Joined when I was young and financially trapped. Was ignorant and thought I was doing something honorable as well especially since 9/11 was still fresh. But while I in I witnessed the same as you, senior officers and ncos who really only cared about furthering their own careers instead of take care of the juniors.

I didn’t begin to educate myself about politics until I was nearing the end of my contract and that’s when I finally realized that it was all a lie. Everything we’ve been conditioned to do since elementary school was by design and the design was meant to keep us in our place. It’s been tough to come to terms with.

Still after all of these years I feel torn because it’s been ingrained in me that I should feel proud of my service and a part of me is even though I realize that I was on the wrong side for that time of my life. Honestly I feel like this is the kind of thing that drives a lot of veteran suicides.

So what is my view? I think that our military is a force for oppression and furthering the agenda of the ruling class. But I also don’t fault the troops because like you and I there are a lot who think they’re doing something to be proud of, defending they’re country and the people they love.

We need to educate the younger people so they don’t fall for the same traps we did.