Radicalization of elite military members.

[BlueStreak]

The military attracts paranoid psychos, looking for a mission? Oh, there's a big surprise. LOL!

(Am I the only veteran here?)

Folks if you're a recruiter, especially one looking for special forces types, that's what you want. You don't want the sensitive free thinker, you want the guy who's intelligent enough to successfully execute a mission and crazy enough to enjoy the violence of it. The one for whom, "For God and Country!", is enough of an excuse to kill people and blow shit up. All the rest is just boring details.

[Chicks]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

(Am I the only veteran here?)

I was Navy, but didn't get anywhere near the "elite" forces (like the Seals). It was a great experience that set me up for a very long and successful career as a civvy, though.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

(Am I the only veteran here?)

My Dad was career military, a JAG officer stationed in Japan, DC, Texas and Germany.

Though I was never active duty military, I was a DAC (Dept of Army Civilian) for 20 years in Louisiana, Germany and DC. FWIW, I was the "commander" of a number of military officers of Captain and Major rank and my bosses ranged from Colonel to Major General in rank.

I think I've been to nearly all Army and Air Force bases in the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) as well as Germany, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Turkey, Japan, and the erstwhile Canal Zone. My two sons are also DAC's living in upstate NY (doing project management on a VA hospital) and in Israel (in charge of all US funded construction in the northern half of the country).

[Mark B]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

The military attracts paranoid psychos, looking for a mission? Oh, there's a big surprise. LOL!

(Am I the only veteran here?)

Folks if you're a recruiter, especially one looking for special forces types, that's what you want. You don't want the sensitive free thinker, you want the guy who's intelligent enough to successfully execute a mission and crazy enough to enjoy the violence of it. The one for whom, "For God and Country!", is enough of an excuse to kill people and blow shit up. All the rest is just boring details.

USAF - enlisted in '73

My dad was 82nd Airborne then 4th Ranger Co. Korea. He was not paranoid or a psycho.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by Mark B

USAF - enlisted in '73

My dad was 82nd Airborne then 4th Ranger Co. Korea. He was not paranoid or a psycho.

Well, there's TWO that aren't psychos........
Did I say anything about ALL military members and veterans being paranoid psychos? No, I didn't, did I? But, such people DO gravitate to the military, especially Special Operations. Ever spent time around Navy SEALs? I have.

Me; USN, 1982-1986
Sister; USN, 1975-1983
Brother; US Army, 1963-1967
Brother; US Army, 1968-1972 (Vietnam)

My Father; USN, 1939-1951 (WW2)
Paternal Uncle; USN, 1939-1959 (WW2)
Paternal Uncle; USN, 1939-1974 (WW2, Korea and Vietnam)
Maternal Uncle; USN, 1941-1945 (WW2)

Trust me, there are people in the military who fancy themselves heroic figures on a mission from God like Roman Centurions sent to expand the Holy Empire. In some circumstances, we need such people.......but on a tight leash.

Capisce?

[Mark B]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Well, there's TWO that aren't psychos........
Did I say anything about ALL military members and veterans being paranoid psychos? No, I didn't, did I? But, such people DO gravitate to the military, especially Special Operations. Ever spent time around Navy SEALs? I have.

Me; USN, 1982-1986
Sister; USN, 1975-1983
Brother; US Army, 1963-1967
Brother; US Army, 1968-1972 (Vietnam)

My Father; USN, 1939-1951 (WW2)
Paternal Uncle; USN, 1939-1959 (WW2)
Paternal Uncle; USN, 1939-1974 (WW2, Korea and Vietnam)
Maternal Uncle; USN, 1941-1945 (WW2)

Trust me, there are people in the military who fancy themselves heroic figures on a mission from God like Roman Centurions sent to expand the Holy Empire. In some circumstances, we need such people.......but on a tight leash.

Capisce?

I understand. It wasn't intended as a refutation.