How would you feel if a veteran you knew joined an Iraqi militia to fight ISIS?

2015-02-28T15:57:44-05:00

In this story, Brett, a U.S. Army veteran and former General Dynamics employee is volunteering with the Iraqi Dwekh Nawsha. Scott, a computer engineer and also an Army veteran is doing the same. They plan to fight so that christians and religious minorities can practice their faith at will. See the article below for more insight into their decision to join the militia. How would you feel if this was a friend or former colleague of yours? Would you try to talk them out of it or provide them any advice before they left?

These Westerners Joined an Iraqi Militia — War Is Boring

The foreign fighters told us they’ll die to defend religious minorities

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 5:25 PM

2015-02-28T17:25:35-05:00

Fighting for one's belief is an individual decision. Whether I agree or not, if they were a friend or family member I would support and honor their decision. To me how would this be any different than those who decided to become Freedom (or Resistance) Fighters during World War II for the French before the U.S. decided to officially get involved? But this is just me thinking out loud.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 28 at 2015 5:44 PM

2015-02-28T17:44:12-05:00

I'd make sure they were FULLY aware of what they were getting involved in. Big picture, small picture, cold logical picture.

It's great to fight for what you believe in. It's admirable even. But belief isn't enough. You need to know what you are actually fighting for.

In the US, we at least have free press, free communication, and with that the ability to make somewhat informed decisions. Elsewhere... it's just not the same. From the article we see one of the gentlemen join without understanding the links to potential terrorist organizations. Uninformed choices.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 5:50 PM

2015-02-28T17:50:10-05:00

Every situation is different, so it would depend on the person and their situation. If it was an excuse to extract themselves from a difficult family situation at home or avoid dealing with other difficult issues, I wouldn't support it. If it was out of genuine concern for people they cared about, and they were not neglecting other responsibilities, I would support it.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Feb 28 at 2015 6:30 PM

2015-02-28T18:30:43-05:00

This is an individuals decision. Sometimes people feel so strongly about something, that they feel that they need to fight for it. Sometimes, some people just like fighting and will join a cause in order to do that. I think that what ISIS is doing is completely disgusting and I would answer my countries call again to fight them, but I don't think I would travel their as a civilian.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Feb 28 at 2015 6:37 PM

2015-02-28T18:37:27-05:00

This is a really tough question to answer. But I answered that I would not support the decision. I can see arguments for the other options listed, but overall I just can't reconcile the idea of my buddy going over there to fight ISIS amongst a group of people who may OR MAY NOT be trustworthy. How many times have we seen Iraqi Army troops turn around and shoot US troops, for example? It happened way too much. Overall, I would not support the decision, but I would be open to helping him/her consider other ways of supporting the effort from CONUS.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 28 at 2015 7:16 PM

2015-02-28T19:16:11-05:00

I voted to support the decision, even though I wouldn't do it myself. If it is something that they feel they can support and legally and morally do it...that's they're right.

I myself am still butt hurt over a reminder that I'm in the Retiree Reserve forces and subject to recall to Active Duty until 2017. I did 24 years and retired...not enough time Merica?

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made Feb 28 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-02-28T19:26:05-05:00

I would not support them or anyone because I am against and they should be kicked from the USA

Response by SGT(P) Daniel McBride made Feb 28 at 2015 7:54 PM

2015-02-28T19:54:53-05:00

as long as they don't join ISIS, its at their own risk. They know the consequences of their actions.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Feb 28 at 2015 8:08 PM

2015-02-28T20:08:37-05:00

America has a long tradition of voluntary service with foreign militaries. Some times there were even enough that they made "American only" units that would revert to US control if the US did join in hostilities.

From a DOD and State Department perspective, this is a win. These are Americans that are built in to Iraqi units that have developed long term relationships. These are HUMINT resource boons.

All said, I think SSG Private RallyPoint Member has the right of it. Do it because you believe, not to escape other obligations. This should be a move to right wrongs, not a glorified suicide.

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Feb 28 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-02-28T20:25:49-05:00

I am seriously considering joining the fight after I graduate (College). Not only do I want to fight, I want to report from there.

