Combat vets how do you feel toward non-combat vets?

I generally don't give it much thought. However, I do often wonder when I meet a Soldier who has 10+ years of service, where they have been during the last decade. I know that timing has a lot to do with it, but I still wonder.

That being said, serving your country in the uniform of its military is serving just the same. Too few of us raise the right hand and say we will go. Thank you for your service MSgt (Join to see)

I see what you mean. I never Deployed to a Combat zone. About the closest I got was Bosnia in 98-99 and Korea in 07-09. But when I made NCO, I had a Senior NCO ask how I made E-5 without a patch on my right sleeve. My response was that Uncle Sam knew where I was at all times. So I honestly believe that just because you don't go doesn't mean you are a worthless member of the Military. I am very proud of my service and would put my record up against anybody's

Brothers in Arms, and the term brothers goes for male and female. When we signed on the dotted line our fate was yet to be known. I have the utmost respect for anyone that served honorably...It is just hard to swallow "posers"

I'm a non combat vet. Although I did deploy, I worked I level aircraft repair. We generally don't tear aircraft apart where they can be shot at.

I'm also a non deployed combat vet. I honestly think it sucks. But, no matter what, we are veterans, we signed the dotted line, showing that we were willing to fight and die for out country.

MSgt (Verify To See), you need to be commended by those with the authority to do so. In my opinion, you are a real hero, one that needs to be recognized as one. Your wife has got to be feeling better just knowing that she is on your watch. By the way if there is one out there that can say it was you MSgt (Verify To See), that caused the bloodshed at any fire fight, for not being there, then we are in deep trouble. One man standing on an Island all by himself will see the Island deteriorate in a matter of a few months. Why? Because he alone cannot keep up with the work load. It takes every man in a unit or a Squad or a Team to see that the next man is taken care of. Oh yes, you were missed by your troops, the men that love you, trust you, believe in you, yes they missed you. However, those same men would have lost respect for you if you had left your wife in the care of a care-taker. Thank you my friend, I wish I could shake your hand, but I know your heart is listening to mine, and that is better than any hand shake. Thank you for showing this upcoming group of young men, what it means to be a Man, one that God has placed in charge of his family. Yes, thank you.

I don't have any animosity to anyone who didn't deploy. By and large, it is out of your own control if you get picked for a deployment or not. If it weren't for the folks who stay back home, we don't have the reach-back necessary to continue combat operations.

I am a combat vet and still serving in the army today in a non combat MOS. When I look back at the time I had as a combat arms soldier I know the bonds that I grew with the soldiers that I was deployed with is much stronger than most of the friendships outside of that time. Even though I have many friends that are "non combat" vets I do not look at them any differently. Being in the military and serving your country weather during peace time mission or on a combat tour you are doing your part. I have the upmost respect for all Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines and that has nothing to do with their combat experience or lack their of. It takes many non combat soldiers to make a single combat Soldier effective.

I served 7 years in the Army, mostly during the Cold War, but also during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Did not have the opportunity to deploy, but tried to volunteer to deploy and was told no. I have seen some combat vets who have belittled those of us who do not have the combat experience, although not many say this. I was even told once that I was not a "real vet." This guy was a total jerk so I dismissed his comment. Now my son serves as a Marine.

MSgt,

I can tell you that outside of a few instances I have not seen any animosity toward Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen/Marines that served a career and did not deploy. The instances that I did see were clearly within the control of the individual (and they generally made a conscious decision to hide in the institutional side of the house instead of taking their chances in the operational side). You served honorably for a career and then gave an offspring to do likewise. Take pride in that.