🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <3232da63.2416921@nntp.ix.netcom.com>, davehs@ix.netcom.com says...

>>I'd also point out that many of the military leaders of the time would  
>>have much preferred to have an entire unit of draftees than volunteers.
>>In general, the draftees knew they were stuck in a bad situation through 
>>no choice of their own, but as a result of that knowledge, generally did 
>>the best they could to have the best chance of getting back to their 
>>"real" life.  Many of the volunteers, on the other hand, were there 
>>because they couldn't find any other way to make a living, and as a 
>>result were less motivated and more inclined to "coast" and just get by.

>You couldn't be any further from the truth.  

Oh?  Were you present and privy to the conversations?  I remember hearing many 
such statements made by various company grade and higher officers first hand.  
One of the most direct that I remember mostly because of other circumstances 
was from an artillery battalion commander, who stated "I'd rather have an 
entire unit full of draftees than these 'volunteers' they keep sending me!"

>And if I were currently in the millitary I would take VERY VERY strong 
>offence to your suggestions they couldn't get a real job.  

Where did I say anything at all about those currently in the military?

>This is a real insult to our persons in uniform!

It may not be what anyone likes to hear, but as a matter of fact, the military 
has progressed a long way from the original "Modern Volunteer Army".  In those 
days, it wasn't unusual for a person to drop out of high school and, on 
realizing that his options were limited, join the military.  There were also 
those who didn't have any idea what they might want to do for a career, and 
decided a few years in the military would be a good way to make a living until 
they could decide what they wanted to be when they grew up.  There were even 
some who "volunteered" because that and jail time were the only options given 
them by a judge for some misdemeanor or other.

Fortunately, today's military personnel are on average better educated and 
better informed than volunteers of twenty-five years ago.  Also, since the 
competition to remain in the military is significantly greater than it was in 
the past, those who intend to make it a career are more motivated toward self 
improvement to increase their standing in relationship to their peers.

Of course, as with any such process, there's still room for improvement - but 
overall, it's better than it was in the Vietnam era.