[WhiskeyPapa]

So now you condemn any and all members of the military that join in times of war? Is the only honorable service that of peactime enlistment? You impune the reputations of millions - many have rushed to join when their country needed them.

I'm just saying that someone else has to die so you can get the combat experience you crave.

I turned 18 in 1973. I knew there was little chance of a war in the four years of my first obligation. After Carter got elected, there was even less. But in the summer of 1977, Idi Amin Dada started making some kind of noise -- I forget what-- and it looked like we might deploy, as my unit, First Battalion, Eighth Marines was the air alert battalion that month. If we went, we went. But the idea that I could get the type of experience that you apparently crave -- that is for your Playstation.

Walt

[4CJ]

I knew there was little chance of a war in the four years of my first obligation. After Carter got elected, there was even less.

Did you enlist to play dress-up? I don't think so - you enlisted knowing that you might see action. If and when it came, you were prepared to respond. You know full well that for you to experience combant, others might die. The Colonel next door has opined that enlistments are up since 11 Sep 2001, does that mean you denigrate all those enlistees?

[4CJ]

But the idea that I could get the type of experience that you apparently crave -- that is for your Playstation.

Sorry, I don't own a playstation.

[fightu4it]

"After Carter got elected, there was even less."

You can say that again! Even though he had an iron clad reason!

Carter didn't have the balls to issue an ultimatum to Iran: turn over the hostages by a certain date or get you ass kicked.

Well, he has his peace prize to set on the mantle and stare at. He can look at it but I don't see how any real American male could enjoy it under those circumstances.