What It Really Means To Be A Soldier

[LoganM]

Hello everyone,
My name is Logan and I am a Marine.

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of posts (and some on my stuff) talking shit about the military and having little facts. Let me explain:

First off, we are soldiers. Yes we are trained to fight and to kill our enemies. BUT we certainly do not like the fact we're killing humans, our own kind. We kill to protect, not to make it a game. No, war is never a game.

Secondly, what you see in the media and on the television is not always correct. Yes, you may hear "the U.S military has achieved etc..." but at what cost? The first time I saw one my friends, my brother, get killed by a bullet in his right cheek, I was never the same. You NEVER get over it. It's offensive to hear people say "a few soldiers dying is a worthy trade for some hostages". That gets me really pissed off.

Thirdly, I didn't join to be a "hot shot". I joined because it's a tradition in my family and because I wanted to serve the country I lived in. After 9-11, my anger toward terrorism increased and serving my country to protect my land was the only way for me to feel better.

Fourthly, please do not tell me that "all soldiers get over it eventually". Even soldiers who never have been in combat are emotionally disturbed because they hear that their friends (who they talked to a day or two before) was killed by, let's say, an IED. It's a job that is bittersweet. While it is rewarding, it is also very sacrificing and emotional. I've witnessed some soldiers not wanting to get close to many because they're afraid it will be too hard on them if their friends are killed.

I believe I am a nice guy, but those examples are what shake me up. I hope you all can see the other side of the fence and realize that we are not killing for fun, we're protecting you all.

(Oh and I left the ball early, I just can't dance!)

Hooah,

Logan.

[cece97]

I love this Take!! My brother and his wife are both in the Navy and his best friend is in the Marines. They both say the exact same thing that you just said. Although my brother is only 21 he loves his job and making not only our country but our world safer. This Take has been my favorite so far, thanks for this, and thanks for your service.

[LoganM]

I really appreciate it ma'am. It makes me feel good to know that what I'm saying is helping others. :-)

[cece97]

I appreciate what you're doing too. Try not to focus on what others say, I know it's difficult to do, especially since this is your job, but don't pay attention to those people. People are gonna say whatever they want and there isn't too much anybody can do about it. Like I said I know that it'll be difficult but it will save you the time of wasting your breath on people who aren't grateful for what you do. Thanks again 😊

[LoganM]

Thank you ma'am :-)

[ThatBritishLad]

Always ticks me off when people whine about the military and police. As if the job wasn't hard enough already, you get opinionated tossers telling you off while they tilt their fedoras and puff on their pipes.

[LoganM]

Haha thank you sir, I appreciate it,

[Unit1]

Hooah!

Hello again, Sir Logan.

It's nice you share some more here and we can all learn about it. War is in fact not a game, that's correct. Humans killing humans is also a very sad process due to the fact, that we are all humans, yet hostile to each other, which is not even a condition. The most accurate fact is

"what you see in the media and on the television is not always correct."

And it couldn't be any more obvious. The REAL truth is: The media decides what their people should watch, be it true or false. That's why I quit watching TV and rely on people like you, Sir Logan, to report what is TRULY going on. If you can please keep the heads up because this is quite interesting to hear from people like you.

I never was a soldier, I had such a great wish to become one but due to the fact, that I moved to another country I am unable to become one. Furthermore I am too intelligent to be deployed on a battlefield and am well fitted to be part of intelligence agency. So for me it's interesting to hear from soldiers and also wish to learn from it.

I'll be wait for your next report about being a soldier in a war. Keep your heads up and your ass down. Take care and good luck.

[LoganM]

Thank you sir I appreciate it :-) I will do updates.

[hardboiled777]

Hooah! You support WAR when you join the military all the BRAINWASHING done to make you believe you're doing something "heroic" though in a way it is is MOSTLY PROPAGANDA to get people to "serve" their country.

Good job being the status quo, someone has to do it instead of REALLY working to CREATE something new and different vs just being another soldier in the cog in the wheel.

FACE IT. MOST people get into the military because they have NO OTHER CHOICE. They need a job and money, they BRAINWASH themselves into believing it's more to "serve their country and people" STFU. What you "serve" is the machine of the MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX. You support the machine by feeding it. The military gets WAY more funding than other other part of the budget which is ridiculous, BUT if less people signed up and people really found out how much is spend and were against the RIDICULOUS growth of the military maybe we'd actually start concentrating one what matters. EDUCATION and building people who ARE NOT LOSERS who have to join the military, but people who will become CREATIVE in some field using their BRAINS like in science, arts, music, writing, even sports are more contributing to SOCIETY and THE WORLD as a whole than being a soldier who just does what they're told when it comes down to it.

