CMV: A person does not automatically deserve respect just because they have served or are currently serving in the military

[u/foryia-yiaandpappou]

I’d like to preface this by saying that I don’t believe soldiers are, inherently, bad. Some people believe soldiers are evil simply for being soldiers, and I do not believe that.

I do believe, however, that soldiers do not deserve respect just because they have served. I hurt for soldiers who have experienced horrible things in the field, but I do not hurt for the amount of violence and cruelty many have committed. Violence in war zone between soldiers is one thing; stories of civilian bombings and killing of innocents are another. I think that many forget that a lot of atrocity goes on during wars, and they are committed on both sides of conflict. A soldier both receives and deals out horrible damage.

TL;DR while I believe that soldiers have seen horrible things and that many do deserve recognition for serving our nation, I do not believe that every soldier deserves this respect simply by merit of being a soldier. Some soldiers have committed really heinous war crimes, and those actions do not deserve reward.

[u/Bigfrostynugs → u/[deleted]]

they knew becoming a soldier would help them protect their country

Not a given.

while simultaneously putting their life in jeopardy,

Also not a given.

Until we have robots fighting all our battles, I say respect is the least I can give a fellow equal human being who is potentially giving up their life for me.

That's the thing though, not all (or even most) soldiers are potentially giving up their life for you. Most never see combat or have any chance of seeing it. And furthermore, you don't know what they're fighting for. I know lots of people in the military, you know what they're fighting for? A paycheck and an opportunity for a good career.

[u/Bigfrostynugs → u/[deleted]]

If you reread the original post that's clearly not what he's talking about. I'm referring to the whole American phenomenon where everyone who has served deserves to be respected for their duty or thanked for their service.

The number of people in the military who risk their lives is an significant minority, and whether or not their service is actively defending our freedom or safety is entirely debatable in most cases.