What are your views of civilians commenting about our military in a negative light without having ever served?

Cpl Eric White — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 08:51:56 -0400

I have dealt with too many individuals who bash everything about our country and military and yet have never known what the concept of service and patriotism means. Sometimes I would like to throat punch the next self proclaimed millennial "expert" that tries to expound on the issues of the military while living in their parents basement.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 4 at 2018 9:05 AM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 09:05:49 -0400

I would just walk away, if a civilian talked in a negative fashion about our military. Civilians have NO idea what it's like to serve in our military.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Jun 4 at 2018 9:06 AM

SPC Joseph Wojcik — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 09:06:10 -0400

Their comments are protected by the First Amendment, right?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 9:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 09:53:33 -0400

I see this all too often, I moved all around the US with my father while he served in the US Army. That being said I know people from coast to coast with wide variety of views and political ideals. You just have to know which ones you can engage in conversation that can actually listen to opposing views instead of just going into the "you're a racist, that hates everyone!". Just pick your battles, and know when regardless of what you say that it wont make a difference.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jun 4 at 2018 11:37 AM

SFC Marc W. — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 11:37:24 -0400

I think you've described a feeling that just about everyone has felt at some point or another. Usually there's two reasons behind the "expert" comments that you hear 1, they're trolls looking for attention or to prove just how terrible SMs are and 2, they're talking out their ass because they're young and know everything (we were all there at one point). It is what it is in reality, they only thing that can come from throat punching them (other than the temporary satisfaction) is more than likely a criminal record and a black eye on the military, thus solidifying said person's belief about military members. No ideal has ever been successfully sold with fists.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jun 4 at 2018 12:13 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 12:13:17 -0400

I'm oversized so it rarely happens. However my daughters were hosting a party at my house and one of their friends started babbling , apparently not aware that I was Retired Army and they grew up on military bases and they both attacked her and shut her up. I was proud. Plus they are both pretty liberal but not stupid and understand how important and what a sacrifice Military Service is. I think it is best to ignore or just be sarcastic. Who gives a shit what a bunch of drones think.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 4 at 2018 1:57 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 13:57:26 -0400

Cpl Eric White - I feel your pain. I find myself frequently shaking my head in disgust at the naive little twits who have no concept of what it takes to keep this Nation the Land of the Free.

To quote the character of COL Nathan Jessup in "A Few Good Men":
I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom that I provide, and then questions the manner in which I provide it! I would rather you just said "thank you", and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon, and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2018 2:01 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 14:01:30 -0400

Eagles don't suffer the chirping of sparrows my friend.

Most people who have bad things to say about us fall into one of two camps; the envious...or the terrified. The former just want to make themselves sounds "better"or "smarter" because deep inside, they know they couldn't have walked your steps...and don't have the good grace to accept that. I don't waste my time on such people.

The latter are the ones I try to "work with"...because frankly, they may have a "point" at times.

We're not all alike, and as some others here frequently point out; being a veteran doesn't by necessity equate to being a "good" person. Some folks have been ill-used by Military members; had spouses seduced by devil-may-care service members...had relationships destroyed by deployment cycles...or perhaps had family in other parts of the world fall on the wrong side of our "good intentions". Others may simply not understand what motivates someone to do what we do/did...and may "fear" that component within us.

I generally find that once they get to know us for the real persons we are...this fades to ultimately become admiration for the difficult things we did endure.

Response by SSgt Robert Prest made Jun 4 at 2018 8:23 PM

SSgt Robert Prest — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 20:23:31 -0400

Just consider the source and move on.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jun 5 at 2018 8:50 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:50:11 -0400

Cpl White,
I just don't say anything or give it any thoughts unless the individual says something directly towards me. A lot of these knuckleheads have idea the things we gone through while carrying the United States flag on our shoulder, they don't know what that represents. Personally, I'm like you, punch them on the throat so they can't talk anymore. On the other hand, is a waste of my time. Unless the US implements some kin of program where everyone serves, people with no serve experience will talk nonsense. And that's the beauty of having a voluntary military...been sarcastic. Hahahaha!!!!

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Sep 26 at 2019 8:43 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 20:43:22 -0400

I really don't think I can say in Mixed company....

Response by Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr made Dec 24 at 2020 4:46 PM

Cpl James R. " Jim" Gossett Jr — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 16:46:52 -0500

You don't want to know!!!

Response by SGT James Murphy made Apr 14 at 2021 2:08 PM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:08:51 -0400

Response by SGT James Murphy made Apr 14 at 2021 4:08 PM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 16:08:40 -0400

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2021 5:15 PM

SP5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 17:15:31 -0400

I have encountered this a few times myself. I just walk away thinking that it is their right to speak. It was my job to make sure people have that right. One occasion I did have this one guy get real mouthy, I calmly but firmly informed him that my rights begin where yours ends, you need to get out of my face. He decided to stop mouthing and leave.