while expecting us to protect theirs,and unfortunately, the rot has become deeper than just one election. Those values have become pervasive among far too many young people. This crap will continue to be pushed down our throats as long as they get away with it, and keeping the mliitary fully staffed despite the culture war is part of what they want. A "strike" by those of us who traditionally served is one way to let them know they have gone too far.
My Naval Academy pals graduated in 1992 and 93. Would you send your son there now? My brother-in-law graduated in 92, did 14 years in the Navy. They paid for him to get a phd from MIT also. Instead of designing ships he’s a hedge fund manager. Nice bank.
I guess my point is we still need to put up a fight. My son will make his choice either way, but I won’t actively dissuade him from military service. Nor will I be disappointed if he remains a civilian.