Posted on Jan 17, 2014
What do you believe is responsible for the disconnect/lack of understanding between the general public and the military?
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Most people I encounter in the civilian world have no idea that the bulk of forces pulled out of Iraq a few years ago. They also have no idea things are still going on in Afghanistan and will be for the foreseeable future. It seems that none of them really understand our jobs, our purpose, and our responsibilities. Despite the fact that the country was wildly against the Vietnam War, the general public was still educated on the events taking place in Vietnam. Outside a lack of involvement from the vast majority of civilians, I don't know where we lost them when it comes to public awareness about the military. Does anyone believe they have an answer for this mystery?
Civilians
Iraq
Afghanistan
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 14
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Well being retired and working in the civilian sector I noticed that people are not sitting around at home and waiting for news anymore. People are using the internet and search engines to find out information about the military, defense strategies and policies. People are not happy that we are trying to police the world and instead of blaming the politicians I think they blame the individuals in the military. I think that lots of civilian think that the military makes the decisions for the military to fight/deploy. Military decisions are figured to be more political than before and I think it is because information is more available then before.
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I have to agree that the media plays a large part in this divide.
But I believe the that that people that have not served have no idea what's it like to be part of the bigger picture or just being part of something or anything.
But I believe the that that people that have not served have no idea what's it like to be part of the bigger picture or just being part of something or anything.
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I don't believe I have any answers for the vast divide between "Us" and "Them", and lately, I've felt its growing wider.
Having been raised by parents who were both Veterans, I always knew I would serve, because that was the example I had. Growing up, I soaked up the stories about the grandparents who served.
When you consider that something like 5% of Americans serve, and actually KNOW someone who has served, how can we expect 95% to understand what drives us to do what we do?
Sure, they say they support us, but its as if we are these human sized Pit Bulls, and they are the wary, nervous dog walkers, just trying to keep a leash on us until they decide to let us run, and once they snap those leashes, they simply expect us to do the job without realizing that 'the job' affects you in ways they just can't understand.
Quite frankly, I think we scare some people, because the country at large is nervous about sharing space with people who have some experience in war, and feel comfortable around weaponry. I spent an hour telling one woman that I drove trucks, and all she kept asking about was how many people I shot, and how could I do that as a mother. How do I explain to her that defending this country was the greatest gift I ever gave to my children? When you figure it out, let me know!
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Cpl Ray Fernandez
The percentage that serves is much lower, we have a standing military of 1.5 million when you total active, reserve, and Guard components which is maybe half of 1%, the number increases to about 8% when you factor the total number of veterans.
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Being from the Vietnam-era the qualms about the prosecution of the war is hotly debated. Civilians used to often say we military people are second-rate people and we are dumb. I like to tell them, "oh so you are a Meteorologist too?" I am met with derision but that is not my problem and we are second to none.
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LTC Jason Mackay
Agree that this perception persists in some quarters as well. When I encounter those people they are quite surprised to find how educated soldiers are. Also shocked to find there are quite a few of us running around with two or three degrees. Had to set a family friend straight on this when she asked why I was continuing to serve, she asserted I was smart and could do 'better'. I informed her that I was serving among the best and that I rather go back Iraq or Afghanistan with them than hang around on the outside. Probably widened the cams but there it is.
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