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Military folks tend to be pretty good at what they do, which I can certainly respect. They take their work seriously, and generally believe what they're doing isn't just to benefit themselves, but others, which I can also respect. Military people, not unlike law enforcement, can be put in a position where they are in serious mortal danger, and I can respect that kind of bravery.
On the flip side, it's disconcerting that people in the military still think the primary function of the military is to protect America and safeguard the Constitution. That's simply not reflected in the majority of what the military does today. It's also disconcerting that we still allow dehumanization practices in order to demonize those we're (collective "We" as in America) fighting. I can't tell you how many times I've had military or former military friends use words like "Hadji" and less pleasant racial slurs to refer to insurgents in Iraq and Taliban in Afghanistan. I'm deeply troubled at instances of unprovoked attacks on and even murder of innocent people. While these instances are not what i'd call common, they are more common than I think is reasonable. Finally, there's the issue of singing away personal responsibility when you enlist or become and officer, as if you get rid of your independent thinking and free will. I'm frightened that people think it's okay to give up critical thinking because the orders they're given are more important. I've been told the military doesn't work when soldiers are free to question orders, but it's never been tried so I don't buy that claim.
All in all, it's just some folks doing a dangerous job.
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