Less than 1% of Americans Have Served

[djpotts50]

Here is an article titled "Gap Between Military and Civilians" that was published on Nov. 28, 2011, that shows that about one half of one percent of Americans have served in the military. This is absolutely terrible to see the direction our national patriotism is going. Two recent wars and a liberal atmosphere in the educational arena and things aren't looking to good right now.

It used to be a politician needed to have served to run for office, but these days it actually hurts your chances to get elected. No wander the currently serving politicians are so quick to want to cut military medical benefits, do away with 50% for 20 years and 75% for 30 year retirements, and now even talks about simply using a 401(k) plan for military retirement plans. Also, too much contracting going on where civilians are paid twice the amount of a military man to do military jobs on military bases.

When you finish reading this article, be sure to check out the many comments made at the end of the article by all of the Vets.

[Ray,IN]

I really like the analogy of the sheepdog, (From the book, On Combat, by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman)

[wa8yxm]

Alas I tried to get in the military but they did not want me (high blood pressure) so I did the next best thing and told cops where to go for 25 years (Police Dispatcher, now retired)

[gray ghost]

The statistics I have seen are: 11.5% served between 1941 - 1945, 4.3% from 1963 - 1975, and .45% from 2001 - present.

[Arch Hoagland]

Our military people are so good it only takes a few of them to get the job done. That small percentage of the population in the service are among the best in our country.
USN 1963- 1967

[Abnmarine]

I am proud to be a .45%er.

[IC2]

We did an event with our Congressman (ret. 82nd full Col.) last month and the former service folks were asked to come to the stage during the invocation and Pledge - I believe out of the approximate 200 men in attendance that there were about 10 of us there, mostly WW2/Korean and a few Viet Nam era(me, for one) with only two young 'uns. While the Draft Board was a disliked group of people, the draft did it's purpose and that was to bring young folks to a disciplined place where they were actually taught civics as well as patriotism. Unfortunately the schools of today and even the close past teach/taught liberalism and me me me first and foremost. Then of course is the media spouting their anti establishment liberal one sided garbage.

(sorry - I'll put my soap box away)

[stepside454]

Its one of my biggest regrets.

[sdennislee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IC2 While the Draft Board was a disliked group of people, the draft did it's purpose and that was to bring young folks to a disciplined place where they were actually taught civics as well as patriotism. Unfortunately the schools of today and even the close past teach/taught liberalism and me me me first and foremost. Then of course is the media spouting their anti establishment liberal one sided garbage. (sorry - I'll put my soap box away)

Couldn't agree more
Proud to be one of the 4.3%'ers

[footballgirl]

Just want to add that my son joined the army at 38 years old, has a wife and three small children is graduating today from basic training in Ft. Sill, OK and is graduating with honors in the top ten percent of the class, so proud of him. It was rough going for a while because he got harassed about being an old man and having some grey hairs but when he started to pass them all and finish first and qualified as expert on the firing range, made squad leader they started to have a little more respect for him. He's done well.

[John H...]

Glad to have been a 4.3%er...

[dieselclacker]

Guess the ones who served between 1945-1963 don't count. No percentages posted.

Dieselclacker

[Chuck 1935]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselclacker Guess the ones who served between 1945-1963 don't count. No percentages posted. Dieselclacker

1957-1958 Drafted and served. The best learning experiance I ever had. I thought I knew something about life and people when I went in. WRONG !
There was REAL discipline the kind that is against the law now, but is needed now more than ever. We need to bring back the draft or at least two years of service to our country like they do in Isreal.

[Arch Hoagland]

Quote:

Originally Posted by footballgirl Just want to add that my son joined the army at 38 years old, has a wife and three small children is graduating today from basic training in Ft. Sill, OK and is graduating with honors in the top ten percent of the class, so proud of him. It was rough going for a while because he got harassed about being an old man and having some grey hairs but when he started to pass them all and finish first and qualified as expert on the firing range, made squad leader they started to have a little more respect for him. He's done well.

I didn't know you could sign up at that age. Interesting.