Why are civilians so interested in military affairs?

Lin_Z

it's our country too.

Amy

Screw you. I have several relatives and friends over there and I make sure I stay update with where they are being sent.

eatmorec11h17no3

Military affairs concern everyone. We pay taxes, we have a say in how those taxes are spent. You don't like it, move to North Korea.

If our government is sending our soldiers to kill innocent people, then We the People have an obligation to stand up against it. Preaching to the soldiers about the injustice of war isn't going to change things. We the People must shake our representatives until they listen to us, or We must throw them out of office immediately.

Crystal Blue Persuasion

I served in the military and am now a civilian. I have the right to be interested in military affairs and if you don't like it, tough. The Founding Fathers wanted the military to be accountable to the civilians. Otherwise they wouldn't have put it under civilian control. You obviously don't have much respect for the freedom of speech. And that's your problem too.

six3x

Civilians (I'm one of em) are envious of the courage it takes to serve the in the military so we like to think we know what we're talking about when we try to assess what's best for the military even though we have no idea what is what. In other words, I don't know.

tommy

its called democracy and with that freedom of speech!
how else would you have it?

ktray1275

hey boss I would be over there but I was medically disqualified from service

h h

Because the military is at the disposal of the US government and civilians are interested in how and why the military is being used.

Since the US government is elected by the people and for the people the civilians have a right to know about the military as long as it doesnt violate operational security, in that the knowledge they have wont put lives at risk.

As far as them voicing their opinions to the military itself that really wouldnt matter. You can tell the military your opinions till your blue in the face and they will still follow the orders of those appointed over them.

If you want to voice your opinion you should voice it to those who give the military its orders, telling the military will get you nothing really.

mattzcoz

Some are posers, some are trolls, some are thoughtless, some are genuinely interested and care, some are vets themselves. Don't stress over it.

(They always told us that the defenders of the free are the least free, which has a lot of truth to it.)

lei

Civilians are interested because war causes civilians' deaths. Also, many militaries are composed of civilians. Also, it is civilians that make the policy which governs military action.

Shiner

What do you mean by interested? I'm not in the military but my husband and brother are, so naturally I'm going to be very interested in military affairs. I want to know what's going on on-base and I want to know where my husband and brother are going to be sent to next.

However, the additional information you gave almost makes it seem as though you're talking about negative interest, as in criticism. If that's the case than maybe your initial question could have been worded a little better.

Chuckles

It's called the "Bill Clinton Syndrome" and it can be catching! LOL!

CLIVE H

It's like this. My entire generation have all had some military time and experience. I joined the British Army in 1957 as a boy of 15. Hundreds of thousands of young men were still being called to do National Service in the Armed Forces of UK for a two year stint.

I have every right, notwithstanding my military career, which lasted for nearly nine years, to ask any question I choose on the subject of the military - in particular the UK military.

I am THE TAX PAYER and I want my money to be well spent and lots of it on the military. I am tired of government meanness on the military. I am entirely shocked to learn that the RN are still flying thirty plus year old Sea King Helicopters. Can you imagine it, the RAF taking on the Luftwaffe with 30 year old biplanes? This is exactly what we've got. I PROTEST!!

barbaralee15

Because I believe in the ripple effect and what goes on around the world effects me and my life.

I am way too old to serve.

I like to see what you boys are up to.

I like to lend a bit of moral support to the fellows out there following orders.

I care.

I hope that is good enough an answer for you.

Eddie K

thank you
the sad part is that the government is composed mostly of people who have never gone anywhere near a military uniform
what the hell do they know about war?

it is far easier to teach a soldier about politics than it is to teach a politician about war
lets suppose a soldier is an ox and a politician is a chicken

"If you were plowing a field, which would you rather use? Two strong oxen or 1024 chickens?"

We should ask Nancy Piglousy and Hitlery Clinton that question. They are civies and they think they know it all.

Wasted_Rich_Girl

because im bored.

trucker

i think i know why, it certainly true for me anyway, in civilian life everything has let us down, government everything under their control, the country has been betrayed, we are dominated by the e.u. and the gov will not listen, the military is the only thing left that people have got any love and respect for, so where els do we go. if i had my way you would have abigger say in our country, in the forces you are allowed to be patriotic and proud of your country, if you do that in civi street
you are a racist biggot.its time you blokes rescued this country, the politicians are not. you should not complain about civis on your sight because you need to win our hearts and minds, the gov cant.

crazymental

i think the reasons vary to be honest. my interest is due to the fact my fella is a serving royal marine and i like to know what is going on in the world, others possibly like to know so they have summat to talk about and pull apart when talking to their mates. anyone with a bit of sense realises the job the military are doing is an important one and give respect to the boys and girls in uniform, but there will always be a pleb who thinks they're better than that, take heart, most of us are proud of what they do.

