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When people join the military, they know there is always a chance they will go to war. See, that's one of the main reasons we have a military. And we have an all-volunteer military, no less.

Some of these folks enlisted before the Iraq war. Some enlisted in National Guard, never expecting overseas duty since that's relatively rare for the Guard. Many have been recalled after leaving the military from the Reserves. So they aren't precisely comparable to your civilian job. You knew what you were signing up for. And you have renewed (AFAIK) for a specific amount of time. And your obligation is, at most, a civil contract. The troops don't have the same options if they don't want to be the beat cops for the Iraq government or if they simply think they've spent enough time on Iraq and want to get on with their lives, spend time with their families, etc.

I was merely pointing out that your situation is different from that of many of the troops.

Some of these folks enlisted before the Iraq war. Some enlisted in National Guard, never expecting overseas duty since that's relatively rare for the Guard. Many have been recalled after leaving the military from the Reserves.

Yep...I know quite a few National Guardsmen and quite a few Reservists. And I never hear any of them complain, so they really wouldn't appreciate you anti-war types complaining for them. In fact, I can't put out on here what a lot of them say about Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Jack Murtha, etc. because JimRob has rules about language. They embrace the mission and I know some guys who switch units after being redeployed so that they can come back.

You knew what you were signing up for. And you have renewed (AFAIK) for a specific amount of time. And your obligation is, at most, a civil contract.

So? I honor it, no matter how frustrating it gets sometimes. I enjoy what I do. Being a part of this is an honor for me and the most fascinating thing I have ever experienced. And I have lived a pretty exciting life.

I was merely pointing out that your situation is different from that of many of the troops.

Never said it wasn't. Those guys who go out on patrol every day and engage the enemy in firefights have my utmost admiration and are my heroes as are all of these people here.

And I won't have them belittled by a bunch of anti-war types who don't have a clue about how things are here on the ground.

When you belittle my involvement here, it really doesn't bother me. I just consider the source. But when I see people disparaging our troops and their efforts, I'll bite their freakin' heads off.