Response by SPC Rusty Barnes made Feb 28 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-02-28T20:32:41-05:00

I have your back brother's!!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Feb 28 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-02-28T20:58:55-05:00

I believe in free will and following one's conscience.

As such, I would wish them god speed and good luck.
Assuming that they weren't violating US law (I used to be much more up to speed on this than I am now, but I think that as long as they are not supporting an organization that supports the overthrow of the US or that is in combat against US forces, they are on the right side of the law. I could be wrong).

If they ARE violating the law, well I hope they feel its worth the consequences.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Feb 28 at 2015 10:13 PM

2015-02-28T22:13:44-05:00

Is be proud as hell of them. We're sheepdogs, protecting flocks is what we do. If you're out and don't have a flock anymore it's just natural for a sheepdog to find a flock to protect.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 28 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-02-28T22:33:07-05:00

I have said several times on here that everyone should know their limitations, in the same context, I feel that each should follow what they truly believe is their calling. A lot of vets feel that we left Iraq too early for them to take over their own security just because our president said he would get the troops out, but it's strange to me that this was just before election time, coincidence, maybe, but the plain fact that this is one very big reason ISIS go such a big hold so quickly, they ran right over an undertrained, undermanned army. Every General that was there said Iraq was not ready and all of them were fired for disagreeing with the president, strange!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 2:15 AM

2015-03-01T02:15:18-05:00

It is a good thing to be about finding purpose and ideals. So I support it.

Its All Been Done - Bare Naked Ladies (High Quality)

all the other versions of this song were shit so i just had to make this, for i fight for decent video quality! your welcome youtube!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 5:49 AM

2015-03-01T05:49:40-05:00

Is sent them coffee and doughnuts and poagie bait. We are told to stop fighting and get out of Iraq because of politics conforming to what the public wants. The public doesn't know war. It doesn't know why we are there. It thinks that we are acting as a world police rather than a deterrent. They don't realize that if we allow them to take charge there, it won't be long before the try to expand. Then come here. That allowing these POS to kill innocent people is wrong. They believe we are the bully. In fact, we may be. But we bully the right people. I don't care what the American public thinks. Most of them have not served. Some of them claim to be patriotic, but they rather hug trees and walk to work because they live two blocks from it. My sacrifice for my nation and humanity is a little different than those people. I'll give up my youth, health, life just to Amor sure 20 years from now, my grandson isn't being led to Santa Monica beach for the weekly beheading of Christians.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Mar 1 at 2015 5:52 AM

2015-03-01T05:52:44-05:00

I would support their decision, with a caution about US laws and serving as a mercenary in foreign lands, which I admit I am ignorant of.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 1 at 2015 6:02 AM

2015-03-01T06:02:12-05:00

It's each person's choice. No one fully understands what they are getting into when going into a situation like this, if they say they do, then they're a fool. Even in the best trained army, not everyone understands what they're getting into.

Would we have told the pilot of the Flying Tigers to stay home? Would we have told the Americans flying during the Battle of Britten to stay home? There are other cases where Americans have go to war for someone else, the French, Spanish, they weren't turned down.

While here in Denmark I've had the honor of talking with an elderly Danish gentleman who joined the French Foreign Legion. He talked of many thing and why he did it. Other Americans have joined the FFL as well. All I can say is do your best and don't look back and don't second guess. If you do, then you'll loose your focus and that can get you killed.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2015 8:18 AM

2015-03-01T08:18:46-05:00

I would be deeply saddened.
Many of the enemy we have been fighting al these years are "professional jihadis", moving from conflict area to conflict area to do the only thing they know how to do - fight.
Many of the insurgents I saw in Afghanistan in 2003 were Chechnyen.
Many of the insurgents I saw in Iraq were Palestinian or from areas other than Iraq.
Many of the ISIS insurgents are former Al-Queda in Iraq or Libyan.