NHguy

Civilians have a great interest in military affairs for a couple of reasons. The first of which, is how our Government is set up. I'm assuming because of the tone of your post, you are or were in the military. In case you forgot the military is run by civilians and this is done on purpose by the Constitution. The President, Sec. of Defense and Sec. of all the services are civilian. This is part of the Government's checks and balances so we, as the United States don't become a militant Government ourselves.

If you are a member of the military, may I suggest that you remember that you represent all civilians and they not only have a right to question the Government, but an obligation to do so.

In case there is confussion, yes I am in the military serving proudly, with one tour in Iraq already.....

Mucky Mud Blood

You are right. My job is just not interesting enough and I find it fascinating. It is a different world to most people and most of us will never get to experience it.

That said.... personally I'm not brave enough to join up, but thank those that do on my behalf.

And seriously, who died and left you in charge of the Military pages. If you don't like the stupid questions, then ignore them.

eddygordo19

I vote based on candidates' performance and platforms. A part of that evaluation is how they manage government affairs or plan to do so, and that includes the military. Also, as a tax payer, I'm interested in spending, including military spending.

Whether or not one volunteers for service is a matter of choice. If the government wants me, then they can draft me. I will follow the law. If others volunteer, then I'm not interested in hearing their belly aching unless they have specific and real complaints about being unjustly treated.

blonde dyslexic but good looking

becaus most people are stupid and think they know whats best. most people on this site dont know what they are talking about. they just say things they dont know about because they can hide behind there screen names. was in the special services intelligence coup. UK IE gchq. so i know. and most of them would crap themselves if they went to war but they like to think there hard. i have been to israel, jorden, saudi, and east europe. and i was going to afganistan but got ill so could not go now i have gone back to uni. and come out the force. but i know what i am talking about most dont on here.

bert

I think that a lot of civvies are envious of serving and ex forces personnel

Catalyst

I guess we are interested because we don't trust our own political agendas and the stories we receive from the foreign office and controlled media. They edit an awful lot.

I think that joining the army entails three criterion. The first is that people want to feed their family and so decide that the military is a good way to do it. Afterall, the adverts don't show pain and death very much so it all looks like staying fit and having a good time.

Second: they want to protect the weak from the aggressive.

Third: they are aggressive and want to destroy the weak while they get fit and have a laugh.

Maybe that is why civilians are interested. That's why I'm interested.

Maybe you would like to answer my question?

adeleighernandez26

i don't understand it. it doesn't me the reasonable questions. but the idiotic assumptions and remarks about the military and its ways and reasons is what makes me mad. you should know that when you make an assumption, you make an a$$ out of yourself!!!!

Duane T

I have been in the Army before, and I don't agree with the war. I also remember my vow, when I was sworn in. It didnt' say, defend everyone but blacks, or gays, or women. It said, stand up for everybody! I take it seriously, to this day.

I don't care of someone else doesn't join the service; what kind of pride would I have if I belittled others? I am proud to have served, but I don't hold anything against anybody that doesn't. What difference does it make?

Partisanshipsux

Some have been in the Military already. Some are interested in current affairs and what our country is doing. Personally, they ought to be interested in military AND political affairs.

I was not able to serve (medical problem), but two of my brothers did, my two step sons did, and I occassionally work at Camp Pendleton. I DO talk to the troops and express my gratitude to them. They are hero's in my mind, putting service to others before self. Their familiesalso sacrifice much for us and it is greatly appreciated by me and many of my friends.

So to you and any Military personnel or their family members reading this....THANK YOU!

BTW, I lost 2 friends in the WTC , one with a wife and 3 children. My dad worked for Pan AM and lost friends over Lockerbie. I am VERY interested in military affairs because of this, and I am grateful for all you do.

kristen q

Yes, it is every americans business what is going on, but at the same time, if you are always talking bad about the troops and not giving them the support they deserve you need to keep your mouth shut. Personally people like that I dont think have an opinion worth listening to.

caz b

It is probably because it's our taxes are paying to keep them fighting wars which don't concern us and our young and brave soldiers are dying unnecessarily,

Clive

Although the strategic actions of the military are determined by politicians, they will be used by the world to judge the people of the UK who may have to suffer the consequences.
Please do not interpret criticism of policy as criticism of the military.

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