Again, good job BEING THE STATUS QUO. Someone has to do it

[ClauseViter]

Although I agree with some points in here you shouldn't bash the op he is not the military. He's just a solider.

[hardboiled777]

This makes no sense a soldier is not the military? Obviously they are. You CHOOSE what cog in the wheel you want to be. Do you want to put the effort in to teach others, CREATE art, dedicate yourself to inventing new things for people to use, businesses people can benefit from, or train to DESTROY THINGS. You're choice. I know MY life will be good though I can't speak for the next generation as we OVERSPEND on STUPID THINGS like the military and you support it by joining it because you're TOO WEAK to do something that CREATES rather than DESTROYS

[musical_slytherin]

I am so sorry that you and the other brave men and women serving our country have been disrespected. When I was born, both of my parents were in or had recently been in the military. My family raised me to have respect and love for the people fighting on and off the combat field for America. I find, especially in places like Southern California, that there is little to no understanding about what you all go through. I wanted to let you know that some of us still appreciate what you do, and I'll gladly tell off anyone who doesn't. Best of days to you, sir.

[LoganM]

Thank you ma'am. I really appreciate it :-) Please tell your parents thank you for their service for me :-)

[musical_slytherin]

Will do :)

[Bluemax]

Hi. First, let me thank you for your service, marine. I understand to some extent where you are coming from. I have found that the overwhelming bulk of soldiers in free societies, past and present, hate warfare in a way that no civilian who has never experienced it can. I have former students who are now in various services (including one marine rotor wing aviator) and they are all decent people, at least those that I've managed to keep in touch with.

If you don't mind me asking, what's your MOS? What unit did you serve with and where?

Take care now, and thanks again.

[LoganM]

My MOS is 0351. I don't feel comfortable with telling you my unit. It's not you at all. It's the fact this is the internet and I don't know what you may use it.

[Bluemax]

I completely understand. Did you come out of San Diego or Parris Island?

[LoganM]

San Diego.

[Bluemax]

I see. I've attended a few graduations there.

[Not-Exactly]

Well it is complicated, but I blame politics overall for leading to unnecessary or unjust violence while also using propaganda to cover their mistakes. And I am convinced in you have rights you will need to defend them (not necessary always fight them) because some are unwilling to set down share, and there are a lot of them.
A soldier once told me "The ONLY good thing about war, is after YEARS when you reflect on the good few people you went back with"
PS: I tried to keep my post away from any specific politic views, and people should do so too in the topic (no need for hate wars) :P.
@9mfeo @LoganM

[LoganM]

I have been told that before ^^ Thank you, sir, I appreciate it :-)

[dartmaul15]

and for all you people out there... Remember it's people like him that risk their life every day to protect your sorry ass, and let you sit behind your pc and hate on him.
The cold truth is there are forces out there who'd love to see USA and the west reduced to rubble
HE is the kind of people who every day prevents that from happening. He's among those actively fighting as well as providing the military superiority needed to make our enemies realize it's a very stupid idea to attack us.

Remember that.

[LoganM]

I appreciate what you said a lot, sir. :-)

[dartmaul15]

no problem at all.
Was planning to join myself, but didn't make it. Didn't handle the cold of the winter (made my skin crack and bleed unless i constantly treated it), and up here in norway we kind of got winter 3-6 months per year, so being able to serve in the winter is quite important.

It's a service we'd all wish we don't need, and in my eyes that just makes me respect those who take on that responsibility even more.

[LoganM]

I understand :-) I never been to Norway but I can assume how cold it can get :-/

[dartmaul15]

-30celcius, and hurricane in the throwwinds. That's what you get on the mountain in the northern areas when things get a little rough.
You REALLY need to know what you're dealing with

[LoganM]

I don't like the cold that much so I would probably be a baby if I lived in Norway for the winter. :-)

[dartmaul15]

well, you alongside most americans joining us on winter excercises.
Foreginers are kind of Infamous over here for chickening out in the cold ^^
And that's why drilling on winter fighting is so important.

Anyway, we're digressing. Glad to see someone willing to do the shitty jobs others don't want.

