Is it time to change our perspective America?

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:47:19 -0500

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/17/world/europe/obama-says-paris-attacks-have-stiffened-resolve-to-crush-isis.html?_r=0

We all know that complaining changes little. When faced with an obstacle we can’t change the only thing we can really do is change our perspective to the obstacle. Being fortunate enough to watch the POTUS address yesterday I feel like I am about to go out on a limb here. I am appalled at the lack of support our Commander in Chief is receiving across social media, the news and on military forums. It is far easier to ostracize and criticize the approach he adopted and has stood by ever since the draw down in Iraq during his first administration, then understand the larger picture.
“Let’s assume that we were to send 50,000 troops into Syria,” he said. “What happens when there’s a terrorist attack generated from Yemen? Do we then send more troops into there? Or Libya perhaps? Or if there’s a terrorist network that’s operating anywhere else in North Africa or in Southeast Asia?”
After listening to that part of speech yesterday and now reading it again, what I honestly see here is a lack of higher perspective and understanding by our military force and a country. I truly believe he understands what we are capable of as his fighting force, but more importantly now understands what we sacrifice for this great country where during his first administration I was unsure. I was unsure because I watched soldiers be transported from Iraq to support the fight in Afghanistan with no rest time in between.
I am not trying to say that we as a nation or military force does not have need for concern. What I am trying to convey is that as our Country’s first line of defense it is our job to understand where our Commander in Chief is coming from regarding his diplomatic stance on how to respond to terrorist groups like ISIS/ISIL. If we are unable to do so I think it would be wise to mind our tongues until we achieve that level of understanding.

Obama Says Strategy to Fight ISIS Will Succeed

The president said his strategy for defeating the Islamic State is working and that turning away Syrian refugees based on religion would be un-American.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 12:50 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:50:45 -0500

I believe that our prospective will change after the next election. POTUS is trying to not get us over involved in a conflict that will continue into perpetuity. I say all out air campaign to destroy them, then allow non US led coalition forces to clear the ground.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 12:55 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:55:29 -0500

There is a willing ground force there to fight ISIS. The Kurd!!! we just need to bomb the heck out of ISIS and arming the Kurd, they will finish them off for us. The most on the ground thing is we just concentrate on special op.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 1:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 13:14:13 -0500

There is some honest disagreement about the role the US should be playing on the world stage and the degree to which we should be engaged in the struggle against extremist groups like Daesh. There is also a lot of pure partisan hatred that has nothing to do with reason.

You are absolutely correct that those of us who are invested in this nations defense, should make an effort to fully understand the President strategy before we attack it.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Apr 29 at 2016 11:13 AM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 11:13:02 -0400

I appreciate all of your feed back honestly on this topic. However, I also feel that if we delve into ANY of the previous POTUS administrations we are going to find reasons for disgust, corruption and personal agenda at play. It all plays into the mindset that if we look at another person with the eyes of scrutiny we are bound to find what we are looking for defending and supporting what our thoughts are. It's the change in perspective that I am trying to convey. Not saying to encourage or support the "silence of the lambs" mentality; merely trying to show none of us casting stones have a right to do so. If I am boastful and full of pride who am I to cast down a liar and a thief. We are not politicians and no where close to being the next presidential candidate. Knowing that who ever holds that position was put there, then it is our duty while actively serving in the military to obey the orders of the officers appointed over us period.