Military

January 29, 2001

I just thought I'd get a good controversy going here. I've been in the Navy for almost 19 years. After the breakup of the USSR, we've pulled back so much money from our armed forces. Yet we have been involved in more conflicts than ever. Panama, Haiti, Somalia, Iraq, The Balkans, Rwanda, Liberia, the list goes on and on. The question I'm posing to everyone is this? How do you think we'll fare if we need to fight a real war (We simply decimated Iraq with technology) against a major superpower like Russia, China, or N. Korea?

MountaineerTom · January 29, 2001

I've been in the Air Force for almost 14 years and there is a huge difference in the number of troops, equipment and bases since I joined. Since Operation Desert Storm, my base has rotated squadron's and people out of the Middle East in support of Operation Southern/Northern Watch almost constantly. Usually for 90 to 120 days a rotation. There was one year that we only had people there for one rotation. I still think the U.S. has the best trained military on this planet, by far! Unfortunatly we don't have the number of people we used to, which leads to more work for those of us still in. As far as Russia, China and N. Korea, I think a conflict with them could be far worse for us than Desert Storm, but I still think we would kick there ass.

I've enjoyed my time in the military and I'm proud to have served my country. I remember as far back as 8th or 9th grade wanting to join the Air Force so I could work on aircraft.

By the way, what do you do in the Navy? I'm an F-16 Weapons Loader. I've got some pics of my job at this link: http://www.geocities.com/tommy3z71/bomb_loading.html

(Edited by MountaineerTom 99Z71 at 10:08 pm on Jan. 28, 2001)

TheScaryGuy · January 29, 2001

All I can say is..... if we did get in a conflict with one of those places, we would most definatly have to start the draft again. Then we'd have worthless new mil. hippy's that would be against the war. I think that if you live here, as an American citizen its your d*mn duty to go to war if the nation calls apon you. Anyone that thinks otherwise can go live in another country.

(Edited by yZR2k at 9:20 pm on Jan. 28, 2001)

Frank S · January 29, 2001

Scary

Sorry but had to cange part of your last post.Go easy on our north of the border friends as I am sure we have them visiting the board and we don't need them here to post only about their dissatisfactions,ok?

Excellent point though about the draft.

Shaners · January 29, 2001

I think by the time a draft started it would be over for most of us... I hate to say it but I think we need to concentrate on Star Wars defense type programs. If we cannot stop the "incomings" then it won't matter will it???

January 30, 2001

How about paying a competitive wage?

HiG4s · January 30, 2001

Quote: from Shaners on 6:40 am on Jan. 29, 2001
I think by the time a draft started it would be over for most of us... I hate to say it but I think we need to concentrate on Star Wars defense type programs. If we cannot stop the "incomings" then it won't matter will it???

I think that is the point!!!! you can't stop the incomings!!! believe me, I'm an electronics tech ( got out of the Navy 20 years ago) that has worked the field since. It is just like the movie War Games, the only way to win is not to play.

(Edited by HiG4s at 6:58 pm on Jan. 30, 2001)