Wrangler wrote:
I can't speak for all military branches, bases, or units but in all units to which I was attached there was politics. I'm sure there is no surprise that anytime two or more people get together, politics happens.
If you are asking if military personnel should get involved in politics, I would say yes. When one joins the service, he or she does not stop being a citizen. Citizens cause politics. It is the duty of every citizen to take a role in politics, at least by voting.
If the government were considering doing away with social security benefits, every eligible person has a dog in the hunt and should get involved. I don't see how the military is any different.
I cannot speak for all wars, police actions, conflicts or any other PC term you chose, but I guarantee that congress had its political hands in the rules of war and the movement of troops in Vietnam. Most of the directives were detrimental to the military effort. In other words they wanted to run the "conflict" and were dumber than a box of hammers when it came to war.
In short, I think that the military has not only the right but also the duty to ask for budget increases from congress. There are "people" in the military not aliens from outer space. These "people" have the same rights as all people.
I can't speak for all military branches, bases, or... (
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I don't think political conversations are what is at stake here. It is campaigning in uniform or endorsing a party or candidate or using military rank etc. for such purpose that is forbidden. Remember, you do give up some rights while in the military because you are required to comply with articles in the Code of Military Justice.