I don't think you're growing cynical, I think you know exactly what you're doing. Yes, as a matter of fact there have been major operations and we've been killin' the hell outta them buggers. War is a bitter, ugly thing and weaklings can't comprehend it. Marines both joyously live and gloriously die by the sword and this is another thing lesser beings don't comprehend. I'd rather not discuss the illusion vs. the reality because to shake the illusion is to reject what Marines do the very best: giving themselves for their brothers. Mourn them, don't denigrate their sacrifice or service.
All that John Wayne warrior stuff stiff doesn't answer the question as to why they are asked to fight and die for Islamic Iraqis who still aren't quite sure whose side they're on.
"Mourn them, don't denigrate their sacrifice or service."
"Mourning" was exactly what arasina was doing. "Denigrating"? I didn't see that at all.
I am doing just that. I am mourning the sacrifice of their lives for ANOTHER country rather than OUR country. What glory and honor is there in being killed by roadside bombs? All the hard work and training our fine men underwent is for naught if they aren't allowed to truly and effectively fight the enemy.