Not that many Americans actually die in our wars. And when they come back it tends to be a career boost if anything. Politicians, more than average, are veterans (it seems to me; I don't have statistics on this).
Additionally, when one sees the prospect of military service as a step on a career path rather than a duty or a calling, I am in favor of doubting the value of their service, both to the nation and as an indicator of their character.
A man in my battalion had the life goal of doing 20 for the military pension, 2 years in his state house for that pension, and then 20 at the post office to retire at 50 with three pensions.
It doesn't boost everyone, and of course you're right about damage. I've also seen it clean people up who otherwise would have been doing drugs and whatnot.
Not that many Americans actually die in our wars. And when they come back it tends to be a career boost if anything. Politicians, more than average, are veterans (it seems to me; I don't have statistics on this).
Looking at congress its about 20% veterans.
Mostly officers, and those don't really count.
Additionally, when one sees the prospect of military service as a step on a career path rather than a duty or a calling, I am in favor of doubting the value of their service, both to the nation and as an indicator of their character.
A man in my battalion had the life goal of doing 20 for the military pension, 2 years in his state house for that pension, and then 20 at the post office to retire at 50 with three pensions.
Officers or the John McCain types who really want to milk all the valor from being a net negative to both their country and their brothers.
Indeed that seems more than average. IdK maybe in the past more people joined up though.
It doesn't boost everyone, and of course you're right about damage. I've also seen it clean people up who otherwise would have been doing drugs and whatnot.