Should US soldiers be allowed to comment negatively on the War efforts in Iraq?

[OPTIONAL777]

Quote from ElCubano:

They are allowed to die, yet not to think or feel or say what they want......surely you must see something wrong with that?? aside from giving the enemy exact war plan info which they dont have most should say what they feel....Im sure if you just saw ur friend die at the hand of an iraqi and see how disorganized the post-war eefort is you of all people would be the first to talk agaisnt your leaders......peace.

You cannot control feelings, but isn't the military training all about teaching soldiers not to act on their feelings but to follow orders?

If they are ordered not to talk negatively about the military, that order should be followed, and if not, there should be punishment.

The military is not like a commercial enterprise. We have a 100% volunteer military. If they don't like the rules, they should not have signed up for the military, which sets the rules. The military has to function like a machine, lives depend on it.

I support the military 100%. However, I don't always support those who govern the military, i.e. the commander in chief.

 

[ElCubano]

Quote from OPTIONAL777:




The military has to function like a machine, lives depend on it.

I support the military 100%. However, I don't always support those who govern the military, i.e. the commander in chief.

The Machine is only as good as its operator ( ie. the commander in chief )..... out of 150k soldiers surely you can expect some that feel they are there without merit.......their comments are understandably so....if it were certain war plan info then I see where it would be a big deal.....peace

 

[bungrider]

Quote from OPTIONAL777:



If they are ordered not to talk negatively about the military, that order should be followed, and if not, there should be punishment.

The military is not like a commercial enterprise. We have a 100% volunteer military. If they don't like the rules, they should not have signed up for the military, which sets the rules. The military has to function like a machine, lives depend on it.

True, true...that is the obvious answer.

BUT, it was my understanding that part of following orders does not govern what you do when you're on leave!

For example, if you work for GE, you better keep your mouth shut about what an asshole your boss is when you're at work at GE during the day, but once you go home you can say whatever you want to your wife and friends.

If the Bush regime decides to start telling our American troops to keep their mouths shut, that would only be viewed further by the rest of us as being more shady antics by a shady administration.

I doubt the soldiers signed that they'd never discuss politics when they were off duty when they enlisted.

It was my belief (forgive me if I'm wrong) that soldiers in Vietnam did a good job of fighting the enemy while they were on active duty, following orders bravely and whooping ass, and while off duty they spoke openly about how they did not want to be in Vietnam. Granted, some of those soldiers were drafted, but they paperwork they signed and the end result were the same as if they had enlisted.

Ahh yet another great (albeit time consuming) discussion on ET...

 

[ttrader]

Quote from OPTIONAL777:



You cannot control feelings, but isn't the military training all about teaching soldiers not to act on their feelings but to follow orders?

Following orders as a way to control feelings ? Heck, give Yourself orders and You can control them ....


ttrader

 

[Brandonf]

Quote from bungrider:





For example, if you work for GE, you better keep your mouth shut about what an asshole your boss is when you're at work at GE during the day, but once you go home you can say whatever you want to your wife and friends.

Sure to the wife and some of your friends, but not to a reporter who is then going to tell the world.

 

[bungrider]

Quote from Brandonf:



Sure to the wife and some of your friends, but not to a reporter who is then going to tell the world.

Soldiers in Vietnam spoke to reporters, no?

 

[ElCubano]

Quote from Brandonf:



Sure to the wife and some of your friends, but not to a reporter who is then going to tell the world.

I agree and disagree....if you feel strongly that you are there for the wrong reasons, it would be understandable why you may vent at a reporter.....I dont think it is right , but if the soldier is fighting for his country and is going to take a bullet he should be able to speak his thoughts, if he feels deep down inside he is doing something wrong, which may be the case.....

Basically I dont think its right, but he should be allowed.....

 

[AAAintheBeltway]

Here's the problem. What they say gets filtered through the media. There could have been 1,000 soldiers who said they were gung ho. Who gets quoted? Some reservist who understandably wants to get back to the world.

Wonder how many troops still stuck in Kososvo would have said the exact same thing? They were told they'd be out in less than a year, and they're still there. Funny how that isn't a media focus but the potential "QUAGMIRE" in Iraq is.

Now it gets more complicated when they start criticizing or making what sound like threats to their superior officers or civilian leadership. Griping troops are a military tradition, but they have to keep it in bounds.