I wanted to add though, because I’m not sure I’ve ever told you this: you’ve done a lot to change my idea of what an officer looks like. I’m not sure I’d go as far as calling myself a pacifist, but in the past, I’ve tended to have a bit of a knee-jerk reaction against the military. Knowing you has done a lot to make me realise that philosophers can be soldiers, and that we’ve got decent, courageous and big-hearted people to thank for doing what needs to be done in the world.

This means a lot to me, Ali – thank you.

I’d also like to bring up that I’m not an anomaly; to be an officer, you have to have a college education. Many higher-ranking officers have graduate degrees and have done a lot of studies in military ethics, leadership, and world politics. In short, some of the brightest minds and biggest hearts of every generation become the very people leading our militaries.

If only people realized that the very people whose intelligence and characters they criticize have more education, training, and experience than they’ll ever have…..(/soapbox)

What’s even worse is when you lose a “kid” that age, and all too often they’re the ones you lose given their role in the organization. You can’t afford to lose a leader with 19 years of experience, but it’s hard to lose a kid that has fewer years alive than some have in the service.

At the same time, when most of us think about it, we think it’s more courage to do things you didn’t have to do.

Of course, our thoughts about warfare and warriors are really complex and confusing, so the fact that we hold what seems to be inconsistent beliefs about it is not at all surprising. And when I say “we,” I mean me, too.

For me, it’s particularly a chance to remember my late grandad, who was in the Navy during WWII, and who died six years ago.

I wanted to add though, because I’m not sure I’ve ever told you this: you’ve done a lot to change my idea of what an officer looks like. I’m not sure I’d go as far as calling myself a pacifist, but in the past, I’ve tended to have a bit of a knee-jerk reaction against the military. Knowing you has done a lot to make me realise that philosophers can be soldiers, and that we’ve got decent, courageous and big-hearted people to thank for doing what needs to be done in the world.

I’m twenty-four, and I can’t imagine taking on the responsibilites you talk about here. Thank you for doing it, and thank you for being willing to speak about it.
.-= Ali Hale´s last blog ..It’s Okay to Accept a Little Help From Your Friends =-.

Good video once again, Charlie. Good reminder about seeing the veterans there are, and not just the ones we might initially think of.
.-= Marissa´s last blog ..Monday Mashup #5: Three Choices I Make Each Day =-.

This year, I noticed more discussion of those currently serving in Afghanistan, though.
.-= JoVE´s last blog ..Is teaching pushing everything else out? =-.