[LoganM]

I agree. Hopefully, I will go to Norway and not chicken out :-)

[dartmaul15]

well, in that case you better pray for good weather XD

[Phoenix98]

Coming from a pretty big military family myself I can appreciate the post and you're absolutely right about everything in your you said.

Especially this "a few soldiers dying is a worthy trade for some hostages" to most people they don't understand the bond soldiers have with one other, when you train together, live together and fight together you become brothers, sisters a family and no one likes seeing their family get hurt or killed.

When the lord tells me my work is done were I am, I'll be following tradition like you and joining the military like almost every man in my family, when that is though I can not say.

Semper Fidelis, Marine

[LoganM]

Thank you sir, I really appreciate it. My family is a big Marine family, as well. :-)

[Phoenix98]

It's no problem, honestly more people need to show the military respect and appreciation I don't think they realize just how much you guys go through or how much you do for the country.

[LoganM]

I agree with you :-) Glad you'll become a brother in the military :-) Hooah

[Phoenix98]

Mmhm :)

[Aztecwarrior480]

Well, all I can say is thank you for serving our country (United States) and yes, I'm well aware that while you guys are proud of being service members, you guys still aren't proud of many things that you have (or had) to do while being on deployment. I'm also aware that you guys have absolutely no say in what your objectives are in your deployment or where you are being deployed or whatever the reason why you have to do this and that (basically just doing what our government is ordering you service members what to do).

[Aztecwarrior480]

by the way, I once attempted to enlist in the US Army myself over a year ago and unfortunately was permanently DQ'd for a small medical reason.

[LoganM]

Thank you sir, I really appreciate it! Thank you for understanding. :-)

[LittleSally]

People who say such idiotic things about soldiers have NEVER seen real war, have never experienced it's repercussions and have nothing to base it on.
If they have seen it first hand these people would sing a different tune.

I agree with everything you say.

I appreciate people like you and wish you all the luck in the world!

https://www.reactiongifs.com/r/qKPQS7J.gif

[LoganM]

Thank you ma'am, I appreciate it :-)

[LittleSally]

^-^

=)

[cth96190]

Said well young man, although this former soldier (Australian Army) would disagree on one point.
It is never a thing of pleasure to kill an honourable enemy. Such an enemy is deserving of respect, courtesy and when appropriate quarter. Killing them is an unfortunate necessity.
For other enemies, those who are without honour, killing them becomes a pleasure. When you encounter such an enemy, it will become vermin extermination rather than war. An example of such an enemy would be ISIL.

[LoganM]

I agree and thank you, sir, I appreciate it :-)

[Northeast106]

I'm a veteran myself, I served 3 years active duty army, and 2 years in the army reserves. I deployed in 2008-2009 to Iraq during the Sadr City focus, and I understand exactly what you are saying. I personally didn't suffer any trauma during deployment, but many of my friends have. Thank you for everything your doing, and to be honest I miss being in the military. A part of me wishes I had re-enlisted back when I had the chance to. This mytake made my day, thanks man.

[LoganM]

You're welcome, Sir. :-) I appreciate it especially coming from a veteran. I appreciate your service. Hooah!

[NateInAk]

Logan,
I cannot express the depth of my disappointment in people who feel the sick need to criticize soldiers like you.
I hope you can recognize that there are millions of us EXTREMELY thankful for your service.
And by the way, thank you for your service.

[LoganM]

Thank you sir, I appreciate it :-)

[sandysmile]

first thing first... you're supposed to post the pic after the take... you look cute and that's uber distracting
second of all i more or less agree with each and every point you made
i think it takes a whole load of guts to be in the forces so i salute you and i wish you all the best

[LoganM]

Thank you ma'am, I appreciate it. :-)

[sandysmile]

no need to thank me, how long have you been in the marines for - if you don't mind me asking :)

[LoganM]

Almost four years :-) I joined when I was 18

[sandysmile]

that's great... i've always wanted to join but i don't think i have it in me
anyway, like i said before i wish you all the best

[LoganM]

Thank you ma'am. I really appreciate it :-)

[kxera]

I really appreciate this Take. I have / have had several members in my family who have served. I think the major problem with most people today is they lack rationality and never tend to look at things from the opposite view. Maybe your take will finally make people consider things and realize how it is from your perspective. Thanks for serving our country, and happy belated Veterans Day! (:

Stay Handsome ;P

[LoganM]

Thank you Ma'am :-) I really appreciate it! Veteran's day isn't until November 11th, though ;-) I still appreciate it. With the handsome comment, I will make sure.

