01-23-2013, 07:47 PM
It's an interesting question. I've known more than a few officers; Naval, Air Force, Army, and even a few Marines. I can't think of a single one who would order his troops to fire on American Citizens.
However, if you look up McArthur, you'll find that he did, when the President ordered it! There was significant confusion, but he did lead a cavalry charge against WWI veterans during the Bonus Marches.
There is precedent, and even the best of the military men can be mislead.
Its a very tough situation to place any officer in.
I posted this because it is becoming a bigger and bigger question, as turnover at the top of the military seems to be at an all time high.
As for the anonymity of the "war hero", I don't think it matters much. It is being discussed, and important people are talking about it. That is scary.
However, if you look up McArthur, you'll find that he did, when the President ordered it! There was significant confusion, but he did lead a cavalry charge against WWI veterans during the Bonus Marches.
There is precedent, and even the best of the military men can be mislead.
Its a very tough situation to place any officer in.
I posted this because it is becoming a bigger and bigger question, as turnover at the top of the military seems to be at an all time high.
As for the anonymity of the "war hero", I don't think it matters much. It is being discussed, and important people are talking about it. That is scary.
You seek escape from pain. We seek the achievement of happiness. You exist for the sake of avoiding punishment. We exist for the sake of earning rewards. Threats will not make us function; fear is not our incentive. It is not death that we wish to avoid, but life that we wish to live. - John Galt