The argument basically came down to two not quite exclusive views: I said a soldiers primary purpose was to follow orders, Geoff said it was to help people. We both believe that a soldier does both, however we differ in the order of those priorities.
As a former soldier, I can agree with both positions. However, I would agree with you that following orders comes first. {As long as they are lawful} Unfortunately, most people today have a serious misunderstanding of the primary purpose of the Military. That being the actual implementation of the State's political will. In the case of our Nation, that will is primarily the defense of the Republic. A U.S. soldier is taught that the mission comes first before all other things. So that the mission may be accomplished, orders must be followed. Therefore following those orders is a priority. Helping people is in there for sure but is always a secondary effect of carrying out the mission.
I'm an unrepentant atheist with a background in science, math and technology. By education, an astronomer, by training, a cryptographer, by profession, a technology specialist. While people tend to peg me as "left" I don't really know what they mean. I'm for small government, low taxes and I believe that the right to swing my fist ends before your face. I distrust anything the government says no matter what party is in power, although I must admit to having worked for the government (ours and others).
3 comments:
I would be interested in hearing what you think is the primary duty / mission of a soldier.
The argument basically came down to two not quite exclusive views:
I said a soldiers primary purpose was to follow orders, Geoff said it was to help people.
We both believe that a soldier does both, however we differ in the order of those priorities.
As a former soldier, I can agree with both positions. However, I would agree with you that following orders comes first. {As long as they are lawful} Unfortunately, most people today have a serious misunderstanding of the primary purpose of the Military. That being the actual implementation of the State's political will. In the case of our Nation, that will is primarily the defense of the Republic. A U.S. soldier is taught that the mission comes first before all other things. So that the mission may be accomplished, orders must be followed. Therefore following those orders is a priority. Helping people is in there for sure but is always a secondary effect of carrying out the mission.
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