To think that in the great land of opportunity we live in that we too have people who know how to do nothing but fight is very disappointing. Regardless of what side they choose.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 1 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-03-01T08:24:59-05:00

I have a hard time when foreign fighters join other countries militias because most of these militias are not recognized armies by the Geneva Convention and therefore, if the person is captured they are not afforded the proper treatment of a prisoner of war. I will say it is their option and I support that they have the freedom to make that decision.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Mar 1 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-03-01T09:46:02-05:00

I would support that person to the fullest extend. As it stands our country is only putting bombs on target. If someone want to personally put their own boots on the ground to make a difference that we would have red tape to go through in order to achieve than good on them.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 1 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-03-01T10:51:02-05:00

Major props to them, they seem to be doing what some others are incapable of committing themselves to doing, ridding the world of vermin.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Mar 1 at 2015 11:19 AM

2015-03-01T11:19:25-05:00

"Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster." -Friedrich Nietzsche

...then America needs to start a Foreign Leigion like France. It would also be a pathway to citizenship. But to have randoms showing up in diffrent fighting forces will eventually be reflected as the opinion of the United States as a whole. So if this band of "freedom fighters" happened to piss off another country or violate human rights...what's that head line gonna look like? If history taught us anything, enemy and ally are mutable, especially in that region. So I'm sure some folks see this as their "inglorious bastards" moment but the US like Canada needs to discourage this. Unless these people want to renounce their citizenship.

Response by SGT William Martin made Mar 1 at 2015 11:57 AM

2015-03-01T11:57:40-05:00

I would volunteer to fight isis AND Obama if were in a physical condition to do so.

Response by PO1 Jason Taylor made Mar 1 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-03-01T14:03:26-05:00

If you truly believe in what we support and defend, how could you do anything less then support a person for doing what they feel is right? It is not wrong, immortal, or illegal so go for it! We do not have to do it or believe in it so why stand in someone's way unless your just being hateful.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Mar 1 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-03-01T14:31:13-05:00

Joining an Iraqi militia is a difficult choice. It is also important to recognize how fluid these things are. Consider Syria, where certain militias are our friends one day and enemies the next.

He could find himself in the status of Traitor/Treasonous if his militia changed affiliations...

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Mar 1 at 2015 2:35 PM

2015-03-01T14:35:47-05:00

As long as they are not changing their allegiance, I would support them as they fight against evil.

Response by SPC Richard White made Mar 2 at 2015 4:03 AM

2015-03-02T04:03:41-05:00

We have a common enemy and whatever it takes to get rid of them so be it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-03-02T09:17:44-05:00

I am a Christian and I would support anyone who defends Christians being persecuted just for their religion. ISIS/ISIL whatever they are currently calling themselves are radical extremists who need to be stopped. Just to be clear I am not saying stop them because they are Islamic, I'm supporting the defense of individuals who are Christian and being slaughtered just because they are.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-03-02T12:39:33-05:00

People fight for what they believe in as long as it does not go against the US, I say let them fight. I personally would love to get some hands on time against ISIS.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Mar 2 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-03-02T13:42:02-05:00

No, I do not the support this. The Iraqis have a responsibility to fight their own battles, and Americans should not get involved

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Mar 2 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-03-02T21:42:21-05:00

It is their life to do with what they choose. This is an honorable thing to do in assisting to protect those who cannot protect themselves. This is the reason that many of us serve and there Veterans are now continuing the heart of that service in a different way.

They have my full support.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Mar 3 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-03-03T13:28:40-05:00

You know as Americans we volunteered; the last century Americans fought with the French in WW I. During WW II Americans fought with the British and Chinese Nationalist. We as a people have always looked out for the little guys.

Response by SSgt Gerry Martin made Mar 12 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-03-12T09:28:37-04:00

Bravo!! I applaud their reasons and Isis is coming for us too.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Mar 12 at 2015 4:52 PM

2015-03-12T16:52:04-04:00

Good for them. It's one thing to fight for your country when you're getting paid, it's another thing to fight strictly for a cause you believe in when you're not getting paid.

Response by SGT Patrick McCullough made Mar 18 at 2015 1:21 PM

2015-03-18T13:21:12-04:00

I don't trust our government. they can turn around tomorrow and label these groups as terrorist organizations and you will be going to prison soon as you get home or you'll never be able to return.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Mar 18 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-03-18T13:26:20-04:00

I wish I wasn't too old and out of shape, because I would like to join them also.

