Defend_and_Serve

Defend and Serve It is amazing how meeting those who serve their country can change a person’s misunderstood view of the military. There are many misconceptions of the military, and what it really means to defend and serve the country. One of the biggest misconceptions, how different a day in the military is compared to the typical nine to five job. Yes, there are special duty requirements involved, however many service members share the same day to day duty hours as their civilian counterparts. The lessons learned from serving can be invaluable; everyone should want it, and the lifelong retirement plus healthcare should only enhance the desire. Today’s youth do not know what it means to take pride in what they have been given, that is due to lack of education from parents today. Today’s parents are more concerned with children playing sports instead of participating in schools JROTC programs. JROTC is a high school program primarily funded by school districts, and the federal government. Program goals are to reduce dropout rates, and improve academics. (Pema & Mehay) This program gives an understanding of what it is to defend, and serve ones country an understanding bigger than iPods and iPhones. Why Join Army Junior ROTC: To appreciate the ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship. To develop leadership potential, while living and working cooperatively with others. To be able to think logically and to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing. To appreciate the importance of physical fitness in maintaining good health. (usarmyjrotc) Things in society with today’s youth could turn out considerable better; this should be an educational requirement similar to math, and English. Many have no clue how their existence is benefited from those who value this principle. There are men and women from every background who have made the ultimate sacrifice, serving this great nation. They know the price of freedom, and yet still put their lives on the line for something bigger than them. We have soldiers ready to die for America’s principles, one being to continue to be the greatest country. There are countless who paid dearly to uphold values, and ideals instilled in them as kids. Our very existence as a great nation depends on how well we transmit these values and ideals to the following generations. This is a daunting task for every American and one we need to take seriously. The message of a shining city on a hill that we would like our children to see is being replaced with a far different and very harmful message. Just look at what we are faced with each day on the television and radio and in newspapers and magazines. These and other forms of daily contact bombard us with images that in many cases do not reflect our values. We have a responsibility to stand up for what we know to be true and right and to make sure our children inherit the same promise we have been given. (Gernert) However, though not for everyone those who do choose to serve need family and friend support. There are reasons that families do not want their loved ones to join the military, however those reasons are usually selfish uneducated reasons. 10 REASONS NOT TO JOIN * You May Be Killed * You May Kill Others Who Do Not Deserve to Die * You May Be Injured * You May Not Receive Proper Medical Care * You May Suffer Long-term Health Problems * You May Be Lied To * You May Face Discrimination * You May Be Asked to Do Things Against Your Beliefs * You May Find It Difficult to Leave the Military * You Have Other Choices (Sheehan) Many prefer to walk around believing that freedom is free, than to admit that it takes great sacrifice from all. Yes the ten reasons listed are valid concerns, however all positions in life come with certain sacrifices, and this is not exempt. Importantly you will serve your nation, and save those in times of need. Life in general is not easy, and military life is not an exception; however, the pride and respect one feels for self makes it meaningful. You cannot fully enjoy freedom, until you understand the cost to generate it. Works Cited Gernert, Lt. Col. Daniel. "Why do we serve in the military'" 17 10 2005. www.aetc.af.mil. Internet. 10 May 2012. Mehay, Elda Pema and Stephen. " The Effect of High School JROTC on Student Achievement ." n.d. www.msu.edu. Internet. 09 May 2012. Sheehan, Cindy. "10 EXCELLENT REASONS NOT TO JOIN THE MILITARY." 2006. http://10reasonsbook.com. Internet. 8 May 2012. usarmyjrotc. ""To Motivate Young People to Be Better Citizens"." n.d. https://www.usarmyjrotc.com/. Internet. 7 May 2012.