I've been a Naval Aircrewman for over ten years now, with three of those spent as an Instructor of same. I've observed thousands of Sailors, Marines, Air Force personnel, and Coast Guardsmen in my time. You and I are BOTH right.
The military demands much of its members...acceptance of grave physical danger, appalling working conditions, family separation (which I am now enduring), and low pay for all the above. Basically, there are two types of people who actively seek it out, and continue with it for a career. They can be summed up in two literary figures, both by the same author (and being something of a bookworm myself, metaphors like these appeal to me). That author, Robert E. Howard, created TWO archetypal characters in the 20s and 30s who sum it up perfectly.
1. SOLOMON KANE: Kane was a strict, devout Puritan in the 16th and 17th centuries, who traveled the world battling evil, as he believed God had commanded him to do. His weapons were his unshakeable faith, and his sharp rapier. Never did he touch wine or women; faced with overwhelming odds, his faith in God always saw him through the worst travails to victory.
Howard's other hero is quite a bit more well-known...
2. CONAN THE BARBARIAN: Conan of Howard's original stories had little use for religion. His people's god, Crom, "cares little for the troubles of men. He breathes into each strength and will at birth, to do with as they would". Conan battles with a huge, sharp sword and his titanic strength and courage as his weapons. In his stories, he goes from boyish thief to warrior to pirate to general, and eventually, to king by his own hand. Faced with adversity, he prevails through sheer animal confidence and powers of strength and will. In his spare time, he could be found spending his plunder at some tavern, a huge hand around a mug of ale, and the other around a comely wench. always prepared to fight, insulting him usually meant instant death.
Most of the military folk I've met in my life fall somewhere between these two extremes. In the Enlisted ranks, where I make my own living, the tendency is toward the "Conan" archetype. In the Officer corps, I've seen more leaning towards "Kane". Some do fall in the middle; they usually serve one or two tours, and exit honorably. Those who stay, and make a career of it, lean to one side or the other.The commonalities they share are unstinting loyalty, and hearts the size of whales. Let me give you an example:
Overseas one deployment, we had one young man in our unit of strong religious conviction. He wanted no "nights on the town", as it were, and made that known. The response from us Visigoths? "That's cool, man. Want us to bring you back some food, or some postcards for home?"
Ever after that, the boys would return from their revels bearing scrumptious local food for him, and souvenirs for his family.
Never in all my years in this business have I ever witnessed the "intimidation" or "pressure" you spoke of. Not only is it frowned upon, both officially and unofficially, but these guys, no matter their relative beliefs and persuasions, are steadfast loyal to one another. They are truly "America's Best".
SHEESH! I get choked up thinking of it. I must be getting old...
You mentioned the travails of Jesus. I am not a religious man myself, so forgive me if I get the story wrong, but He KNEW what he was doing...dying for our sins, to redeem us all. The ULTIMATE in "taking one for the team", as it were. He could not resist what was His destiny to endure, though I'm sure also that at least a few times, He probably wished he could have fed those Romans their whips!
A Soldier is fundamentally different; he must not only endure but is expected to fight back with all the powers at his command. He cannot turn the other cheek; he must bring destruction to his enemies. This perforce demands a certain mindset, one considerably more aggressive than that of the Prince Of Peace.
Either the Soldier finds his strength to do his duty in his Faith, or in himself. Kane or Conan, or some combination thereof.
Both work quite well for the purpose; and in the US military, both are turned towards the protection of Liberty and Freedom. In the service, both get along rather well with each other, and each in its way supports the other. We NEED both; one by itself cannot prevail without the other. The Faith must GUIDE the Strength, the Strength must SUPPORT the Faith. We realize this; it is why we all can work as a team to protect ALL in our Nation.
The Puritan and the Barbarian...can any force stand against BOTH, allied as one?
Thanks for listening.
Three. You forgot Almuric's Esau Cairn. If you've got a copy around, read the book's closing paragraf.
If you have not yet seen 'The Passion of the Christ', I encourage you to. In spite of objections from various critics, it is, based on historical documents from that time (which are not in dispute by any credible academic), an accurate portrayal of the physical torment that Jesus Christ suffered at the hands of the Romans.
Jesus Christ bore all our punishment so that we could live with him forever. He asks only that we confess our sins, acknowledge him as our savior, invite him into our life, and profess him before all men.
What if it's true?
All The Best, and thanks for standing guard while our family sleeps, O.C.
Very well stated, and thank you and all of our troops for your sacrifices and service.