Originally Posted by C/1Lt Henderson

Ok, so reading a detailed journal of a Vietnam veteran(My uncle, who died in that war)wouldn't give me at least a little more info than the average joe? I say nah, I say that it would. I don't know what type of effect it will have on me personally, I could freeze up like the one guy in Saving Private Ryan...I could be an exemplary soldier, like my uncle was. I don't know. But I do know that war is indeed hell. The conditions my uncle described were terrible.You see,PJ, it's not the movies I get my information from. It's directly from the horse's mouth. So don't tell me I don't know at least a little more than some guy off the street who's never been.

That is paramount to watching a porn flick and telling everyone that you know all of the ins and outs of sex. All you get from reading and watching is a knowledge that it happens. As the others said you really need to be dead in the middle of sending death downrange as well as having it sent your way. The time I was shot at was not in the military, I do not think I can state that I know what it is like. I did spend a short time in DaNang during a rocket attack, I don't think that even qualifies me as being under fire as the rockets were indiscriminate about where they landed.

As for myself, I haven't been in combat. If I was called upon to go to war, I'd go. But since my medical history makes that essentially impossible, I don't really think about it a whole lot. I do think that it becomes an interesting question. Most of us that do not have combat experience are generally respectful enough of those that have. "Since I haven't been there, I can't begin to know what it is like." <-- Thoughts like these are not uncommon on this board and I believe that is the right attitude.

War is a terrible thing, yet us silly humans keep on coming up with pressing reasons for having them anyways. I get the notion that all the romanticism and glorification of the soldier, military service and war serves a very important purpose in this world. In today's world and throughout history, the glorification of the warrior and the battlefield boosts enlistment in militaries. In short, it provides the nations of the world with soldiers for their militaries. I know many would serve anyways, but I know many would not. Rome threw all sorts of praise at their Legions, the Middle Ages saw grand exaggerations of the glorious exploits of brave knights, viva la Revolution and Uncle Sam want's you!! Seems like its just part of who were are as human beings.

Hey...I spelled it s-i-r and not c-u-r....

I've been in a scrap or two. Ain't fun one bit.

Afghanistan

I don't like to talk about it.

'Nuff Said...

Originally Posted by Senior Chief

That is paramount to watching a porn flick and telling everyone that you know all of the ins and outs of sex. All you get from reading and watching is a knowledge that it happens. As the others said you really need to be dead in the middle of sending death downrange as well as having it sent your way. The time I was shot at was not in the military, I do not think I can state that I know what it is like. I did spend a short time in DaNang during a rocket attack, I don't think that even qualifies me as being under fire as the rockets were indiscriminate about where they landed.

Once again, Chief, no where in any of my posts did I claim to knowing all the aspects of war. I didn't say I knew all the ins and outs. I said I figured I knew a TAD(please note huge emphasis on tad) more than some guy on the street. Thats all.

You didn't even read my post did you? Do you understand what constitutes and excuse or are you just trying to piss people off?

I give up. I concede to the endless repetition. I have said time and time again that I do not pretend to know all about war. I said that..never mind. Ive said it too many times before.All right. I know absolutely nothing. I am completely and utterly dumb. Even though I did read the accounts, I know nothing about anything that went on in the Vietnam War. I have no idea. Of course, that wasn't my point was it? My point was that I know nothing about war. I only know a tad more than someone else about the Vietnam War. I take it you men were assuming that by me saying I read the journals, I knew about all wars...No. I was only saying I knew some about the Vietnam War. Does that clear it up a little or am I going to get "fired" at again?
EDIT: Bulldogg, I'm sorry, I didn't notice that there was an extra page, and no, I didn't read your post. I totally agree, but when I'm jumped on for something that I worded a little vaguely, then tried to correct myself on and get jumped on again, I get a little peeved.

Some months back young Cadet Seaman copped it on the chin from a mod for trying to argue his experiences playing paintball equated to combat and somehow validated his point of view and rendered him able to argue about it with a real life combat vet. WRONG.

I'm glad I didn't see that post. I don't know if I would have just laughed or ripped him one.

This thread is heading in a totally wrong direction now.
One more step over the line and it will be locked, and other actions will be taken as well!

And C/1LT Hendersen, I would strongly advice you not to post in this thread again, but PM the members you want to "argue" with insted.

Originally Posted by C/1Lt Henderson

Once again, Chief, no where in any of my posts did I claim to knowing all the aspects of war. I didn't say I knew all the ins and outs. I said I figured I knew a TAD(please note huge emphasis on tad) more than some guy on the street. Thats all.

I think you are once again claiming knowledge from books. There is no comparison to first hand expereience and book learning.

Check out all of the college boys that start into their given vocation after graduation and fail miserably because the theory they learned in school does not match what is in the real world. In the same light you have not been in the real world of war.

This is an argument that you cannot win with your misunderstanding of the situation.