Not to argue, since I don't have an argument, but a statement.
Forgive me for chiming in on this subject, but I would like to respond to this topic and the last post, positively.
As a vet of gulf war 1, been there, done that, still have the tee shirt. I would like to vent.
First, as a soldier we don't have any choice in where we go from the first day we sign up. Before that, is when we can ask is it worth it. After that we are trained in Infantry 101, that's everyone. Your chances of dying in training are higher than in combat, where are the numbers for that? The military is like college for some, a place to get away from family, friends, learn something and grow up.
Are the numbers high? Even in peace time their too high, but that's the price for trained soldiers. Is it worth it? Ask your politician, you voted for them, or not, but they are who you should be asking since they make the decisions.
I am glad that at least somewhere the numbers and people are posted. Not to be depressing that these events happened, but to remind us that because of the military these are the effects.
Perspective is what we should aim to see. There is a good side and a bad side to everything.
I am still alive and so are you.