tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post476577495232371961..comments2021-01-07T07:11:24.205-06:00Comments on Fen's Thoughts: #42 Selfless ServiceFenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-88562177591090092952010-01-17T16:34:52.776-06:002010-01-17T16:34:52.776-06:00The contributor replied:
"Well said (in a ve...The contributor replied:<br /><br />"Well said (in a very short period of time). Who determines whether or not the war is worth fighting (or dieing ) for? Fear for the welfare of the family left behind is a given either way."Fenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-73331495660538047422010-01-17T16:33:48.005-06:002010-01-17T16:33:48.005-06:00I replied:
"There probably was a time when t...I replied:<br /><br />"There probably was a time when that 'over riding' obligation was a very true statement, and by extension, a personal feeling. People really did believe that they were going to war for their country. And that their service meant something. That the sacrifices required were necessary to guard their personal and national values. This however requires a national sense that the war itself is worth the sacrifice of their sons/daughters etc. That sense has not existed in this country since WW II. Since Vietnam, there is a sense that 'some' people fight the war, and others do not. And since the country politically divides itself into those for and those against, it is left to those who serve to determine that sense of obligation.<br /> <br />I go to war and fight (and possibly die) for what? Is this nation truly at war with violent extremism and international terrorism, or is it just the military? Without that national sense of purpose, and with the conflicting thoughts of the war's necessity, it makes the decision to go and fight a very personal one. And with technology and punditry available 24 hours a day, it breeds a perpetual state of questioning.<br /> <br />While we in the Army speak often of "Selfless Service", I'm not sure that we comprehend the magnitude of the words. As I mentioned in the post, when I was younger, the notion of selfless service was easy because I had nothing of value to compare it against. Now, as I get older, the words carry a different meaning. I've gained an appreciation for the sacrifices Jen goes through when I'm gone. My priorities are different. I am not afraid to fight, but I do worry now about those who would be left behind if I were to be killed. Would they understand that my death was necessary to secure their freedom? <br /> <br />An example from Iraq. Before my arrival in first platoon, the LT and a Soldier were blown up by an IED while conducting a patrol. Immediately after their deaths, the battalion closed the road where they were killed, deemed it unnecessary for our tactical needs, and never went down it again. What was the purpose of their selfless service? Hard questions that many young Soldiers have seen time and again. <br /> <br />You are correct. Teachers teach, salesmen sell, and Soldiers fight wars. However, every other profession can measure itself against a mark on the wall and determine whether the demands it makes are worth the efforts to achieve them. The outcome of most wars - and especially this one - often hang in a precarious balance. Is the battle for the soul of Afghanistan important? Is it important enough to sacrifice my life? <br /><br />My point in the blog was to try to show how important it is to consider these questions. The Army uses the value system to try and bring all leaders under a common operating system. The problem is that in a 200 page document, they only devote 5 small paragraphs to what is the ultimate reason Soldiers join, lead and fight. To live up the the ideal of Selfless Service. <br /> <br />Thanks for your thought."Fenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-40866562253462220342010-01-17T16:33:05.015-06:002010-01-17T16:33:05.015-06:00Below is an email exchange between me and one of t...Below is an email exchange between me and one of the readers. It is worth including here, but I have omitted the contributors name because I believe they would prefer it this way. It will have to be posted in 3 sections because of the limitations of the blog.<br /><br />The contributor said: "This one concerns (bothers, confuses) me. Doesn't your commitment to the Nation, Army,<br />American citizens exceed all other obligations as you serve your nation? Otherwise why would anyone risk his/her life in battle while carrying out his/her duty as a soldier. Isn't that what being a soldier is all about - to risk everything in defense of your nation so that non-military citizens might retain their freedom? Isn't that what the military is for - regrettably? If not, why would anyone risk his/her life knowing full well what hardship your death would be for your own family. Teachers teach, salesman sell, soldiers protect their nation through combat so that others, including their families, are protected. Am I missing something?"Fenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.com