Does patriotism still matter in today's armed forces?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 22:42:19 -0400

I do understand that we all joined the Forces for different reasons. But it comes a time in our career when we have to sit and ask ourselves why we are still in the Forces? The fear of the unknown on the civilian side? ranking up in the organization to satisfy our pride? the pursue of personal glory?
The love for the country is what should be fueling our commitment to be and to remain in the forces not personal achievements or insecurities.
The enemy never prey on those he knows have true love for their country, but those he can discern and exploit the weaknesses (the pursue of personal glory and insecurities).
The love for the country must be buried in the depth of the soul of any individual that has pledged allegiance to the flag and the constitution of the U.S. And took the oath to defend our country against foreign and domestic threats.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jul 14 at 2015 11:06 PM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 23:06:13 -0400

If it does not we are in deep trouble as a nation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 11:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 23:09:06 -0400

Unfortunately the services mirror national perspectives. ...and the new generation seems to be so against government, politics, and national pride. It's getting frightening

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 14 at 2015 11:22 PM

COL Charles Williams — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 23:22:36 -0400

Yes... It is why we serve... and why we stay. 1LT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 12:39 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:39:56 -0400

Amen to what you wrote, 1LT Private RallyPoint Member!! Anybody who does not love this country should take the next exit out of the military. Those other things you mentioned, like personal glory, rank, personal pride, those are fine and I'm good with them, but only AFTER patriotism and love of country. Patriotism is the foundation, and I say it still matters tremendously in today's armed forces.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Jul 15 at 2015 1:06 PM

COL Ted Mc — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 13:06:50 -0400

Anyone who is NOT a patriot should not remain in the military (I don't have a problem with people joining the military to help get their heads turned around [and, maybe, learning some work ethics], but staying is calls for dedication to service.

HOWEVER, people who take the attitude "My country right or wrong." and do not think about either the legality, the humanity, or the consequences of what they are doing DO NOT belong in the military (at least not in my little corner of it).

I used to take the position that "You are not 'good' because you are a member of ____! You are a member of ____ because you are good. The minute you stop being good you stop being a member of ____.".

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 15 at 2015 5:49 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:49:38 -0400

"Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it."
Mark Twain

One must be a patriot the serve. We all chose to be part of our respective branches with this choice it is our duty to support and defend our flag. The flag is the symbol of patriotism.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 15 at 2015 5:53 PM

SFC Stephen King — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 17:53:25 -0400

Response by FN Christine Woodward made Jun 28 at 2023 8:36 PM

FN Christine Woodward — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:36:49 -0400

Any more I don't know...seems this country is not the grand land it used to be..or government is horridly corrupted( republican or democrats).. What happened to by the people for the people..proud to be American..I just don't know what happened.