Respectfully to the author (@calaber24p) and the audience, I disagree. I believe we need both scholars and soldiers.

If it was a perfect world, where disagreements were settled intellectually, calmly, and with words and not violence, then yes, there would be no need for soldiers. But this is not the world we have created, nor the social type of organism humans are. There has always been conflict throughout human history. Those without a means to defend themselves were destroyed or enslaved. So history has many lessons, which we can get into in another thread, but my basic point is "Those who ignore the mistakes of history are bound to repeat them."

First, the U.S. military is one of the most educated military forces on earth. In fact the U.S. military academies are considered some of the best universities in the world, producing leaders and people of character. US is a volunteer military and one of the few which mandates each soldier think for themselves. This is different than most other conscript forces which demand they only follow the orders above and if there are no orders, wait for them.

One of the main reasons people are enticed by the military is for the COLLEGE assistance programs. And there is a significant number of people who re-signup after their commitment is over. It is a career. One which people are passionate about. So much so, sons and daughter, grandsons and granddaughters, after seeing and understanding the challenges, also choose such a career path. They have aviators, rocket scientists, biologist, neurosurgeons, computer experts, engineers, and other incredible and highly educated people in their ranks. So let's dispel the myth these are stupid and uneducated people. These are not drafted, poor, uneducated people.

They have meaning, value, and benefit our country. They do so much, books could be written about it. Tracking down terrorists who kill innocent Americans, defend borders of our neighbors, contribute to UN Peacekeeping forces, setup Ebola treatment centers, deliver aid to countries after natural disasters, rescue ships and people from disaster, and rush to the aid of our allies who might be invaded. They are also standing guard as a defense by aggressive countries to use nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. Yes, general public sees is what they expect to see, a foot soldier carrying a pack and rifle in some foreign country. That is easy to criticize and fabricate stories how they were tricked to do dirty work. But the reality is far different. Ask the new journalists who interview these soldiers, are embedded with their units, or ask them directly! The soldiers themselves will tell you why they are there and the value they add, not only to the people of the US, but also to the people in those countries they protect and give aid to. The US military has saved far more people than they have killed. Saved from civil war, genocide, disease, and starvation. Give them the credit they deserve.

One last point, these people and their families sacrifice. Every last one. "all give some, some give all" (true of the soldier AND their families). They have a sense of honor and commitment most people cannot even fathom. If you have never been in a life threatening situation, a real one, with brothers/sisters at your side, fearing for your life, you won't understand. It is brutal, but our soldiers, the best trained and near most educated in the world, stand together. That is something impressive.

Let the flaming begin, but I fully respect and honor the U.S. soldiers and their families, current and past, who have protected my freedoms and my family. I will stand alone if necessary in my beliefs, I don't need anyone here to be with me. I am proud to know many, work with many, and will continue to go out of my way to preserve the reputation of them as they both have Earned and Deserve it.

I respect everyone's opinions, so I am not bashing. We have the freedom to voice and believe in what we want. Ironically, that is exactly what our soldiers believe they risk their lives to protect. Our right to be free. Just ask any of them, they could be your doctor, lawyer, fireman, tech support, manager, pilot, disaster volunteer, or CEO.

@calaber24p after reading your post, I get the feeling the real issue is not with the people themselves, but more of a political statement of sending them overseas. Which is a different topic. I think we can honor and respect these men and women for their honor, duty, sacrifice, and bravery, while still questioning the political leaders decisions in how they are used.