Special Forces Soldier Seeks Seat in the US Congress

[Cavguy]

Brings up the interesting contradictions of the military population. I'm not even always for everything the vet groups want.

Always fascinating to me that most military (esp officers) ID as Republicans, and many are rabid conservatives, but have no opposition to the very socialistic system of military support, and loudly oppose any attempt to change it. A few examples:

1) Oppose national health care as anthema but complain loudly about not having TRICARE for life, and never pay a medical bill for their family. (TRICARE's not great, but see how many people go and buy their own)

2) Vehemently oppose gun control, yet you can't have an unregistered firearm on a military base, let alone concealed carry or brandish it.

3) Oppose welfare, but are very happy with the discounted childcare, commissary benefit, (sometimes) discounted shopping, free housing (or a subsidy), free or subsidized education and college tuition (GI Bill or TA), etc.

Of course, we're different, since we get shot at. We are "entitled" to the benefits. But I'm fascinated at the sense of entitlement some who "served their country selflessly at great risk" (as volunteers) develop to more and more "free" benefits, and anyone who opposes must be anti-vet.

Note: this is not in opposition to such things as VA care for those with service related injuries and such. I'm talking benefits and entitlements.

Don't get me wrong, I think most all of the above are appropriate compensation, and valuable at keeping an AVF manned. But I don't understand the political opposition to those who wish similar benefits for the population, and the ideological contempt that seems to follow. Especially the large support for the NRA and the military's regs on firearms posession and registration on bases, which are commander's policies.