[Sandwich]

Originally posted by StrykeIX
...lack of a functional workforce (since everyone's in boot camp)...

Everyone between the ages of 18-21, perhaps.

For the record, since I already spoke with Shrike about this on ICQ: I'm all for the mandatory draft primarily for the effects it will have on the US culture. But I admit that a 12 million standing peacetime army is quite overdone and ridiculous. I just wish the unifying effect of military service could be achieved through some other means, but I don't know of any.

[Stryke 9]

Fascism.

And believe me, we're working on it.

[SKYNET-011]

'Mandatory service?' No.

*Fetches his shotgun\GL and new Power Core for Ion Cannon>PcIC*.

[wEvil]

understanding, tender loving care and actually educating people not to be morons?

[Shrike]

Originally posted by wEvil
understanding, tender loving care and actually educating people not to be morons?

That is parents' (and teachers as well I suppose) job, not the federal government's.

[wEvil]

beleive it or not, its EVERYBODIES' job.

[vyper]

Originally posted by Blue Lion
I think a 12 million man army would kick ass, figuratively, and literally.

IS NOT A GARUNTEE

[wEvil]

Originally posted by Blue Lion
I think a 12 million man army would kick ass, figuratively, and literally.

you would, being capitalist scum

dont get me wrong, i do like you -  I just despise what you stand for.

[Stryke 9]

Hey, don't worry. Large armies mean large-army tactics- easily countered by a good guerilla tactician and the will of the people. You know how many people comrade Che was outnumbered by?

[Blue Lion]

Originally posted by wEvil


you would, being capitalist scum

dont get me wrong, i do like you -  I just despise what you stand for.

Feeling good about myself? Having stuff that I worked for? Trying to get a better life?

[Blue Lion]

Originally posted by wEvil
beleive it or not, its EVERYBODIES' job.

Um, no it's not my job to make sure your kid is well adjusted

[Fetty]

ok i havent read thru every post here but here it goes
my country (austria) has mandtory military OR social service
i personaly like the social service part
of course most people take the militry one since its less time
but it does have an effect on you if you do ether of these. For many people its the actual introduction to a working life
Personaly i have no idea why austria would need an army anyway but for americas people having to choose betwen military or social work would sound like a good idea
on the other hand people might actualy enjoy being in the army .....
uh well time for another drink  

[mikhael]

Originally posted by wEvil
beleive it or not, its EVERYBODIES' job.

Including the Military's.

[diamondgeezer]

Bagsy it's not my job

[Setekh]

Originally posted by diamondgeezer
You know, Sarny, I was reading that and thinking what a bloody intelligent and well crafted post that was, until the purple fart bit made me snigger

You talk a lot of sense for an admin, Sandwich. Just shame the smart guys never end up running the country, eh?

I agree with every single thing you just said.

Originally posted by Sandwich
For the record, since I already spoke with Shrike about this on ICQ: I'm all for the mandatory draft primarily for the effects it will have on the US culture. But I admit that a 12 million standing peacetime army is quite overdone and ridiculous. I just wish the unifying effect of military service could be achieved through some other means, but I don't know of any.

I concur there - I was going to say that my own time in cadets (like reserves for the kiddies, all the same structure and rank and superiors from the serving army) has brought out similar characteristics. And then my next thought was that WWI started arguably because both the Allied and Central Powers had amassed such enormous, capable armies. Not that I want to start a debate on that, but the relationship between large armies (despite whatever purpose they began for) and large wars is clear.

[Top Gun]

Originally posted by mikhael


Including the Military's.

No, the job of the Military is extermination for its cause, nothing else.

Hey, don't worry. Large armies mean large-army tactics- easily countered by a good guerilla tactician and the will of the people. You know how many people comrade Che was outnumbered by?

It's true to a certain extent, but don't forget they had the backing of the USSR which meant America couldn't do anything too extreme. Trotsky used gurrila warfare much more effectively although he had much more success due to the still outdated methods of those who he fought.

[Warlock]

What's funny ... all the US citizens that whine and ***** about how the US does things .... just one comment for all that :

You don't HAVE to stay here ya know ?

[Zeronet]

Actually if you outnumber gurilla forces 10 to 1, you can beat them. But it needs to be at least 10 to 1, otherwise you'll have a hard time.

[Stryke 9]

TG: No, not really. The USSR sorta backed up the new Cuban state when it was already established. All fidel, Che, and Camilo got was about 15 survivors from the Granma, a handful of peasants who signed up right off the bat, and maybe a dozen old, worn-out rifles. All they had to build up on were members of the peasant population and what guns they got from the soldiers they killed. The Soviets didn't lay high odds on them winning, the US was actively trying to get them killed after they proved themselves a serious threat to Batista, and there was not a single government in the region that would be sorry to see them go.

[mikhael]

Originally posted by Top Gun


No, the job of the Military is extermination for its cause, nothing else.

 

I must have missed that part of bootcamp.  Maybe it was sandwiched between Mass Murder 101 and Political Assassination for Fun and Profit.

What sort of idea do civilians have about the military anyway? Do you lot even have a clue?