Posted on Aug 12, 2016
Op-Ed: Stop Treating The Military Community As Sacred
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I copied this paragraph from the middle of the article, where I think, her reasoning validates the title of this thread.
To call something “sacred” is to insist that it’s beyond the realm of politics. But the military — and the wars we ask it to fight, and the human pain that inevitably accompanies those wars — can’t be placed wholly outside the political realm. Nor should it be, if we wish to retain the ability to debate the questions most essential to a democracy: What wars should we fight? Why, how, and at what cost?
To call something “sacred” is to insist that it’s beyond the realm of politics. But the military — and the wars we ask it to fight, and the human pain that inevitably accompanies those wars — can’t be placed wholly outside the political realm. Nor should it be, if we wish to retain the ability to debate the questions most essential to a democracy: What wars should we fight? Why, how, and at what cost?
Op-Ed: Stop Treating The Military Community As Sacred
Posted from taskandpurpose.comPosted in these groups: 
Military Industry
Civilians
Military Industry Civilians
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 3
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What the military should look like has always come down to four things, three of them legitimate, one not.
1. Does the force structure deter potential enemies from attacking our interests.
2. Does the force structure have the capability to decisively defeat potential enemies.
3. Does the force structure possess the capability to project power, aid, and assistance to our allies and integrate effectively with them.
*4. Whose district is the shipyard or factory in that produces war materials and equipment that the military may or may not need.
The latter is how we get some of the programs that are far out of budget and perpetuated anyway, thanks to their patron in Congress. This cuts multiple ways. We keep building submarines and LCS vessels to "keep the shipyards operating". Then, when questions ensue about a troubled program (I see you, F-22 and F-35!) they purposely build components all over the US to make the program harder to kill - and further over budget. Then there is the oft repeated story about how the Democrats in Congress tried to cut off funding for OIF after taking the majorities in both houses in 2006. The Pentagon's answer was to reprogram money internally from around the operating and procurement budgets, specifically targeting items in "unfriendly" Congressional districts. Then the war continued, albeit with much more restrictive funding streams.
We need to get back to what is important, and that is the first three criteria.
1. Does the force structure deter potential enemies from attacking our interests.
2. Does the force structure have the capability to decisively defeat potential enemies.
3. Does the force structure possess the capability to project power, aid, and assistance to our allies and integrate effectively with them.
*4. Whose district is the shipyard or factory in that produces war materials and equipment that the military may or may not need.
The latter is how we get some of the programs that are far out of budget and perpetuated anyway, thanks to their patron in Congress. This cuts multiple ways. We keep building submarines and LCS vessels to "keep the shipyards operating". Then, when questions ensue about a troubled program (I see you, F-22 and F-35!) they purposely build components all over the US to make the program harder to kill - and further over budget. Then there is the oft repeated story about how the Democrats in Congress tried to cut off funding for OIF after taking the majorities in both houses in 2006. The Pentagon's answer was to reprogram money internally from around the operating and procurement budgets, specifically targeting items in "unfriendly" Congressional districts. Then the war continued, albeit with much more restrictive funding streams.
We need to get back to what is important, and that is the first three criteria.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you for your well thought out response, 1SG (Join to see). Our military protects people and property all over the world. A statement, like the title of this thread, shouldn't even be up for a discussion. Our military members don't consider themselves sacred. They consider themselves as the backbone to our effectiveness in the world and here at home. I think what's happening now is a disgrace to our Armed Forces.
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It's funny how both parties say the military is sacred but both parties use it to flex power, be the world's police force, and as a social experiment.
It was my job. It was my career. It's something most people can't or won't do. I don't think it's sacred.
It was my job. It was my career. It's something most people can't or won't do. I don't think it's sacred.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - Thanks. I just hate watching the military I love being used as a pawn by Dumb and Dumber. Neither of them served and she has blood on her hands. They wouldn't make a pimple on one of our Soldier's ass. Neither of them deserve to be called Commander-in-Chief.
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SGT (Join to see)
Neither can take responsibility for themselves. How are we to believe they will be able to be Commander-In-Chief. One needs to be in Federal prison and the other needs to learn diplomacy. Either one could piss off the Pope.
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A love affair with the military began shortly after 9/11 and still has echoes today. Military discounts abounded (and still do, a place here at Gordon gives 50% off lunch to military and police in uniform) and I still see We Support the Troops banners and signs.
I believe that this was partly to do with the patriotism we all shared after the towers fell and partly to somehow pay back for the reception our Vietnam vets received years ago.
I believe that this was partly to do with the patriotism we all shared after the towers fell and partly to somehow pay back for the reception our Vietnam vets received years ago.
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SGT (Join to see)
It worked CW5 (Join to see). That's how I felt after you guys took on the enemy. Thank you.
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