this post was submitted on 23 Mar 2025
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People join when they're 17 and only stay in for 4-8 years usually.
The only veterans I respect are the ones that become anti-US by the time they get out.
If they're wishing for the good ol' days when they could be proud of the US, fuck em.
I have known a couple who were anti-US when they went in. One had very few other options financially, and the other figured why not get their education on the country's dime, get trained on how to be stronger and how to fight, and then use those talents to do their part in bringing down the system once they got out. Even while they were in, they were training people on the outside. One of their trainees was a top operative in Seattle in 2020; they kept the cops at bay in the Capitol Hill Autonomized Zone (CHAZ) for a month.
Keep in mind, I'm not saying don't be wary of enlisted people...definitely be wary. Just don't paint with such broad strokes. Some have needs, some have reasons, and some are in the process of becoming radicalized.
I see it more as a wish to return to innocence.
I wish I could go back to the good ol days before I realized how bad things were. It was a comfortable and relaxed ignorance.
You mean back when you supported the empire?
Ignorance is bad. I'm glad I know the truth.
Way before then. Back when I didn't bother to vote because I didn't realize it was important.
But I agree, knowing is better.
A lot of them are really brainwashed about it. But at least they have real beleifs, plus if you say "thank you for your service" they'll vote for you.
I will only say “thank you for your service” to people who deserve it, like fire fighters and bus drivers and nurses.