When Servicemembers Do Bad Things
As most of you know, I spent a little more than three years working for the Department of Defense. And that most of that time was spent overseas. Like most everybody, I went into the job with preconceived notions about the folks who join the military.
What my experience taught me is that the military is mostly a microcosm of the general population. Most of the servicemembers I encountered were good people; others, not so. Some were Republicans; some Democrats. Some were smart. And a few were the among the stupidest fucks roaming the planet.
What usually made the difference in whether a military base population had problems "on the economy" (with the local population) or not had everything to do with the command or leadership of that particular base, as well as the environment the servicemembers were living and working in.
Did you see the story Susie found in the Independent? It indirectly supports what you're saying.
The truth will always put all of this squarely at BushCo's feet, something the corporate media is desperate to avoid mentioning.
Posted by: eRobin | 02 June 2006 at 08:26
Where I was, there were always more reports of problems in Korea and Okinawa then there were for mainland Japan.
Posted by: Roxanne | 02 June 2006 at 08:59
Wait, I didn't think you could tell us about your DOD service without killing us?
Wait, what are you doing with that knife? Hey, drop the knife Roxanne! Don't come any closer!!! Get away from me!!! AUGH!!!!
Posted by: Mark | 02 June 2006 at 14:40
Roxanne,
I grew up in that environment, although my Dad was a DOD civilian employee (I graduated from a DOD HS in Germany). I have to agree with you. One of my best friends growing up was a lieutenant colonel and the executive officer for the 94th ADA in Germany. He had taught English at West Point and one of the enlisted men who knew him told me that he was one of the most respected commissioned officers he had ever known.
I worked a few summer jobs for the Army when I was in high school. I always worked with enlisted men and they always told me not to join. They also told me that if the draft were reinstated, I should try to go to OCS or find some way to become a commissioned officer.
Posted by: Randy Paul | 02 June 2006 at 23:30
I've been associated with the DOD ever since I got married when I was 21. Everything you say is true. Some assholes, many more not-so-assholes. And when the commander is one of the former, morale is pretty shitty all round.
The military is more egalitarian then the general population, imo. One of the few places where your gender or color do not prevent you from receiving equal pay.
Posted by: KathyF | 03 June 2006 at 01:55
My theory is that it revolves around the percentage of people on unaccompanied tours. When the recipe requires putting very young, first-termers in overseas assignments when they've never left their home state, you're on your way to problems. Mix in a near-total lack of native-English-speaking females in their surroundings and problems are guaranteed. In this concept, I don't mean females who are romantic objects - I mean their influence on the micro-society that bases become. The native-English isn't a slur - it's just easier for our young ones to relate - at first - to folks with common language and experience. Second termers tend to be maturing and have fewer issues with this.
Bryant
Posted by: bryant | 03 June 2006 at 20:31