[kxera]

omfg this is so embarrassing I'm really sorry. My brain is completely fried; I've been so busy and hardly getting sleep lately. I honestly meant no disrespect. I actually do know when the actual Veteran's day is. I was thinking about Memorial Day because my grandpa served and his birthday was the day after (yesterday), but happy early Veteran's Day 5 months in advance. I don't even know why I was trying to mention memorial day; you haven't died. Please ignore my stupidity at the moment. >.<

[LoganM]

It's totally fine, hon :-) Trust me, you didn't disrespect anything :-) You're not stupid.

[epiman94]

Logan,
First of all, thank you for your service. Both my dad's parents were Marines. I have so much respect for the men and women like you who put your lives on the line to protect this country and the people.
Secondly, thanks for this take. Its not right for people to talk down or disrespect the military. Most people don't even have the courage to join, but feel big trash talking it.
Thanks again for all that you and all of the soldiers do! God bless!

[LoganM]

Thank you sir, I really appreciate it :-)

[david_smith]

What your saying Logan I admire that.
It takes special people to be a soldier. Not everyone can be one. Soldiers deserve better recognition than what they receive. Athletes and celebrity are treated better but people don't know half of what the military does and it's a shame. It anyone deserve a high salary that celebrities make is the military.
Thanks for doing what you do for our country.

[LoganM]

Thank you sir, I appreciate it :-)

[david_smith]

Your welcome Sir :)

[PT1911]

One friend in the marines, another in the Army, airborne certified.

They both lost friends in combat. It forever stays with them, but they continue to live their lives in honor of them. My marine friend is now married and has a beautiful baby girl.

Keep fighting the good fight my man

[LoganM]

Thank you, sir, I appreciate it :-) I bet he's daughter is beautiful :-)

[Anonymous]

My best friend is in the army and he tells me stories of his friends being killed and how they died. He went to a funeral recently this past month for a fellow soldier. Its horrible to go through that and I've seen what he has gone through, it isn't easy. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for protecting this country as well as all the other men and women that do so. Be safe @LoganM

[LoganM]

Thank you ma'am. I appreciate it a lot :-)

[Opinion Owner]

No thanks needed 😊

[LoganM]

I still appreciate it ma'am :-)

[sherbearee]

Thank you for this Take! I'm considering our military college as well, and this is quite inspirational.

[LoganM]

Definitely look into ROTC. Usually most tuition is paid for and once you graduate, you have the rank of Officer.

[sherbearee]

Though that's for the US only, right? I'm not American :P

[LoganM]

Oh I'm so sorry ma'am. Yes, I believe that's for the US, although other countries may have similar ideas.

[sherbearee]

No, that's fine, don't worry. I know we have RMCC (Canada), and I believe tuition is paid for, as well as a pretty much guaranteed position. Thanks/!

[spuitkaas]

I always confused why people want to become a soldier. I know some guys and girls who are in the army and most of them do it because of their interest in guns and physical training and then I'm like 'so that's why you want to get in the army? Like what?'. For you take owner, I do get your point somewhere, but still don't understand you're freewillingly in the army, but maybe it's because I'm not very patriotic.

[GoodDogNigel]

Commie

...
...

[spuitkaas]

@GoodDogNigel what do you mean with commie? As in Communist? How does that make me a communist?

[LoganM]

I'm in the Marines, for starters. Secondly, I'm in the Marines for traditional reasons and because I want to serve my country. Rarely do people join because of your assumption of "interest in guns". It's fine if you don't understand our reasons because it seems like you don't know many soldiers to gain that understanding.

[GoodDogNigel]

I did mine as a joke. Pretending to be a jingo where America is perfect and anyone who disagrees is a commie.

[spuitkaas]

It's not an assumption I make. I really know people who want to be in the army because of that. I have about 7 friends and my nephew who want to be in the army or already are in the army all because of those kind of reasons.
Do you think the army always does the right thing then?

[LoganM]

Yes, I believe all branches, not just the Army, does the right thing. If they didn't. we wouldn't be America. I don't agree with the President at all but my Commanders, Sergeants, etc. all do the right thing.

[spuitkaas]

Well that's great! I'm not against the army though, I only don't really glorify them. I think the job of a doctor, a economist or a lawyer is jusg as important as a soldier, but I have great respect for the people who're now fighting against IS.

[LoganM]

I understand what you're saying :-) I appreciate it ma'am.