Response by CPT Jeffrey Dickson made Mar 18 at 2015 2:31 PM

2015-03-18T14:31:11-04:00

Many of the same shia militias that are running the Iraqi military are the same ones that killed American service members just a few years ago. It's an individual decision, however you could say I made my decision when we put up five pictures in 2007 of guys killed by shia militias.

Response by CPT Jeffrey Dickson made Mar 18 at 2015 2:31 PM

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Response by CPT Jeffrey Dickson made Mar 18 at 2015 2:31 PM

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Response by 1stLt Paul Hayles made Mar 18 at 2015 2:35 PM

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the us government has failed the us Veterans poorly for them to do so, this what happens when you turn your back on your veteran specially those how made promises to when they have returned from war

Response by PO3 Richard Cole made Mar 18 at 2015 3:55 PM

2015-03-18T15:55:44-04:00

I would volunteer myself if someone will tell me where to sign up.

Response by PO3 Richard Cole made Mar 18 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-03-18T15:58:09-04:00

Tell me where to sign up.

Response by 1SG Clifford Walters made Mar 18 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-03-18T16:00:30-04:00

If I were a tad younger I'd go with them.

Response by SSG Kali Montero made Mar 18 at 2015 4:36 PM

2015-03-18T16:36:19-04:00

I wholeheartedly support their decision and to go so far as to recommend a fund raising campaign be organized to help them and their families. I joined the military when I was 18 and volunteered for Vietnam 68 - 69. Why? Because I did not want to have the fight spread here in the US and as an American I felt it was my duty. I surmise that these guys know the stakes if ISIS spreads to America and are willing to put their lives on the line to help stop them. For me they are the TRUE heroes.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Mar 18 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-03-18T16:55:38-04:00

I have no problem with anyone leaving the US. If they want to be an Iraqi militia, let the change their citizenship and go for it. I believe with all our problems we still have the best country in the world and any one who does not believe this with all their heart is welcome to leave. A US citizen has no place in any other military but the US.

Response by Cpl Ron Ortiz made Mar 18 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-03-18T17:10:25-04:00

I support any Veteran that stands for Freedom. I myself have considered volunteering with the Kurds.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Mar 18 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-03-18T17:31:44-04:00

I am not against SoF and contractors fighting mutual enemies. The Continental Congress invited French, Prussia and Polish officers to join the fight against the British. Commissions were offer as was payment. I think there's an undeniablen precident. And for those fighting in the spirit of De eppresso liber - take the fight to ISIS

Response by SGT John Wesley made Mar 18 at 2015 7:03 PM

2015-03-18T19:03:11-04:00

I would support their decision. I hit the wrong one on the poll! Anywho, I think if you personally feel ISIS is a threat and feel the government is not pushing this, well, feel free. You're decision.

Response by CPL Roger Malan made Mar 18 at 2015 7:14 PM

2015-03-18T19:14:08-04:00

Any military veteran who joins a isis or any other militia group needs to be hung bottom line

Response by PO2 Phillip Bearden made Mar 18 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-03-18T21:07:10-04:00

Volunteering in Foreign Service is not new.

Response by SPC David S. made Mar 18 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-03-18T23:31:53-04:00

My first knee jerk response is yes

however.....

If I step back and remove myself from the equation I'm not so sure my initial response hasn't suffered from group think. I have to ask myself what if the headline read more like "Willing to die for their beliefs: Westerners flock to the Middle East to join the fight". If I say it in that context it sounds more like they may have become radicalized and joined an extremist group. I only say this as there is some symbolization in their rhetoric and I have to ask the question is radical Christianity any better than an extremist Muslim ideology? Is this sectarian violence better because its Christians on Muslims? Especially since Christianity is not the social norm for the region.

I would feel much better about supporting them if they left religion out of it and stated their joining was based on humanitarian principles.

Response by CMSgt David Allen made Mar 19 at 2015 12:43 AM

2015-03-19T00:43:04-04:00

Their thoughts and intentions are great and their hearts are in the right place. However, with the ever shifting loyalties and theocratic politics in that region, I'd advise extreme caution and serious vetting of the organization they plan to join. God be with them on their journey.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 2:28 AM

2015-03-19T02:28:03-04:00

Of course, why not? A good and just cause.

