Not to be argumentative
...
But the *first* duty and responsibility of *any* servicemember is to be able to pickup a rifle and fire it in the general direction of the enemy. That's why basic rifle marksmanship is one of the first things *all* servicemembers learn.
It's nice to have a warm, fuzzy feeling for the personnel who are able to perform their war-time mission from the percieved comfort & security of national soil. But there's a lot of risk here at home. Don't forget the 184 souls that perished at the Pentagon on 9/11. Also, it's feasible that we become embroiled in a conflict that requires *all* personnel to deploy.
Anyway, military policy is what it is. Doubtful that this will change although there are medical exceptions granted for exceptional cases.
Here's one.
I guess we're going to have to agree to disagree.
Happy Holidays!
