Why do people who risk their lives in the military, police, etc. and don't get much pay for it?

gugliamo00

With respect to the military, some are selfish. Some are only in it for the benefits. That's the only reason they joined. That they had to fight -- actually to have to earn the benefits -- probably came as something as a shock for them.

These are probably the ones who are prone to do dumb stuff and get into trouble. These are probably among those who have more time on their hands than brains and waste it by posting idiotic stuff on youtube... those who, because of their stupidity, lead a moronic public to believe they represent the military.

It's difficult for a selfish person to grasp, but some people see beyond themselves. Some actually see that freedom isn't free and that each generation that uses (or abuses) the freedoms they enjoy have to pay the price. What is the price? It's spelled out in the last few words of our Declaration of Independence. "... we pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

George Orwell saw it, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Those soldiers, the true patriots, are the "better men" of whom John Stewart Mill spoke, â€œWar is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing that is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.â€

"But they're not fighting against an enemy of the US. They're fighting against an enemy of Iraq (or Afghanistan...)." They're fighting terrorists. Terrorists are the enemy of EVERYBODY.

"But they're fighting them way the heck over there..." How many Iraqi casualties are really the result of terrorists? Would you rather wait until the terrorists come here... so those casualties will be US citizens? Personally, I'd rather they fight them (and any enemy) as far away from US soil as they can.

I would suppose that the police have the same kinds of people.

I had a high school counselor once tell me that there's nothing in the world like doing what you love to do, and that getting paid for it was just an extra. The patriots do their duty because somebody has to do it to keep this country safe and free... and they love their country and they love their freedom. Some people merely read about history... these patriots make it... and they get a few benefits besides.

But those who choose not to get involved with law enforcement or the military aren't safe either. About 20,000 die each year in the US in hospitals under the care of careless, inept, or incompetent doctors. That's about four times the number killed in the military in the last 8 years. On any given three-day weekend, about 100 people are killed in traffic accidents. That's more than the number of soldiers killed on an average in two weeks in Iraq.

The reason you don't hear about all the wasted deaths is because they're not newsworthy. Nobody cares. Three-day weekends are popular. Drinking is popular. Driving is popular. Medicine is popular. But war isn't popular. So, publishing the military deaths serves to make people more angry. Why? Because if you're angry, you're more inclined to do something. You''re more inclined to read the rest of the story, jump to the next link, keep your nose against the 60" HDTV screen. Why? Because you'll be exposed to advertising. That's where the media makes money. Don't think so? Then why does a 30-second ad during half-time of a Super Bowl generate more income than the networks make in an entire season from all the leagues put together?

The patriots do it because they realize somebody has to do it. And they feel it's worth the risk. At least one can go out fighting... not ODed by some hair-brained doctor, or splattered all over the front of some drunk driver's car.

cole k

I definitely didn't join to get rich. Whether I agree with the war we fight or not, as long as there are young men fighting I'm going to be there with them.

electricpole

There are as many reasons for joining the Armed Forces as there are enlistees. But they do fall into some broad categories. Most join due personal sense of duty, and patriotism. For the good of the group. an outwardly focused persona.
I joined during the Iran Hostage crisis, and the $448/ month I got as a Private was the last thing on my mind. I got three hots & a cot, medical care, and a chance to serve my Country. Four of us walked off campus and signed right up, 2 Army, 2 Marines. No thoughts of career opportunities, money, free education or any other self serving reason.

Sixfeettall

They do deserve more than they get, which is why I am so impressed when people choose to serve and risk their lives without the thought of how much money they can make.

Most of these men and women are usually young, and to be able to make such a mature, unselfish choice knowing what they are risking and sacrificing just humbles me.

Air Force Wife

most people do it for the pride, not the money

migbuster

I join to serve my country and god along with Family. money is the benefit of the service. That's is all

Puffs

A private in the army does NOT make $8k/year. I know, because I am a private and I make about $17k/year!

I think you should learn to read, because yeah, that's wrong.

And when you go to iraq you get a tax free check with hazzard pay... monies monies monies!

Josh

Im going to join the military to serve for my country which i love. Not for money. Anyways the military gives you free food and a place to sleep.

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