Quick Question......

[Michael Malloy]

Doesn't change my view on camaraderie, besides how was he supposed to know that, it's not in his profile anywhere and US forces fight along side other countries as well, so you could say they are also fighting for our liberty.

Safir, the guy he was accusing of abusing our freedoms (American ones), lives in Sweden. Its stated right under his name. That was the point I was trying to make.

Nevermind.

[Safir]

Yeh, I'm from Sweden, and to be completely honest I don't care much about United States politics that much, but they do affect the entire world. I myself was in the Swedish military for quite a while so I do know much about camaraderie. And with gladly accepting a fee to make sure a house is refreshed for an extended period of time, does not say that I'm in any way opposing US foreign policies (nor does it say that I agree).

Do you seriously need to be paid to double click a house sign? He protects the freedom's you abuse!

... so you could say they are also fighting for our liberty.

"Freedom" and "Liberty", wow I can't believe ppl still think that's what the fight is about...

Please take a moment to watch this video in it's entirety.

[DrFaustus]

Is serving in the Swedish military optional?

[Safir]

Is serving in the Swedish military optional?

Everyone (all men, optional for women) are obliged to go to the "draft" around the year they turn 18, where they evaluate you and if needed place you in a suitable position somewhere within the military. Although resources are short and with not that many places to be filled (politics), it's considered a privilege to be given the opportunity to serve these days as we don't really have an "infantry" division for dummies. And if you're lucky and meet the requirements you can choose between several positions.

Whether or not serving is optional can be debated, but lately (last 10-15 years), yes*. If a "recruit" plainly says that he has no wish to serve he will most likely not be given a placement at all.

*According to Swedish law, you CAN be drafted against your will and be escorted by police to the location where you will go through basic training.

[Senses]

Throughout the years, the reasons for going to war change, and yes some of them are selfish, but the concept of a man making the ultimate sacrafice for his country never changes. The United States of America has had a voluntary Army for many years now, and that means that the men and women who make the choice to serve, do so knowing that some day they might be asked to give their lives for their Country. And its not just them, its Firemen who run into burning buildings to save what might end up just being the home owner's belongings, or the Policeman who finds himself in the middle of a robbery to protect a bank's assets. While you may not approve why we are at war, don't ever forget that there is a person other than you that has willingly decided to take your spot and risk his own life. The next war may be one you do believe in, and they will still be there dying for it.

[Safir]

Throughout the years, the reasons for going to war change, and yes some of them are selfish, but the concept of a man making the ultimate sacrafice for his country never changes. The United States of America has had a voluntary Army for many years now, and that means that the men and women who make the choice to serve, do so knowing that some day they might be asked to give their lives for their Country. And its not just them, its Firemen who run into burning buildings to save what might end up just being the home owner's belongings, or the Policeman who finds himself in the middle of a robbery to protect a bank's assets. While you may not approve why we are at war, don't ever forget that there is a person other than you that has willingly decided to take your spot and risk his own life. The next war may be one you do believe in, and they will still be there dying for it.

I agree.

Although I've never mentioned that I haven't approved of or that I'm opposing the current situation/s regarding the United States. I just think that defending/protecting the liberty/freedom of the world/US is a laughable reason to state when talking about said situations. But as you said, reasons for war are going to change throughout the years.