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TechnographCounter-recruitment or counter-patriotism?
Liberal efforts to slow enlistment numbers detrimental to students, nation
By John Bambanek
Posted: 11/1/06 Section: Opinions
The video also claims that military service provides no job skills. There are a few jobs that don't have technical skills that map to the civilian sector; however, the discipline, ability to communicate and high motivation do provide decided job advantages to military veterans.
For instance, I completed the Air Force ROTC program when I was an undergrad but could not be commissioned because I injured my knees before graduation. I went to work for Ernst & Young making six figures my first year out the door. Within six months I was promoted to project manager, one of the youngest in the company.
Of all the classes I took during my undergraduate years, it was my minimal Air Force training more than anything else that helped me succeed. Everyone I know that has left the military has similar stories of success.
However, it seems that now there has been an effort to target ROTC cadets to convince them they don't know what they are doing. On other campuses, ROTC cadets are treated to all sorts of harassment for being "baby-killers."
When Mike Rudzinski, an Army colonel, spoke at Carey Busey Elementary School, the anti-war left became absolutely unglued about how he was recruiting 10 -year-olds for military service. They said he lied to the kids because he didn't deliver the anti-war template message. One writer called recruiters "monsters who have been stealing the American dream." And they act surprised when people question their patriotism.
The military is not for everyone. It's a hard life spent defending something good and worth dying for. While unilateral surrender might appeal to Marxists who pretty much hate the American system already, sometimes brave men and women need to stand up and fight to defend the innocent. They shouldn't be denigrated for their efforts, they deserve better.
For instance, I completed the Air Force ROTC program when I was an undergrad but could not be commissioned because I injured my knees before graduation. I went to work for Ernst & Young making six figures my first year out the door. Within six months I was promoted to project manager, one of the youngest in the company.
Of all the classes I took during my undergraduate years, it was my minimal Air Force training more than anything else that helped me succeed. Everyone I know that has left the military has similar stories of success.
However, it seems that now there has been an effort to target ROTC cadets to convince them they don't know what they are doing. On other campuses, ROTC cadets are treated to all sorts of harassment for being "baby-killers."
When Mike Rudzinski, an Army colonel, spoke at Carey Busey Elementary School, the anti-war left became absolutely unglued about how he was recruiting 10 -year-olds for military service. They said he lied to the kids because he didn't deliver the anti-war template message. One writer called recruiters "monsters who have been stealing the American dream." And they act surprised when people question their patriotism.
The military is not for everyone. It's a hard life spent defending something good and worth dying for. While unilateral surrender might appeal to Marxists who pretty much hate the American system already, sometimes brave men and women need to stand up and fight to defend the innocent. They shouldn't be denigrated for their efforts, they deserve better.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
Leeroy Jenkins
posted 11/01/06 @ 9:55 AM CST
This is by far my favorite writer at the DI... he's clear, concise, and presents solid points of view...
We need more writers like this.
S.S.
posted 11/01/06 @ 12:24 PM CST
I would like to contact you personally further about this article. I used to be a recruiter for the army.
wayward
posted 11/01/06 @ 4:15 PM CST
Without having seen the event, here are my comments on your piece.
Enlisting in the Army can have more serious and lasting consequences than joining a fraternity. (Continued…)
John Bambenek
posted 11/01/06 @ 7:13 PM CST
There's a difference between telling someone to not take everything their recruited says as Gospel and what the AFSC video asserts.
Yes, going into the military is a serious decision and should be made seriously, I don't dispute that. (Continued…)
Brian Bone
posted 11/02/06 @ 12:15 PM CST
Bottom line: Incidences of rape, assault, and other violent crime are lower in the military than they are in the civilian sector. Every enlisted troop is given a job skill, as well as the opportunity to cross-train into a different skill if they are qualified and there is a greater need for the new skill. (Continued…)
Jeff E.
posted 11/03/06 @ 12:11 PM CST
It's easy to take pot-shots at the so-called unpatriotic marxists. The fact is, in our economy, many kids feel they have no choice but to enlist in the military. (Continued…)
Redhead Infidel
posted 11/14/06 @ 6:29 PM CST
*Jeff E said: The fact is, in our economy, many kids feel they have no choice but to enlist in the military.
Our present economy? The one that's going gangbusters? THAT economy?
*Jeff E said: But now the military is desperate for bodies to send over to perpetuate the president's war on terror. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 2/20/07 @ 3:24 PM CST
Much talk has gone back and forth about the morality and necessity of the Iraq War. Each day with the news of more US and Iraqi causalities growing the people, the politicians and the media are starting to question the costs and premise of this war. (Continued…)
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