Most military forces in democratic countries are formed under the concept that a military should reflect the ideals of the people in the society that it is formed from. Indeed, this is essentially the theory of all government bodies, is it not? Having a democratic government that carries ideals and beliefs conflicting with those of it’s entire population would be ridiculous.

Knowing this, is it so bad that a military force is the same way? You seem to carry the stereotype with you that all soldiers are engaged, blood thirsty beings who joined up for the sole purpose of fighting and killing in blind obedience for their country. This is not so. There are many elements to properly created and balanced military force. There are logistics, transportation, paperwork, intelligence, medical, human resources, public relations fields. Not all of these have any direct connection to the oh so reverred combat arms trades.

Many of these fields require an abundance of empathy, mental agility, communication skills, book smarts, teamwork, and hundreds of other non war related qualities. You don’t think that pilot, cook, MP, medic, or driver is thinking about how many people he will get to kill when he signs up for that job, do you?

We don’t do this because we’re nasty people. We do it so you don’t have to.

And look, if the thought of what two consenting men get up to in private is so repellent you, then how about just not thinking about it. A crazy idea I know, but give it shot. I mean, how many straight couples that you know do you think about what they get up to in private. Apply the same thought pattern (or lack thereof) to same sex couples. Go on I dare you.

More cards on the table Ryan. I respect the phenomenon of homosexuality, and the incredible contributions gays have made to western culture. But emotionally I am disgusted by their practices. That is all – that some might get their cocks covered in shit up somebody’s bum disgusts me beyond a joke. I hate to be touched by a gay man, however charming and talented he may be. These two things are my problem however. The idea of drinking from a toilet filled with diarrhea also disgusts me, and who would blame me? The work of a soldier on the front line frightens me to death just thinking about it. All violence between people frightens me, I avoid it like the plague.
Because I am a coward and don’t know how to fight.

That the army, and perhaps you personally may go into battle against a real (not invented) enemy one day and save my family and friends from destruction, is something to be grateful for in my opinion. I shall continue to be frightened by the knowledge of what is happening, and shrink from images of it, but not make stupid comments about the politicians who decided and the soldiers who acted.

I have two daughters and a granddaughter. I would be more than delighted if the world could be rid of every single individual who wants to subjugate them to Islam. One more point – many soldiers are disgusting and horrid people – they are drawn from the general populace after all! However, how can a soldier be ‘nice’and do his job on the front line? How can a leader be ‘human’ and order the army to march? We live in peace in Europe, and the West generally because really NASTY people decided and acted to protect us. They make mistakes. So what? No peace-monger could do this essential job.