The trouble with 21st century America is one of obligation and good faith. The drive seems to be to (with this cult of self “ueber alles”) fragment us. With no “greater good” for us to feel an obligation we have generation(s) whose sole motivation seems self and self stimulation. The few who do feel that obligation the majority owe much to (and don’t seem to realize it). To shed familiarity, comfort and safety to do much in the name of others is an obligation that those of us who serve forget about sometimes. We assume shared sacrifice is normal, and those of us in combat become closer than families (many doing heroic acts without consideration because their buddies lives are at risk). The obligation to something bigger than self, and absolute faith and trust in others seems an anathema to most of our civilian counterparts, it’s not that they are incapable, it’s that our culture seems to be fragmenting in ways that discourages any faith in people outside of ones personal category (perhaps out of some political movement’s belief in strength through divergence . . . “divide and conquer”?). I keep on going back to Heinlein’s book “Starship Troopers” . . . the template that borrowed much from what the Swiss have done traditionally . . . serve the “greater good” for a period of time as an obligation of that citizenship. Now we have politicians (as well as writers and entertainers) making statements as stupid (ignorance can be unlearned) as Kerry’s and King’s.
Every one of these service-members are a precious resource, so whether in service, or transitioning into the civilian world (properly) treated with respect they can be the most productive members of any type of organization. They are used to an ethic (and hopefully most take this to heart) “Mission and Troops before Self”. This theme by itself makes them different in a world where “what have you done for me today”, “Not my Job”, and “baby it’s all about me” seem the typical work ethic.
