Conservative Blogger: Dispatches From the Desert, #3...

There has been a disturbing trend in the viewing of the military in what we do and how we do it. I think a large part of this has to do with the large number of our population whose only experience with the military is through text books, the occasional parade, and what they have learned through mass media and the public school system. Allow me to share with you my own personal moment of clarity in regards to the U.S. military and its mission.

I had the privilege of seeing a relative "turn Blue." For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, it is the graduation ceremony for the United States Army Infantry. As they stood at attention on the parade ground, I couldn't help but remember similar ceremonies I had witnessed in San Antonio and Manassas. All the ceremonies seem to be carried out under the hottest weather imaginable. The members of the audience fidget and murmur amongst themselves, waving programs like fans to keep off the heat. And yet these young men and women stand stock still on shimmering, black asphalt, seemingly impervious to what makes the guests in the stands almost faint. (I do hold special admiration for the Marine Corps. They not only appeared to dismiss the oppressive temperature, they looked as if they could withstand anything Mother Nature could hurl at them.)

After the "Pass and Revue" and before the awards and commendations for special performance were received, each unit gave its distinct "war cry" jodie. This is a chant memorized be each member, assisting in unit cohesion. It carries reminders of what each soldier is expected to live up to and strive for; a mission statement in rhyming couplet.

My relative's group starts out so low and soft, the first words are not even audible, until it becomes a resounding yell with these words rising out clearly:

"KILL! KILL! KILL!"

In essence, the infantry has moved stealthily from its cover and concealment to its ultimate purpose. Ladies and gentlemen, make no mistakes: We are here to kill people and break their shit.

Let that sink in for a while. Think about it. Accept it.

The primary purpose of the United States Military is not to deliver food and medicine to those in need. It is not our job to be police. We are not diplomats. This is not the place to "get some extra pay" or "learn a trade." We are not peace brokers. We are weapons. And, while it is entirely possible to wield a sword in a defensive manner, it is more suited to use in an offensive manner to neutralize a threat. Whether you're pulling the trigger or pushing a pencil, if you are in this uniform, your actions are all driving the defense and offense of the United States of America.

Is this saying that the U.S. Military is a bunch of blood thirsty killers good for nothing but destruction? Hardly. That was the point of the Geneva Convention. The Uniform Code of Military Justice is often harsher upon its members than civilian law when it comes to crimes. The Law of Armed Conflict is a mandatory annual review item for each military member which preaches what type of force is authorized and to what level. Each military branch has its own core values that guide its members to act honorably and to hold others, even those higher in the chain of command, responsible for their actions. We understand, even down to the lowest ranking, that there is such a thing as an unlawful command. Every day I talk with special forces members and soldiers who, of all people, have every right to be bitter and hard and they are the first to say "Don't get jaded. Normal Iraqis are just good folks trying to get by. We're after the terrorists." We are not irrational "hounds of war" tugging at our leashes.

In this day and age, the need for a military has become very clear. However, we need those who would use the military to understand what it is there for. Utilizing military resources as a stop-gap humanitarian or police measure invites certain risks. It's like propping up a table with a loaded M-16 in place of a table leg. Yes, it can do the job, but it is not the best fit and you must be willing to accept the risk that if it falls over, it may go off. That is not the M-16's fault but the person who decided to use it for a table leg instead of getting a PROPER replacement.

It amazes me how many folks have become confused on this point. Even MORE astonishing are the folks who claim "conscientious objector" status after YEARS of service in the military. What? Did you think you were in the PEACE CORPS?!? (By the way, I hold a great deal of respect for Peace Corps folks. They give up family and country to go abroad and teach other people how to read, write, farm, and maintain sanitary living conditions thus improving the general conditions in which humanity exists.)

Does this mean I think "conscientious objector" is a cop out? Not necessarily. I'm sure that people can have changes of heart and mind. But for some undisciplined, dishonorable, and disingenuous folks, it is the ultimate cop out.

The only way to weed those folks out, in my opinion, is to give them an honorable discharge, bust them down to the lowest enlisted rank, forfeit all pay, allowances, and benefits, reclaim any enlistment or signing bonuses and send them on their way. Those who are true "conscientious objectors" should have no problem with this since the whole point is in distancing themselves from an institution whose ethics are so offensive to their sensibilities. For the "cop outs," it will be a stinging blow to their "easy way out."

Throughout history there have been many different examples of what the military can be. America has always striven to maintain an honorable force of warriors ready to act in their nation's security interests at home and abroad. When that mission becomes confused by the very people who are responsible for its successful employment, less than successful results can and should be expected. It is up to the people to decide whether they want a sword or shield and employ the proper item for the job.

Julia Layton
ConBlog's Official Iraqi Information Ministratrix

Posted by WilliamSmith on February 9, 2005 07:59 PM to Conservative Blogger