When asked how they feel about President-elect Barack Obama as commander in chief, six out of 10 active-duty service members say they are uncertain or pessimistic, according to a Military Times survey. In follow-up interviews, respondents expressed concerns about Obama's lack of military service and experience leading men and women in uniform.... For eight years, members of the U.S. military have served under a Republican commander in chief who reflected their generally conservative views and led them to war in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Don't get me wrong; I respect our men and women in uniform. Given the sacrifices the make, and the professionalism and honor with which they do it, how could I not? Let's get one thing straight, though; while we have the strongest, most capable, and competent military in the world, they're professionals. This means that they follow orders and they complete their mission. Period. They may not agree with their orders, but they know that often more than just their survival depends on obeying those orders. Soldiers can and do talk and argue and debate, but when it comes time to strap it on, they follow orders and they complete their mission.
To be perfectly honest, I don't care about their opinions regarding Barack Obama, any more than I care about their opinions regarding Our Glorious and Benevolent Leader © . No one asks me if I like my boss; the expectation is that I do the job I was hired to do to the best of my ability. The same holds true for our military. Like Obama...hate Obama...I don't much care. Do your job; follow orders. When the mission has been completed and you're on your own time, THEN you can bitch and kibbitz all you want.
Here's what I really don't understand, though; the Army Times piece makes it sound as if most soldiers and marines feel as this unnamed Marine Lance Corporal:
Being that the Marine Corps can be sent anywhere in the world with the snap of his fingers, nobody has confidence in this guy as commander in chief....
Uh, if memory serves, the Worst President EVER © skipped out on his Vietnam War-era Air National Guard service. So, let me get this straight, then...y'all feel more comfortable serving under a deserter who willingly and cavalierly sent thousands to their deaths in support of lies and propaganda? But you're nervous about Barack Obama?
Thank God the fighting skills, discipline, and professional of our men and women in uniform apparently exceeds their critical thinking skills. This is why the military does the fighting and civilians handle political affairs. Jeebus H. Koresh, y'all....
