Based upon these 7 reasons, is the military a practical model of socialism?

2015-09-23T15:34:48-04:00

My disaffected step-son fled to Sweden to enjoy their socialism: free medical, education, guaranteed employment. Then he met their tax system and kept his bank account in the US. My youngest step-son is about to enlist into the USMC for a more structured life and steady income with benefits. Ideologically, is there any difference?

http://townhall.com/columnists/johnhawkins/2012/12/04/7_reasons_socialism_will_make_you_poorer_than_capitalism/page/full

7 Reasons Socialism Will Make You Poorer Than Capitalism

Given what we know in 2012, saying that capitalism will make a society richer than socialism should be about as controversial as saying the earth is round, not flat.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 23 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-09-23T15:41:00-04:00

Great lesson in Socialism. That's how the rich and elite do it, make the money here and hide it offshore.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Sep 23 at 2015 3:46 PM

2015-09-23T15:46:40-04:00

Thanks much to CPT Jaren Glover for providing this link and inspiring this question!

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 23 at 2015 3:57 PM

2015-09-23T15:57:53-04:00

It is easier to get shot in the Marine Corps.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 23 at 2015 5:47 PM

2015-09-23T17:47:48-04:00

The military has some very practical applications of Socialistic concepts, however it has MANY of the drawbacks as well.

If you were to run down the list of comparative traits you would realize the USMC has all of the drawbacks. We are slow to adapt in many ways (we are also fast to adapt). We are wasteful with money & resources (perhaps not compared to the government as a whole).

That said, philosophically we have to stop looking at all this as an either or situation. We can use BOTH. We can have social programs and capitalistic endeavors. Use the best tool for the job. If capitalism is the best tool for telecommunication, use that. If socialism is the best way to have roads, use that.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-09-23T17:52:33-04:00

So if we went socialist, would Hollywood and the NFL/NBA players accept giving up their high end cars, clothes and homes to help fund all these benefits for all? Think back to the days of 90% taxation on the rich.
The quick answer is no. We would still have an exempt elite that still does all the tricks to hide their wealth or still have loopholes in the tax code designed to shelter them.
Personally, the cat is already out of the bag and we can't steer away. In the end, we are supposed to celebrate everyone including the mediocre while allowing the exceptional the rewards they are due.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 24 at 2015 8:09 AM

2015-09-24T08:09:01-04:00

No it's not. Socialism is taking from all for the sake of "equality". There is no equality in the military

Response by MSgt Joseph DuPont made Apr 12 at 2016 8:12 AM

2016-04-12T08:12:57-04:00

The military does not create any wealth or goods, just services...