As a soldier for 5 years and a warrant officer for almost a year now, I can say that it’s true. Soldiers are tired. But, you know what? WE VOLUNTEERED FOR IT!!! WE KNOW WHAT WE’RE GETTING INTO WHEN WE SIGN UP!!! And as for the lieutenant the article talks about, his oath of office (as well as mine) states that we take take this obligation FREELY without mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So, to say that we should all feel sorry for soldiers because we’re being worked to the bone and somehow that we are being indentured into this line of work is folly.
I know what tired is. I was a medic for an infantry platoon with the 1-325 AIR, 82nd Airborne Division while in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Seven day patrols, constantly fixing the ailments of my 11 Bang-Bangs, even losing one of them. It takes a toll. But we all kept on. None of us quit. Most volunteers who enlist or become officers or warrant officers (which we helicopter pilots are the best of the group, haha) are tough and do exactly what is needed to get the job done. That’s what we do. That’s what makes us the best military in the world.
Sorry, got on a rant there, didn’t I?
Thanks. Thanks to all who have served, are serving, or will serve in the future. America’s finest.