Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - torture and atrocity photo's of British abuse of Iraqi civilians emerge

irateplatypus · 01-20-2005, 10:27 PM

OFKU0 raises an interesting point...

however, what is wrong with a soldier having the the idea that "kill or be killed" as the best way to approach warfare? which is most beneficial to him? to our country? to his family? will his enemy not kill him if he does not shoot first? would soldiers who are trained to analyze each combat engagement in its entirety (as if they were sitting at their desk chair as i am now) necessarily make better decisions for the total military operation?

also, what is the alternative to cold-blooded killing? is warm-blooded killing better or even possible? i firmly believe that it is against every sane person's nature to want to kill another human being, yet these very young men and women are placed in an environment where they must do just that. would it be better for them to go through the emotional steps to cope w/the reality of war on the battlefield (as their friends and fellow soldiers rely on them for their very lives) or is the best alternative for them to deal with it when they are out of harm's way?

all must realize that the purpose for the military is to be the killing arm of US policy. we are paid and trained to kill people should our politicians (elected by all of you) decide to task us with such a mission. we ARE killers and wagers of war by profession. we aren't machines (however stoic and efficient), we aren't cold-blooded killers (by our nature we would never casually take a life) yet we must kill and face the consequences ourselves... we are the tightly closed fist of American clout, the realization and consequence of the decisions your ballot made possible. use us wisely, use us sparingly... don't cripple us by making us your social workers and politicians. killing while retaining honor and humility is difficult enough.

01-20-2005, 10:27 PM	#28 (permalink)
irateplatypus can't help but laugh Location: dar al-harb	OFKU0 raises an interesting point... however, what is wrong with a soldier having the the idea that "kill or be killed" as the best way to approach warfare? which is most beneficial to him? to our country? to his family? will his enemy not kill him if he does not shoot first? would soldiers who are trained to analyze each combat engagement in its entirety (as if they were sitting at their desk chair as i am now) necessarily make better decisions for the total military operation? also, what is the alternative to cold-blooded killing? is warm-blooded killing better or even possible? i firmly believe that it is against every sane person's nature to want to kill another human being, yet these very young men and women are placed in an environment where they must do just that. would it be better for them to go through the emotional steps to cope w/the reality of war on the battlefield (as their friends and fellow soldiers rely on them for their very lives) or is the best alternative for them to deal with it when they are out of harm's way? all must realize that the purpose for the military is to be the killing arm of US policy. we are paid and trained to kill people should our politicians (elected by all of you) decide to task us with such a mission. we ARE killers and wagers of war by profession. we aren't machines (however stoic and efficient), we aren't cold-blooded killers (by our nature we would never casually take a life) yet we must kill and face the consequences ourselves... we are the tightly closed fist of American clout, the realization and consequence of the decisions your ballot made possible. use us wisely, use us sparingly... don't cripple us by making us your social workers and politicians. killing while retaining honor and humility is difficult enough. __________________ If you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly, you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance for survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than to live as slaves. ~ Winston Churchill Last edited by irateplatypus; 01-20-2005 at 10:36 PM..