speaking with the average person on the street over there I bluntly asked if they hated me or us(USA) and most did,some even said they would have no problem killing me if possible.When you see and smell what we are truly capable of,no matter how many gory shoot em up video games you play.I never want to clean a gun ever again.
Regretably you were the face that they see of an war and occupation that brought untold devastation, civilian deaths, and destruction. These people you met on the streets did not ask for this or start this conflict and neither did you. Without this conflict these people and you would have nothing against one another and would probably get along fine. It's the military, political, and economic ruling class (in any country) that starts and benefits from these conflicts. When will people wake up and stop being cannon fodder for the empire? Sure they dress it all up as defending freedom and democracy, nationalism, or religious differences, take your pick depending on the country, but that's such a load of bullsh!t. How else do you get folks the risk and maybe give up their lives for the benefit of the ruling class?
I'm not sure that I understand your point mate, I agree with most things you say, but are you suggesting that the generations of young men and women who have volunteered to risk their lives to defend the freedoms that we all enjoy should somehow be criticized for their sacrifices? I'd be disappointed if I thought this was what you really think? 
Terry, I understand fully what Bikerbart is saying. In some of these conflicts you are seen as an occupation force rather than a liberator. It was the same in Vietnam after a while, and most GIs were fighting to live, not help the Vietnamese ward off Communism. The only ones glad we were there were the Boom Boom girls.
I signed up, took the Tuition and had to live up to my contract. I have no right to #$%* about it.
I think Srust is looking at the average serviceman as a victim that is not to be criticized. In the 60's there was a slogan "What if they held a War and nobody showed up". The idea is if no one or very few signed up, it would be difficult to get into these adventures.
In WWII the issues were very clear cut, no ambiguity. Even Kuwait was clear, we went in #$%*ed them up, and got out, which is what the US is configured to do.
Today, the goal is a bit fuzzy. I have a friend who was a Gung Ho soldier 25 years in and is now a Major. Three deployments and he will now put in his papers, what he has observed disturbs him.
Back to Srust, during Vietnam the Soldier was the Villain, thankfully the Soldier is being thanked for his service, and any blame is shifted to the powers that be.
In my estimation anyone who raises his right hand and is willing to see the lowest form of human behavior up close and personal, is a hero.
