Central Committee for  

WHAT we are talking about when we say "MILITARY CULTURE" are some of the beliefs, traditions and practices of the military in broad general terms. What we describe is true for any branch - army, Marine, navy - and any country.

Every man and woman in the military has a unique experience; even if stationed on the same ship, base or unit. Each generation also experiences the military and war differently. Many soldiers have returned to civilian life with little or no lasting negative effect.

HOWEVER, there are many men and women who suffer from the negative and harmful effects of serving in the military; whether physical, mental or emotional. Some of the emotional and mental trauma of serving comes from the vast difference between the promise of why you enlisted and the reality of being sent to a foreign land to kill and destroy. Who you kill and what you destroy is not up to you. It does not matter if you personally feel that these designated "enemy" deserve death and destruction.  The act of pulling a trigger or dropping a bomb will alter your life forever.

Here we will discuss some of the negative and harmful aspects of being in the military. We're NOT saying you will automatically experience these things once you enlist. We ARE saying that these issues and problems may damage you in deeply traumatic and unsettling ways. Your recruiter will not tell you these things; your commander will not tell you these things; and, people you know and love who have been through it may be unwilling or unable to share their experience with you.

THE PROMISE: "I enlisted to protect my country."

THE REALITY CHECK: Someone is not keeping score. We are 0 for 2. America has been directly attacked twice. Both times the military could not protect us. IN FACT, the military was targeted and successfully engaged by the enemy both times. The second time a group of brave civilians gave their lives to prevent the Commander in Chief's house from being destroyed.

If you find yourself more than 200 miles from America's border humping a load and taking fire then chances are good that you're protecting America's "interest". What does that mean? No one really knows and it changes according to who's in charge.

Time to read Smedley if you haven't already.

THE PROMISE: "I enlisted to help spread democracy"

THE REALITY CHECK:  It may be difficult to believe, but many people in the world do not want American "democracy", American interference or American troops on their soil, thank you. They may, however, appreciate a McDonald's™ or two, a KFC™ and a few thousand M-16's with rounds.

THE PROMISE: "I enlisted for the benefits."

THE REALITY CHECK:  "Three hots and a cot" are the benefits you are guaranteed to receive without question. Once you are trained in the skill you chose when you enlisted the military has the right to change your job and send you where ever they decide. The "free" medical treatment you receive is designed to make sure you return to the battlefield in somewhat working condition.  Beyond that you're on your own. The "fun, travel and adventure" you seek sometimes come with return fire and IEDs.

The GI education bill was established as a reward to the soldiers who endured World War Two. The GI bill is now used as bait for enlistment. May God grant you the serenity to sit in a classroom and do homework after surviving the "fun, travel and adventure" of your military experience.

THE PROMISE: "I enlisted to help my family."

THE REALITY CHECK: You, your family and your loved ones must endure long periods of separation (6 months to a year or more - multiple times). Even being stationed close to home does not guarantee family time. For example, hometown military recruiters typically work 12 hour days, 6 days a week. 

Coming home from a tour of duty in a war zone will have a deeply profound effect on your relationships. It is extremely important that you do what's necessary to take care of your own body, soul and heart so that the trauma and violence of what you just experienced is not passed on to your loved ones. Becoming a burden or danger to your family is not helping your family.

THE PROMISE: "We can do anything a male soldier can do."

THE REALITY CHECK: This is partially true. Women are flying attack helicopters, fighter jets and commanding ships at sea. Two women have been awarded the Silver Star for bravery in combat. But the majority of woman in the military are treated as second class citizens. Women are not allowed in combat even though they are getting shot at and bombed alongside their fellow men. Chances are great that, as a woman soldier, you will be sexually harrassed or attacked by your fellow men sometime during your enlistment.

THE PROMISE: "I enlisted and pledged to sacrifice my life so I expect to be treated honorably and with dignity."

THE REALITY CHECK: In military culture you are ONLY a piece of equipment. That's what "GI" means - Government Issue. You just happen to be a piece of equipment that requires oxygen, food and dependent housing. If you are disabled physically, mentally or emotionally then you are considered a broken piece of equipment. If broken you will be dropped faster than an empty jet wing tank in a dogfight.

Once you understand this concept you will understand why the VA is severely underfunded, why CS is more important than common sense, and why fallen soldiers are treated with more tenderness, respect and dignity than wounded ones.

THE PROMISE: Military Justice

THE REALITY CHECK:  Military justice...is NOT. If you ever find yourself facing a court martial we highly suggest you hire a civilian lawyer who knows military law; if you can afford one. According to this U.S. News Report article chances are great that you'll be convicted - The military has a 92 % conviction rate. The military courts are not that good - it just means that the CS factor is extremely high.

HELPFUL LINKS FOR RECRUITS, NEWFERS, and WANNA-BE SOLDIERS:

HELPFUL LINKS FOR SHORT TIMERS and VETERANS: