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CATCH-UP GAME TOO LATE

Having witnessed firsthand the military’s build-up in the 1980s, suffered through the drawdown in the 1990s and endured the reality of having to play catch-up in this first decade of the 21st century, I can’t help but think how little we as a nation learn from our past.

I believe we’ll look back on this most recent increase in troop strength as being too little, too late. Then, by the time the resulting new Army brigades are finally fully manned, equipped and trained, we’ll find ourselves in a period of relative peace and security.

— Ground_PounderNCO

SEX ON DEPLOYMENT

If we are both in the military or serving in the same area, do you mean to tell me that we have to then fly out of country to [sleep together] when it might be our last?

What’s next? We can’t watch TV together because we might make the unaccompanied sad or lonely, or insane? Give me a break.

— ChiefB

TROOPS IN HAITI

There is nothing more heartbreaking and rewarding than deploying for humanitarian aid. You see people during the worst days of their lives, and the fact that you are able to help even a little bit is worth every hardship.

I’ve received lots of medals from my various deployments that count toward my promotions, yet the one ribbon that means the most to me is my humanitarian [medal].

— technomage1

Not everyone gets that warm and fuzzy [feeling] from helping out. I know several people who have sworn off volunteering ever again because they were forced to volunteer as part of indoc in Guam, or were sent to a disaster relief area.

While I see a need to send people, I also feel they should ask those who would like to go rather than just grab everyone at a command and send them.

— garhkal

I grew up in an earthquake-prone area, so I’m well aware of those higher standards. Islands are inherently earthquake prone, so should there be higher standards? Of course.

Most are not talking about long-term rebuilding efforts.

They need water, food, medical care and equipment. If we have the chance to pull rubble away and save lives, I think we have an obligation to do so.

— caliny