Why would you join the army if you disagree with US politics? In a democracy freedom of speech is respected but the current war in Iraq does not hold public approval.

I disagreed with a LOT of what George W. Bush had in mind for the military, and even more of what Barrack Obama has to do with the Army, but serving is necessary. I would not trade what I do for anything. It's important to remember this one thing: Yes you take an oath to the President and his orders, but before that you swear an oath to the Constitution which is something that every American, right or left, can support.

You don't join the military to go to college. You don't join the military because you agree, or disagree, with whoever is running the country. You join the military because you want to serve your country. Period. I can't tell you how many pin-heads I've met who joined for the college benefits, then were surprised when they actually had to fight. This country that I love is producing a generation of idiots.

dean77

Some folks like the military life, even given the dangers, time away from home, and absurd living conditions. Politics has nothing to do with it.

For everyone else, if they do disagree with the politics, then no matter what they are doing, they are still defending their homeland, even given the more peaceful alternatives.

But what's more logical to remember is that only 1.5 million Americans are active in the US Military (not sure why you specified the army specifically other than personal issues). Out of the 120 million Americans eligible to fight, 34% approve of the war (or about 40 million Americans). That means 80 million of them do not. Even if as much as half of the active military does not approve of the war, it's still only less than one percent of that 80 million. Less than 1 percent of those who disapprove of the war and are eligible to fight actually go out and fight it.

What I'm saying is that it was bound to happen simply because of chance. It's a very statistical answer but sometimes the best one to give.

My father was born in Canada, but was naturalized very soon after entering the United States. Though he was very new to the country and had no strong attachment to it, he was one of the fools who enlisted... keep reading →