[SouthernHawk]

..."surprising information on soldiers' patriotism." ...

There are a lot of FReepers that aren't "surprised" by the patiortisim of our troops in the least bit!!!!!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[Soaring Feather]

Thanks for the ping Hawk.

[Prodigal Son]

I think one reason they used 'surprising' is because in the past with the studies by Marshall, Stoufer and others- the conclusions about why soldiers fight could be applied for soldiers of every nationality. In other words, the results were the same regardless of which nation and which war was being fought. Soldiers fought (or often at least pretended to) in order not to let their fellows down.

I'm surprised the article didn't make any use of Lt Col Dave Grossman's On Killing- an excellent contemporary read that covers this topic. At any rate, historians/sociologists might be witnessing a new dynamic in the psychology of the war fighter- one that can't be applied necessarily to other nations with militaries. It would be interesting to compare the answers to those of the British Army to see how they stacked up. I think that would probably be the closest comparison that could be made (the Brits).

[Fawnn]

..."surprising information on soldiers' patriotism." ...
There are a lot of FReepers that aren't "surprised" by the patiortisim of our troops in the least bit!!!!!

My thoughts exactly! That "[s]urprisingly" stood out so much in the quote because, to me, it seemed so out of place. (I was more surprised to read that Wong felt our soldiers' patriotic ideals were surprising.) ... Based on his military experiences related to me by my late husband and by other observations, mutual love of God and country is a big part of the foundation that helps our soldiers form those bonds of support.

I know it's my love of God and country that's always made me proud to support our military in any way I'm able....

[stand watie]

!!!!!!!

free the southland BUMP,sw