Question about military enrollment

[Gurdari]

Just throwing this out there, looking for an opinion:

What percentage of people join the armed forces for reasons strictly to do with foreign policy?
(they are not joining for education, money, a career, etc. but for the reasons forces are sent into battle)

 

[Taomon]

Just throwing this out there, looking for an opinion:

What percentage of people join the armed forces for reasons strictly to do with foreign policy?
(they are not joining for education, money, a career, etc. but for the reasons forces are sent into battle)

My guess is less than 1%

 

[Gurdari]

I completely understand that for some, the military is a far better option than most... but it seems to say that many citizens are not 'tuned in' to what is happening around the world, or to what their own government does (good or bad). Ideally, I feel, the army etc. should either be a shared collective responsibility (socialist, I know) or the choice of those who display knowledge of what they are getting into - or have a say in the decision making process themselves?

 

[Gunny]

I completely understand that for some, the military is a far better option than most... but it seems to say that many citizens are not 'tuned in' to what is happening around the world, or to what their own government does (good or bad). Ideally, I feel, the army etc. should either be a shared collective responsibility (socialist, I know) or the choice of those who display knowledge of what they are getting into - or have a say in the decision making process themselves?

Why?

The military is a tool of US government enforcement. Individual geopolitical awareness is not a factor anywhere but at the highest levels.

Seems to me educating the "educated idiots" in DC would be a lot more relevant. They are the ones that send the military where it goes.

 

[trobinett]

I completely understand that for some, the military is a far better option than most... but it seems to say that many citizens are not 'tuned in' to what is happening around the world, or to what their own government does (good or bad). Ideally, I feel, the army etc. should either be a shared collective responsibility (socialist, I know) or the choice of those who display knowledge of what they are getting into - or have a say in the decision making process themselves?

Seems your "fishing" for something Gurdari, what is it?

 

[Semper Fi]

I'd listen to Taoman. That's his guess, sure, but it warranted a post here, so he obviously knows what he's talking about!

 

[midcan5]

Depends on the situation, WWII probably 90%, after 911 lots probably, maybe 10-20% would be a guess, and some join for other than the reasons you mention, some are proud of the service in their family and do it for other than completely material reasons. Tradition matters to some.

 

[dread]

My guess is less than 1%

Wrong!

Try again.....

 

[David_N]

Something that needs serious and deep consideration. I've known people go in and find themselves totally out of their depth. A 1000% commitment - everything - and then some!