Posted on Aug 2, 2015
In general, do those who serve in the military make better citizens?
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I am no longer surprised when responses by members of RallyPoint reflect a deeper knowledge and greater respect for America than I find in other Internet-based discussions. It seems that those who serve are better, more informed citizens.
For example, someone recently asked if the electoral college should be eliminated and several responded with great insight into the workings of that institution. The same discussion outside of RP would elicit inane and ill-informed responses.
Thus, I suppose my real question is "Why do those who serve make better citizens?"
I suggest it is because service members have a greater investment in their nation. Sadly, about half of Americans have not only not served but also don't pay taxes. They take without contributing. In other words, they have no investment to protect.
What say you?
For example, someone recently asked if the electoral college should be eliminated and several responded with great insight into the workings of that institution. The same discussion outside of RP would elicit inane and ill-informed responses.
Thus, I suppose my real question is "Why do those who serve make better citizens?"
I suggest it is because service members have a greater investment in their nation. Sadly, about half of Americans have not only not served but also don't pay taxes. They take without contributing. In other words, they have no investment to protect.
What say you?
Citizenship
Patriotism
Leadership
Education
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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CPT Jack Durish i think that those who serve have a vested interest in this great country.
That being said, citizenship is priized by those who've served to protect the rights of citizens and who have garnered an understanding and respect four the gifts that citizens of this country are given and sadly overlooked.
The discipline that we have received in the military spreads over into our lives as citizens.
That being said, citizenship is priized by those who've served to protect the rights of citizens and who have garnered an understanding and respect four the gifts that citizens of this country are given and sadly overlooked.
The discipline that we have received in the military spreads over into our lives as citizens.
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In broad terms 'yes'. I think the fact JROTC exists supports your statement. Kids who can never serve in the military are able to do JROTC which is primarily a citizenship program not a recruiting tool.
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CPT Jack Durish
Inasmuch as civics has largely disappeared as a subject in our schools we must be thankful that JROTC still exists to serve at least some few
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Yes!! "you have never lived until you have almost died. For those who have fought for it, life has a special flavor the protected will never know." Veterans get it, civilians don't.
in the long run, we (veterans, active duty) know what's at stake, and we protect it with our lives. Thank you for caring, CPT Jack Durish
in the long run, we (veterans, active duty) know what's at stake, and we protect it with our lives. Thank you for caring, CPT Jack Durish
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With out a doubt 100% in my military mind. Duty Honor Country, will always prevail. I am so glad I joined the military when I was young. It sets discipline and values to be a better citizen.
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I believe so. I think that those that have or do serve have a greater understanding of what the cost of freedom is. I've observed a greater since of patriotism. I also think that those who have or do serve follow the political climate a bit more or at least differently than those that have never served because it effects them directly.
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That is an unqualified yes!!! You said it as well as anyone, Captain Jack. But, you're way off on the percentage of Americans who have served in the military. Statistically, it's never risen above 5% of the total American population. So, we generally do stand out in terms of a certain quality of citizenship. And I, for one, do not find that surprising. We have dedicated our lives to this country in ways few other Americans have or still do today, with the very notable exception of the people in our public service occupations.
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CPT Jack Durish
I think you misread me. I spoke of the 50% who not only haven't served, but also don't even pay taxes. You are correct. Painfully few have had the honor of serving...
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I feel majority would. I feel military members would take accomplishing tasks a little more serious. Appreciate the little things and not that so much for granted.
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Overall yes. Are there Service members who are bad citizens in general, yes. We all know which one of our Military service members are not upholding the values of the Military while off duty in the community and it's usually the same service member who is having trouble serving honorable while on duty. Some people just can't get it together and some start off as as a lost cause and the Military serves as a wake up call and helps in the transformation process to making those individuals better Americans.
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