Response by SPC Tony Craig made Mar 19 at 2015 6:11 AM

2015-03-19T06:11:02-04:00

A small poem popped into my head...

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

Written by Pastor Martin Niemöller about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis' rise to power and the subsequent purging of their chosen targets, group after group.

Response by LCpl Mark Williams made Mar 19 at 2015 7:07 AM

2015-03-19T07:07:59-04:00

To red the world of ISIS, what ever it takes.

Response by SFC Russell (Butch) Lupkes made Mar 19 at 2015 10:45 AM

2015-03-19T10:45:05-04:00

This an individuals decision and right to fight for what they believe in the world will be a better place when everyone has freedom.

Response by SPC Sean Chareau made Mar 19 at 2015 1:32 PM

2015-03-19T13:32:45-04:00

I would be worried about him putting that level of trust in strangers, fighting an enemy that not even they can truly define.
Beyond that, I would support him in any way he needed.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Mar 19 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-03-19T14:34:47-04:00

If a vet who has no remaining obligation to the US military feels motivated to join in what they feel is a worthy fight, then more power to them.

But wait...Imma play a little Devil's Advocate here for the sake of discussion.

What is the difference between a vet going to Iraq to fight on the side of the Peshmerga and a vet going to Iraq to fight on the side of ISIS?

I mean, they both are following their convictions. What is the difference?

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Mar 19 at 2015 2:48 PM

2015-03-19T14:48:49-04:00

Soldier for hire type

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-03-19T22:03:59-04:00

First, I most certainly respect their bravery and commitment in trying to do the right thing. However, I think it is a dangerous precedent for a couple reasons.

1) It is very difficult to tell who you are actually working with in these scenarios. The US Government/Military puts a lot of effort into trying to assess credible partners. As an individual on the ground this is going to be very difficult to do. You may be helping someone who wants to fight ISIL, but once that fight is done it is difficult to determine how and when they may apply the newly acquired skills you have taught them as a veteran.

2) The veterans need to be very careful about "what" they are teaching. There are many US tactics, techniques, and procedures that do not pass foreign disclosure. At the end of the day --when you're in a fight for your life as an individual with no US unit to help, you probably don't care it you're divulging too much to the local fighters.

3) Someone addressed it already, but one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist. This is applicable to the first point, but also these actions have the potential to come back and haunt US leaders later when we are giving country xyz a hard time about foreign fighters and they say...hey didn't you have a bunch of veterans flowing into the fight unauthorized which is no different then our citizens.

Once again, they are free men doing what they think is right, but they have put themselves in a precarious situation that has the potential to be fraught with negative second and third order effects.

Response by CPL Jesse Vasconcelos made Mar 19 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-03-19T22:06:30-04:00

This is so hard to answer as its hard to condemn a fellow Veteran. But we are sworn to defend this country against all enemies but foreign and domestic and treat him as any other terrorist.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Mar 20 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-03-20T10:42:25-04:00

Americans have volunteered to fight for other countries many times in our past----The Flying tigers fought for China,---The Eagle Squadron for England ---- the Lafayette Escadrille for France. When innocent men, women and children are being abused and murdered---Americans volunteers have always appeared to protect them---regardless of what our government dictates. ---My only regret is now that I'm 69 years old, there's little I can do to help. Inside I'm still a young soldier who wants to do his part---outside I'm an old man who no longer can.---all that's left to me is to wish for the best to any one of us who will stand and protect those who can't protect themselves.------And to hell with the Washington lawyers.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-03-20T11:20:30-04:00

Maybe.

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Mar 20 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-03-20T11:33:07-04:00

As far as I know there is nothing illegal against this as long as a fight against our enemies. Maybe is not the same but I treated as the same way. It would be the same way as Americans joining forces with European forces prior to us entering war 2 and fighting the Axis.
As long as they don't have a boa Bergdahl moment :-)

Response by CPL George Mann Jr made Mar 20 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-03-20T14:42:14-04:00

I would go with them in a heart beat if I wasn't 70 years old. Hell I still might go.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 4:53 PM

2015-03-20T16:53:04-04:00

If they're truly convinced it's the right thing to do, then do it.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 6:29 PM

2015-03-20T18:29:19-04:00

I joined the military to fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves. I still think that was a good decision and a good reason.

