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In the discussion of the willingness of the current generation to go in harm's way, I can only offer two observations. First, my son, a Marine MP, seems quite prepared to engage. Of course he is a Marine. Second, our AFROTC detachment (410) is preparing mostly officers for non-combat roles in the Air Force (only 4 of 7 new commissioned officers are slated for pilot training). Yet they understand the theirs is the profession of arms which means that finance officers may be called up to help defend a base with a rifle (I do not know where they would get a rifle or if they would know what to do with it). To the extent we can predict willingness to enter combat they seem willing to serve their country without reservation. From two different vantage points, I'm impressed with those who serve. -- Joe Fitzharris, Assoc. Prof. Department of History, Mail #4018 University of St. Thomas St. Paul, MN 55105 jcfitzharris@stthomas.edu 651-962-5734 fax 651-962-6360
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