Soldiers vs. Civilians

LTCDRILLTEAM09

10-Year Member
5-Year Member
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Hey, I wanted to get some good opinions, and first hand knowledge.

I have seen things where many Soldiers and members of the Armed forces look down on regular civilians. Some are viewed as lazy slobs.

I don't mean to start anything bad, but this worries me greatly. I tried to get into ROTC, and medical reasons stopped it. I have a tremendous respect for everybody in the Armed forces.
However, most of my friends have successfully gotten into the military, and I feel left out. It depresses me greatly that I cannot be a part.

I didn't want to stay a civilian, but I have to.

Is there any respect in the civilian world, or is my failure to get into the military going to haunt me forever?

Views are much appreciated.
 
Hey, I wanted to get some good opinions, and first hand knowledge.

I have seen things where many Soldiers and members of the Armed forces look down on regular civilians. Some are viewed as lazy slobs.

I don't mean to start anything bad, but this worries me greatly. I tried to get into ROTC, and medical reasons stopped it. I have a tremendous respect for everybody in the Armed forces.
However, most of my friends have successfully gotten into the military, and I feel left out. It depresses me greatly that I cannot be a part.

I didn't want to stay a civilian, but I have to.

Is there any respect in the civilian world, or is my failure to get into the military going to haunt me forever?

Views are much appreciated.
Those that would "look down" upon members of the non-military community, are pretty pathetic individuals. They're probably the ones that would be that way in ANY career/environment.

Members of the military are no different from those that are not members; we've just chosen a different vocation. THAT'S IT. Is there shared sacrifice? Yes. There is also shared sacrifice on a commercial super tanker, a US Flag freighter plying the oceans, delivering our goods to other nations so that our economy grows. There is shared sacrifice in work crews working against a deadline, etc...etc...to think that members of the military are "special" and those that are not are "not special" and should be looked down upon, is an indefensible position.

I wouldn't give it a moments thought.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Nicely said Steve.

Let me give you another example. As most of you know, I am heavily involved for the AF in the development of the latest tactical fighter: the F-35. In the course of my actions, I visit Lockheed Martin's production facility often, amongst other factories of sub-contractors working on other systems for the F-35. Wonderful, dedicated people working on those production lines, proud of the work they do and even prouder that they are contributing to America's future security. I make it a point to shake as many hands of the workers there that I can, thanking them for their contributions to keep America safe.

Like flieger said, there are many ways to contribute. Not the least of it is to become a productive and active citizen in this great country of ours. Paying your taxes, exercising your right to vote (which demonstrates to the World just how great a country we are), helping out your neighbor, etc.

You don't have to wear a uniform to receive accolades from your countrymen. You just have to do your own part in your own way to contribute. :thumb:

I pity the ones in uniform who don't get that...
 
Concur with what has already been said by the previous two posters. Also want to point out, the term "Soldier" is used ONLY for service members from the Army.

"Service members" is a term that encompasses each of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
 
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