Good to know that General Patton's War Winning Philosophy is still at work "This whole country isn’t worth a single American life to me, we are simply here for the guy to our left and right."

BTW, this will only mean something to those who have seen the movie about Patton starring George C Scott

Foxtrot-Tango-November

half your age the soldier may be, honorable and brave he certainly is; however, at 19 there are few that understand the history, politics and agendas at issue and in play for our continued existence. i was utterly clueless while serving during desert storm, which i do not even attempt to compare to the current war that is being waged. god bless them all! "Headline: district court judge rules public well wishes of u.s. military personnel, embracing a single religion, unconstitutional, and threatens 'appropriate measures' to enforce injunction!"

I'm glad to see that soldiers who are more skeptical about our presence in Iraq are being included in your milblogs. I don't doubt that most of the soldiers in Iraq believe in the mission, but I'm also sure that there are more than a few who feel as Josh does.

What's really interesting is tim's reaction. How many times do I read on this and other blogs that the soldiers believe in the mission, and anyone who questions the mission is undermining the soldiers? Now we hear from one soldier who doesn't fit that mold, and the first response is how young and naive he is. My my.

I don't believe that Josh represents the majority of soldiers. But I also agree with tim. The beliefs of the soldiers on the ground shouldn't be the determinant for foreign policy. There's a reason the civilian government controls the military. The attitude of the soldiers towards the mission is presented as one of the prime arguments for continuing it. I'm with tim that this shouldn't be a prime consideration.

Folks...every time I served in combat all I was concerned about was those I served with. I was aware of the big picture too, but tsurviving is always the bottom line. He is just stating the obvious to anyone who has served or even thinks a bit behond the surface. Yes....the big picture matters, but trying to survive matters too, this young kid is willingly doing his duty and I praise him for that.

For God and Country,

Ben Bauman
Commander, VFW Post 9949

As a vet, I'll corroborate Mr. Bauman's statements and add that these guys are trained that way.

You don't need those big moral questions when the bullets are flyin'. His attitude is exactly correct for his situation.

Thanks for all the comments fellas! Much appreciated! -josh