The Sheepdog has more in common with the Wolf, than with the Sheep he protects. The Sheepdog makes the Sheep nervous. They want him to eat grass like they do. They are afraid when he bares his teeth and growls. But the Wolf fears the Sheepdog, and the Sheep are protected, even when they don't think they need protecting.

I'm a Sheepdog. My teeth aren't as sharp as they once were, but protecting the Sheep is in my blood. I am always willing to stand between the Sheep and the Wolves.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2015 10:54 PM

2015-03-20T22:54:20-04:00

I say hooah and soldier in brothers. Shake that political bs and rock on.

Response by Cpl Christopher Sturdevant made Mar 22 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-03-22T11:21:06-04:00

We sometimes say if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. If you don't fight for something, you'll die for nothing. I have almost gone over and fought with them but the only reason I haven't is because I cannot think for the life of me, and good and valid reason I would put my life on the line. If they feel so strongly for the end result, more power to them, best wishes, and hope for the best.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Mar 22 at 2015 12:57 PM

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Wiborg v. U.S. , 163 U.S. 632 (1896) says that they have the legal right to do so (the status of someone who was recruited, or hired, inside the United States of America [and hence potentially subject to Section 349(a)(3) of the INA] is somewhat unclear - although they would probably get a pass if they were fighting for "the good guys" but go to jail if they were fighting for "the bad guys").

Response by Capt Christian D. Orr made Mar 26 at 2015 10:42 PM

2015-03-26T22:42:06-04:00

More power to 'em. Here's to the modern-day privateers, hooah!

Response by SFC Michael MacLuskie made Apr 8 at 2015 12:12 PM

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I would be hesitant to support a fellow veteran in their decision to go and join the Iraqi Militia to fight ISIS since there is so much to consider when making a decision like this. Yes, I am in awe of those who have already gone over to join the fight since it obviously is at a great personal sacrifice, and it isn't like they are getting paid to do so either and getting there is at their personal expense too. I understand the many have gone there in an effort to stop ISIS as a way to protect the Christian population who ISIS has been murdering them at will. These Vets want to end this senseless slaughter and draw attention to it by stating they are Patriots and if their country wont do anything about this slaughter, then they will. Their cause is an admirable one but at what cost to them permanently if they ever return? Many of these Vets have no family to speak of and nothing here to keep them in the USA and many of these Vets are seeking a way to deal with their PTSD or resolve other unresolved issues they had with their military service but will this really help them or make it worse? Each Vets reasons for doing this are unique and each one's choice is based on its own merit and whether to support them or not would also have to be based on each motivating reason and/or it merits.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Apr 14 at 2015 12:13 AM

2015-04-14T00:13:38-04:00

I would support them and wish them happy hunting. ISIS is no ones friend. Whether for religious freedom or to combat tyranny, if people/veterans want to join a foreign force to help in the fight I say do what you can.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 12:58 AM

2015-04-14T00:58:05-04:00

All genocides are wrong. We don't have to tolerate the murder of Christians, Jews and other religions to show tolerance towards Islam. We have become so afraid of being regarded as intolerant that we permit the press to ignore the middle eastern genocide of thousands in the name of tolerance. Wrong or right these men are attempting to address a evil that has been allowed to flourish that the world has turned a blind eye to because it is inconvenient. Perhaps if we address this hatred on all sides, as a country, as a planet such acts will be unnecessary.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 18 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-05-18T22:39:26-04:00

Really? Why? We shed so much blood for freedom, why joining the terriost?

Response by Sgt William Biggs made Jun 26 at 2017 2:25 PM

2017-06-26T14:25:12-04:00

I actually knew one of them. Patrick Maxwell did it. http://www.businessinsider.com/meet-the-us-military-veterans-fighting-isis-2015-9

Meet the US military veterans fighting ISIS

The US isn't fighting ISIS on the ground, but they are.