Vietnam was just a mess from the getgo, but I'll be the first to admit that my knowledge about that war and its origins are pretty slim. The American excuse for entering that was that they owed the French a debt for their help against the British in the Revolution (big HA!) and so went in to help the French out. I'm sure you're right that it was more about the Cold War than anything.
But, we're supposed to do the killing, not the other way around! /snark
I do think that the triple tours have been harsh, especially with the lousy, lousy pay, though. Americans seem to forget that one of the reasons the Roman Empire was so successful for so long was that it made being a soldier a very desirable propsition (not that I really want us to emulate the Roman Empire, mind). But yes, they signed up for it despite the lousy pay and supposedly knowing the risks. On the other hand, everyone I've personally known who've been in this Military have ardently accused the Military (from recruiters on up) of lying through their teeth on just about everything. So, it's still not super clear cut, though mostly: "They signed up!"
Erm, did I compare the wisdoms of the different invasions? How they were enacted, yes. But as for the reasons, no. They're very different wars.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2007-01-12 11:49 pm (UTC)But, we're supposed to do the killing, not the other way around! /snark
I do think that the triple tours have been harsh, especially with the lousy, lousy pay, though. Americans seem to forget that one of the reasons the Roman Empire was so successful for so long was that it made being a soldier a very desirable propsition (not that I really want us to emulate the Roman Empire, mind). But yes, they signed up for it despite the lousy pay and supposedly knowing the risks. On the other hand, everyone I've personally known who've been in this Military have ardently accused the Military (from recruiters on up) of lying through their teeth on just about everything. So, it's still not super clear cut, though mostly: "They signed up!"
Erm, did I compare the wisdoms of the different invasions? How they were enacted, yes. But as for the reasons, no. They're very different wars.