Benton's Books

Ya know, after all my years in the military, I still fail to understand why civilians place themselves in dangerous places and during times of conflict. No, I'll be the first to admit, I do NOT like reporters and never have...not since Southeast Asia and their lies....but that aside, what sane person would go into a combat zone and then ask to be saved from injury or death?

Combat zones are NOT places where either side controls much, now I realize the middle-east is jacked up in many ways to start with, but it is almost impossible to know where these captured folks are kept. Just like in Asia, the people all look the same, so there is no way to determine who is who...and, though it breaks the families hearts, there is just so much the militlary can do.

When in Thailand I was told by an American civilain working there that the pay was what motivated him to take the job, but as I look back I realize many Americans are in the middle east for the same reason....MONEY...regardless if they are a sanitation engineer or a reporter...that's where the money is. Now, I am NOT talking about our military forces, those men and women are there because they chose the military as a profession..one of a warrior, and I salute them. They have little choice in where they go or even when, I know because I am and was one of them. I will always be a Senior Master Sergeant, just retired is all.

But, like the Sergeant who leads his patrol out at night for an ambush, or the fighter pilot who straps a plane to his ass, when you enter a combat zone you'd better have your sh** together, and why in the world would you be there if you didn't have to be...and don't give me this idiotic "they are reporters" crap and that's why they are there. You and I are not there, and trust me, we've chosen wisely. I spent my time in different countries, and some were not friendly, but again, no sane person goes into a combat zone without KNOWING the risk..Not soul. So, when the crap hits the fan, ....don't cry to me for help.  You're a big boy or girl, AND YOU made the decision to be where you are, not me.

Old Sarge

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