Perspectives

[therealUT]

I was running with my wife the other day and she turned to me to actually ask me about how bad it is in Iraq (she usually feels that ignorance is bliss with me being an Infantry Officer.)

She brought up something she had heard on the news (I have no idea what channel, so let's not make this a CNN vs. Fox thread.) The newscaster stated that "5 America troops were killed in Iraq yesterday." Since one of our good buddies is actually a Troop Commander in the Cavalry, she thought that around 500 Americans had been killed. I explained to her that a troop, or trooper, is a single soldier.

This got me to thinking, though. My wife who is much more exposed to the military than most, thought the newscaster meant that hundreds of Americans had been killed in a single day. How many Americans who have no military connections perceive "troop" as a large block of people (i.e., Girl Scout Troop, singing troops, etc.) and are voting on this?

I just thought it was an interesting perspective.

 

[CSpindizzy]

I've never heard anyone think that way. Usually every news story I've seen, especially those on CNN, announce the actual number of those in uniform who have died. There are those networks and publications who do not actually put the total in their announcement I think to downplay the overall total.

 

[All Vol!]

I was running with my wife the other day and she turned to me to actually ask me about how bad it is in Iraq (she usually feels that ignorance is bliss with me being an Infantry Officer.)

She brought up something she had heard on the news (I have no idea what channel, so let's not make this a CNN vs. Fox thread.) The newscaster stated that "5 America troops were killed in Iraq yesterday." Since one of our good buddies is actually a Troop Commander in the Cavalry, she thought that around 500 Americans had been killed. I explained to her that a troop, or trooper, is a single soldier.

This got me to thinking, though. My wife who is much more exposed to the military than most, thought the newscaster meant that hundreds of Americans had been killed in a single day. How many Americans who have no military connections perceive "troop" as a large block of people (i.e., Girl Scout Troop, singing troops, etc.) and are voting on this?

I just thought it was an interesting perspective.

As someone who has not served in the military (despite trying), I'd like to say thank you for your service...I have infinite respect for those whose job it is to protect and defend our nation's ideals. Your wife sounds like a wonderfully concerned and supportive woman. Hats off to both of you.

 

[therealUT]

As someone who has not served in the military (despite trying), I'd like to say thank you for your service...I have infinite respect for those whose job it is to protect and defend our nation's ideals. Your wife sounds like a wonderfully concerned and supportive woman. Hats off to both of you.

My wife is a very wonderful person...me, not so much

Congrats to your party on the mid-term elections.

 

[hohenfelsvol]

Army Brat. Dad served 26yrs retired as CSM. I understand lingo and for most part extended family does also.

Thanks for serving to all current, former, and retired service members on this board. I grew up around the army all my life and understand the day to day and life sacrifices you are required to make. They are not unnoticed by myself.