Reflections
I should preface this post by saying that this will be the most personal one that I've made as well as the most opinionated. It fits here though, as a conclusion to this journey, and reflection on how I’ve perceived this passage of time. Please remember that these are my personal perceptions and there is no universal truth that I’m trying to profess about any of this. Simply put, it’s just the meandering reminiscence of a young fool.
On the Service Members:
I am proud of how the vast majority of these guys carry themselves so far in spite of the failings of a few soldiers. Are they infallible? No person is. I think it's important to remember that these are not politicians, or a corporate public relations department.
They are soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen who are conditioned to do demanding emotional and physical tasks under high stress. People have given up marriages, relationships, income, and sacrificed everything they're familiar with while plunging into unknown situations and cultural clashes. It's no simple task and sometimes the worst in people is going to blunder through the cage we all keep it shackled in.
Many people in the army care little of politics and I think it's less of a detriment for them and more of a quality. Most are simply indifferent tools of a system they've put quite a bit of trust in. You may be aghast at this idea but I don't see how a military could function properly in any other way. When Lieutenant Joe says go to X spot and accomplish
Y mission, it simply needs to get done efficiently and with minimal questioning or your army is essentially broken (possibly some would prefer that).
They also are not apologetic about who they are, and why should they be? Many of these people are the ones who carry us in ambulances, fix our power lines, put out our fires and patrol our streets at night back home. They deserve the benefit of the doubt that they are trying to act ethical while performing their duties. Many are succeeding at this; you probably wont hear about it admittedly it’s rather boring.
I only hope that whoever is in charge, and whoever’s in charge next, and whoever’s in charge after that uses soldiers accordingly. This goes from Sergeant New Guy all the way up to President Old Guy. It may seem far-fetched but I don't see how anything more than hope can be applied to that problem.
On the Army:
Often I've desired that the US be an army of peace and not an army of war. I wonder why we can't be in Darfur or in tsunami ravaged areas, or wherever disaster support is needed instead of here? It's a question I think the US has to ask itself if it ever wants to be taken seriously as a peace keeper and humanitarian minded country instead of the colonial imperialist it’s perceived as now.
Hopefully this doesn't come across as a cop-out. There are events in motion that obviously can’t be undone and why shouldn't I be responsible? Why should someone else be tasked for my countries actions and missteps? I think protesters and rallies play an important part, but I'd challenge them to pick up a Kevlar helmet and try to change things from within. Be a medic or a construction engineer, or if you simply cannot stomach the military get your hands dirty in an organization that has direct impact. For me, it's been far more gratifying and eye opening than my ranting and complaining that preceded my deployment.
On War:
There will probably always be war. It seems easy to romanticize about it but I have a feeling anyone put in its path knows better. I don't think we should be afraid of this but I'm convinced that this will be a part of human nature for eternity. Finding ways to prevent it and using it as a last resort will always be a necessary consideration.
On Political Polarity:
I think Liberals and Conservatives are equally dangerous, rigid and uncompromising people and through it all I'm eternally friends with the staunchest supporters of both sides. I'm realizing the ability to view each problem with a balanced unbiased view is vital. Unfortunately I myself still haven’t figured out how to do this effectively. While that overshadows all of my political opinions I'm still tired of knowing people’s stance on topics before the question can even be asked. I think it's completely irresponsible to let your political party determine your answer.
Onward:
I’m afraid for the next generation that has to continue this job and yet proud at the same time. Perhaps it’s a major fallacy but it’s hard not to treat a lot of these guys like your brothers. When you see others wearing the same uniform you wore it’s hard not to project that feeling of pride and cautious worry on to them. I think about the situations they’re going through now and can only speculate on the worst of them, but somehow I like to think that they’re doing all right and they’ll be home soon.
A lot of people ask me if it’s strange to be home. On my final plane ride to Plattsburgh Airport, the place that I began my journey, I looked out the window and that was the moment I realized I was home. It was a culmination of feelings that I was comparing to my original thoughts upon receiving my activation letter. I was elated for a few moments and I just kept thinking, “I did it”. It was the final blow for my worries and doubts about the whole year. It was the verification I sought that I was safe and free again.
posted by Jim Tourville @ 9:13 PM
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