Why should American citizens serve in the military?

Answer 1

Follow the bread crumbs"

The US Military is part of the US government.

• The government is of the people, for the people, by the people.
• The government is the people of the US.
• The government is obligated to protect and defend the people.
• Therefore, the people are obligated to protect and defend the people.
• The US military protects and defends the people.
• So, the people should serve their time.

There is another way to consider this. In 1992 Director/Producer Rob Reiner brought us the iconic military themed movie, A Few Good Men. Near the end of the movie, while giving testimony, Colonel Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson provides a short monologue that sort of answers this question. This monologue is below:

Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You[Lt. Kaffee]? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and you curse the Marines. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall.

We use words like honor, code, loyalty...we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!

While the act that Col. Jessup defends is indeed grotesque and a contradiction of his very words, there is truth here. From one who has stood his post, either serve or stand aside, but unless you serve, you will always carry the weight of obligation to respect those who do. While I and my brothers and sisters who have and do serve defend your right to choose, all of us, I assure you will stand shoulder to shoulder to defend each other and the choice we made as well.

All citizens are equal. Citizen veterans are just a bit more so.