How important is politics to the professional Soldier?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 22:34:55 -0400

In the current political environment, the military is a hot topic. Given that fact, how important is it for the professional Soldier to pay attention to or understand what's going on? On the one hand, we are all citizens but on the other hand, we are supposed to be apolitical, right? So, what obligation do we have to have an opinion one way or the other?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2014 10:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 May 2014 22:42:27 -0400

There is nothing that says we are supposed to be apolitical, just a time and place for appropriate expression. And my opinion is that it is as important as ever for all Americans to be personally invested and educated on historical and current events.

Response by SFC Kevin Cornett made May 28 at 2014 10:48 PM

SFC Kevin Cornett — Wed, 28 May 2014 22:48:56 -0400

I think politics are even MORE IMPORTANT to a Soldier. They should be aware of the issues and hot spots; and what the leaders of the nation are doing. Acutely, aware. You can be aware and knowledgable and cast your vote without attempting to influence others. JMO.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 29 at 2014 8:08 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 29 May 2014 08:08:28 -0400

Are politics important to service members? Absolutely! Political decisions can be, quite literally, life and death decisions for Service Members. Should we be apolitical? How can we be? We (for the most part) are citizens first. The most important right of citizenship is the right to vote. If you are truly apolitical, you wouldn't vote either; what would be the point. While we are limited in some respects on how, when and where we can participate in the political process, we still have the right to participate and we should.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made May 29 at 2014 8:52 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Thu, 29 May 2014 08:52:02 -0400

Not so much our opinion, however, I do think that military should pay very close attention to politics. Simply because its the politicians that are making decisions that will affect the units they are in.