Lionizing of troops

[Proud liberal 80]

As a former military member, one thing that drives me crazy is the American lionizing of troops. I was actually uncomfortable and embarrassed when people would thank me for my service or do something special for me just because I was in the military.....and I got news for you, there are A LOT of unethical, dumb, racist, loser assholes in the military, the members are a microcosm of America...putting on a uniform doesn’t make you a better person, unfortunately sometimes it makes people worse

[Phoenix61]

1. Having been a contractor with the USAF for 10 years

I completely agree. This includes high-ranking officers as well. We had a base commander who was certifiable. He ended up pushing paper somewhere so he could make his 20 to retire.

[Wounded Bear]

2. I hear you. I've commented on this myself...

The number of former and active (!) service members involved in the insurrection kind of tells the tale.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Perhaps as we learn how many in the military have been radicalized, the worshipping will stop.

I am an AF brat, my father a decorated combat veteran of three wars.
He would be aghast at the military worship.
It was his job, and it was his honor and privilege.
He was not someone who needed his feathers constantly rubbed just to do his job.

He would be horrified at the number of anti-American military personnel in today's military.
Anyone who fought in WWII would be very angry at this.

[Mariana]

4. "I was actually uncomfortable and embarrassed when people would thank me for my service..."

They aren't doing that for your benefit, in most cases, but to make themselves feel patriotic and righteous. You ever notice how those people get angry if don't act grateful enough to suit them? They don't care about you, and they certainly don't care how you feel, about anything.

[Aristus]

6. I agree.

It's a reflexive "I've done my patriotic duty for the day!" action.

As ubiquitous and devoid of meaning as "Have a nice day".

[DemocratSinceBirth]

5. Yes AND No

The reason I go out of my way to respect the military is to demonstrate the right doesn't own them. I have lots of friends who are ex -military. Most of them are liberal. It could be self-selection.

[world wide wally]

7. He cusses like a drunken sailor.

We used to know they were just ordinary people who joined the service.

[Johnny2X2X]

8. More action, less words for the troops IMO

Our troops are patriots doing a difficult job. They deserve every benefit they get in terms of healthcare, jobs help, housing, etc. They deserve more in terms of support for emotional issues, and to help their families cope when they're away or gone.

People are right that the thanking for their service is usually done to make the thanker feel good about themselves.

I appreciate our troops and support them by supporting keeping them home as much as possible, and providing them with the resources they need to live successful lives during and after their service.

As a hiring manager, it's something I look for, service, it's a huge positive on a resume because I know I'll be getting someone with discipline, who will show up and give good effort. It also likely means that they're excellent at managing their time, I am very aware of how hectic it can be to manage a family at the same time as being enlisted. There's really something to be said for someone who can raise a young family, serve their country, and attend school all at the same time.

[bigtree]

9. most people recognize all of that, but I guess it bears mentioning

...here's the thing. Our thanks is the least that those of us who aren't serving can offer troops, especially when they're on duty.

I've always felt that all Americans should feel some resonsibility for the men and women our government and military charges to carry out tasks, from the mundane to the heroic. I won't remove myself from that duty I feel to the troops who serve under our military or Guard. Not for a moment.

It's the least I can do.

[SoonerPride]

10. Performative patriotism is pandering and self-serving

Those who go out of their way to fawn over the military are doing it for their own ego.

Especially if it is words instead of deeds.

Want to show appreciation for the troops? Elect politicians who will increase their pay, make sure they have adequate gear, education, and housing, and not end up homeless, and not just pump money to defense contractor buddies who in turn shovel money back into their campaigns.

[flotsam]

11. Sleeping in a heated garage with indoor plumbing?

I'm just a military weenie but relatives and friends of mine lived in Vietnam with no roofs for months in the tropical summers and monsoons and in the mountains when the cold set in. Eating from unheated cans but only when the weather was clear enough for choppers to drop rations. A year spent mostly "in the bush". Slow attrition and then a squad overrun. Then for years bone fragments slowly pushing thru your skin reminding you of when a satchel charge blew a guys remains into you...I was in the weenie army that escaped Vietnam but I know well those who did not. They never asked to be lionized but I ask myself how they must perceive the troops today.