Out of an abundance of humanity and national pride, they sign up to protect their homeland from all enemies foreign and domestic.
In the United States, the oath that the military take on enlistment states: "I, [Name], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same..."
This emphasises that the military is apolitical. It's commitment is to defend the Constitution and protect democratic process, the rule of law and individual rights provided in the Constitution, not any government per se, nor any individual political party.
It's past time that a long, hard look is taken at how military veterans are treated and cared for post engagement.
There is nothing that prepares these young people for what they experience in war and afterwards.
Perhaps a solution would be for the government to provide comprehensive, accessible and efficient support from the moment of service through to re-entry into civilian life. This could include a mandatory 'debriefing' period equal to at least the training period or longer if necessary, and which forms part of their service sign-up. In this way, more physical and mental health issues would be identified and dealt with. Assimilation back into civilian life would also be facilitated during this period.
Sadly, allocated government funds for veterans' care are too often insufficient or mismanaged. There is then the issue of bureaucratic inefficiencies which can also hinder effective after-duty care for those who need it.The current inadequate care reflects a broader societal issue as well; that of how those who serve in the military to keep their countrymen and women safe, are valued for the service which they provide.
Those who are serving the country, as well as veterans, deserve to be treated with the highest honour.
BROKEN
I walked out through the double doors
Holding hands
With a beautiful man
Who has no future
No great decisive plan
Nothing will ever be the same
Nothing can ever be the same
A lost broken life
With nowhere to go
Nowhere to be
No place to lay his head
His poor broken head
He looked at me
This broken man
With bright blue
Wide open eyes
He is no longer
Who he was
Would never be again
No curiosity
No questioning
Not any more
For now
Enough to walk
Be led
One day
One year
He’ll comprehend
A little
He’ll smile
A little
Right now
I walk out through the double doors
Holding hands
With a beautiful man
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