Re: cadence calls

Mr. E (jackechs@EROLS.COM)
Mon, 19 Feb 1996 21:55:11 -0500

I clearly remember my drill sargeant telling us ... the greatest honor is
dying for your country, make sure it's the enemy not you. I attended some
ROTC classes as well ... they didn't teach the same mind set to the
potential officers as they did to us grunts. In the Navy, my second tour of
duty ... boot camp didn't deal with death at all compared to the Army
Infantry training I received. As far as "treating" the enemy and other
non-combatants we were never taught to rape and/or pillage. While it may
not have been taught I always felt it was my duty to protect any and all
non-combatants with my life. On the other hand, however, one must
dehumanize the enemy if you are going to take their life and keep your
sanity afterwards. While the violence in our streets as well as elsewhere
may lead you to believe otherwise; it is extremely hard to end another human
beings life ... even when that person is trying their damnest to kill you.
It is said that there are no atheists in trenches. I have always thought
that it was the feeling of impending death that brings this on, but it's not
... it's looking another in the eye and watching the light burn out knowing
you put it out.

At 07:12 PM 02/19/96 -0500, Keith Dever wrote:
>For those of you that are tax payers or anyone that is concerned how the U.S.
>Army treats the "enemy" and non-combatants...this is not part of the U.S.
>military combat mission. It may have been an unspoken part of some sectors
>of the military, but it has never been condoned nor a part of the training
>program as far as I could tell. If this is what Mr. Waite tought his basic
>trainees, he has done us and the world a great disservice. I have no idea
>about the his quality of service, but I am sure he meant this in a way other
>than how I have interpretted it.
>
>The Army that I am in now and others here recently left would never condone
>this attitude. Rest assured that while you may object to the motives which
>move the military, RPB is not one that this (future) officer would allow or
>support.
>
>Excuse me...I am just a little upset,
>Cadet Keith Dever
>US Army ROTC Cadet and Anthropology student

thank you for your time and space ... respectfully submitted,

Anthony Dean Dauer

"We have met the enemy, and he is us." Walt Kelly (1913-1973), Pogo

Copyright 1996 Anthony Dean Dauer. All rights reserved. Permission
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