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.
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.