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Often I find myself in a conversation with people that I feel is encroaching upon a politically charged conversation that the other person is speaking their opinion largely out of ignorance. I often either openly or discreetly excuse myself from the conversation or simply change the subject, particularly if my military affiliation is already known.
An example is the topic of drones. This came up in a conversation where a person was attesting to the horrors of drone warfare. Some of the capabilities they were citing were very wrong and the very foundation of their argument was that drones are uncontrolled machines that killed at will and were prone to going rogue. I understand ISR capabilities having had the opportunity to work with them, but the ins and outs of drones really aren't my area of expertise nor is it my place to disclose, so I simply stated that we should agree that our opinions on the role of drones is different and move on. He agreed and it was never revisited.
What are some other means of dealing with people when pinned into a corner on some of the hot-button topics.
An example is the topic of drones. This came up in a conversation where a person was attesting to the horrors of drone warfare. Some of the capabilities they were citing were very wrong and the very foundation of their argument was that drones are uncontrolled machines that killed at will and were prone to going rogue. I understand ISR capabilities having had the opportunity to work with them, but the ins and outs of drones really aren't my area of expertise nor is it my place to disclose, so I simply stated that we should agree that our opinions on the role of drones is different and move on. He agreed and it was never revisited.
What are some other means of dealing with people when pinned into a corner on some of the hot-button topics.
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Posted >1 y ago
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I enjoy a good debate, especially when it is done in a professional manner where neither side takes the others comments personally. Dissenting opinions are important to personal and professional growth. I have learned a lot from those with opposing opinions (every issue has valid pros and cons). You have to remember though, that it is impossible to intelligently debate any issue once emotions get involved...once that happens, your choice is the best. Just agree to disagree and move on. If you don't have an open mind, you can't learn; no matter which side of the argument you are on.
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2LT (Join to see)
That's a great point. I, too, love debate. However, a concern that I have is where does our responsibility or even ability to divulge information stop when discussing these topics. It seems a lot of disdain for topics is generated by ignorance which is maintained because of OPSEC. For example, a drones targeting and range or even how the decision to fire is made may be known to a SM but is surely not a civilians business. How do you work around OPSEC and still make a point? Even without OPSEC playing a role, how do you impress upon others the mentality that goes into making decisions in the military, a mindset that is foreign to many.
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MSG Wade Huffman
Best answer I can give you is RESEARCH. If you can find the information through open source, then you can use the information in your arguments. Believe me, there is plenty out there!
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Sometimes, it doesn't matter how right you are or how much evidence you can provide to prove it. After a certain point, you just have to let it go for the sake of whatever sanity you have left. Sometimes, people only want to hear affirmation of their thoughts and opinions.
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It depends on the issue and where I'm at. In front of certain higher up...I'll walk away. In the car with a peer I may engage. Often when I do engage I'll learn something new..factual information or just a new point of view I've not considered. If the subject isn't something I'm comfortable with I'll say so and walk away. But at the end of the day as you said sometimes you just have to agree to disagree. We all have the right to our own opinions and as long as we respect the others view point no matter how we feel both sides can get something out of the conversation.
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