Those who got dishonorable/OTH/general are still veterans
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I was Airborne infantry from 08-12, active duty. OEF 09. So, it’s been a while.
We didn’t have the roughest deployment, but from what I can tell, most infantry guys seem to think that.
When we got back, almost half my platoon (30 guys) ended up getting kicked out. DUIs, pissing hot on drug tests, theft, etc.
A year prior to my deployment, when recruitment was on overdrive, guys would get busted for all sorts of stuff and just get in-house punishment: busted down in rank, extra duty, etc.
When we got back, the federal govt made major cutbacks in military funding (the politics I’m pretty ignorant about and not interested in, but I know it was all part of Obama’s Surge (not blaming him)).
I think a lot of civilians think cutbacks in military funding means less bombs, drones, etc. I don’t believe that’s correct, and I use my old battle buddies’ experiences as my evidence: It made financial sense for my friends to get kicked out. Like any business (and the army is definitely a business), the best way to save money is fire people.
Now, I am in no way condoning my old friends’ behavior. Those offenses were serious and should not be taken lightly. And I understand that the rules were clear and the punishment clear as well.
But we cleaned up bodies for a year. Worked day and night. Hiked our asses off. Saw the terrible, grotesque realities of war. We got shot at. Shot back. Blown up. Bombed, bombed, and bombed.
With everything we know about PTSD, it seems to me that the firing of these guys was unjust. What should’ve happened was some kind of in-house punishment and some serious counseling (specific alternative punishment I would leave to experts, of course).
My point is, a dishonorable discharge is a blurry label. I went to the DMV recently to get “veteran” on my drivers license. The clerk looked at my DD214 and said, “Just had to make sure it said Honorable.”
Maybe I should’ve said something. Something like, “Just because someone who served didn’t get an honorable discharge doesn’t mean they’re not a veteran. They still served.” In the case of my friends, they’re veterans just like I am. They deserve as much (or as little, depending on your perspective) respect as I do.
The clerk was just doing her job, of course, and I’m glad I didn’t say anything.
But still...
Makes me sad, and I would love for others to share thoughts and stories, or just comment.
Thanks
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