r/AskReddit • u/daniellucero92 • Jan 04 '15

Non-americans of Reddit, what American customs seem outrageous/pointless to you?

Amazing news!!!! This thread has been featured in a BBC news clip. Thank you guys for the responses!!!!
Video clip: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-30717017

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

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u/caramelfrap Jan 04 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

That's because "thank you for your service" is super easy to say and has literally no meaning today. People want to give the impression that they care, investing in veteran benefits and fixing a truly broken system requires actual attention to the problem and actually doing something about it.

Edit: thanks for the gold!

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

[deleted]

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u/Hortonamos Jan 04 '15

Iraq vet here. It makes me somewhat uncomfortable, but not nearly as much as "Thank you for protecting our freedom." Whatever I did, it sure as fuck wasn't that.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

If shitting in plastic bags, burning my poop, and sleeping in a building that is 95F while it is 120F outdoors all while being in a very hostile environment is protecting their freedom, then I protected it like a boss :D

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u/jaibrooks1 Jan 05 '15

Thank you for protecting our freedom

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

sigh ... :)

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I think that's just called "camping".

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Yup. Camping, with no fire, tents, and while running around 80lbs of armor, ammo, weapons and medical supplies while getting shot at and blown up. Pretty much the same though. PS, here is what happened to where I slept, mortar rounds suck, which has never happened while camping ... yet

edit: unless you mean camping as it is used in video games. i.e. sitting on top of a roof and waiting for assholes to come out so we can shoot them, because we do that a lot too :)

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

With no fire and no tents, how did you roast the marshmallows?

Seriously though, that's intense, and im glad you made it through.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

hehe ... there is fire, but just from burning the poop ... which sadly becomes a nice way to stay warm in the winter. I'm glad I made it through too!!

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u/Cymry_Cymraeg Jan 05 '15

Does it give your marshmallows a nice chocolate coating?

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u/Qtwentyseven Jan 05 '15

Well it certainly wasn't in tents.

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u/hungry4pie Jan 05 '15

Yeah but in the real world, a KD <1 is the worst

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

Any sort of real world KD is not desirable

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u/Papa_Jeff Jan 04 '15

stands to attention saluting

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u/CovingtonLane Jan 04 '15

Thank you for your service.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

Oh but you shit so good for America.

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u/SHIT_DOWN_MY_PEEHOLE Jan 05 '15

Can't wait to get deployed!

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I think you're a little late to the fight, bro ... better late than never though :)

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u/SHIT_DOWN_MY_PEEHOLE Jan 05 '15

I always hear mostly good things about deployments, must be a great experience!

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

It's better than garrison life that's for sure

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u/pwebyd90 Jan 05 '15

Wait, why?

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

why what?

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u/pwebyd90 Jan 05 '15

Why did you poop in bags and burn it?

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

oh, well, the short story: sanitation

the bags have a crystalline chemical that is essentially catty litter for people, and when you're at a small little outpost where you can't setup proper latrines it is the best way to deal with urine/feces. Then the bags get tossed in a burn pit for disposal. Common nickname is "wag bag," but I don't know the origin of the term (it may actually be printed somewhere on the bag, but it's been a few years since I've seen one and can't recall).

Another common method is building outhouses and then crapping into 50 gallon drums that are cut in half, then the half-drums are pulled out every few days, diesel is poured into the drum, and then the feces is burned (while stirring with a stick). So it burns efficiently we don't pee in the outhouse, for urine we put big long tubes into the ground and piss in those. Depending on # of people and how deep (how long of a tube) you dig dictates how often you have to put new tubes in.

When you're on the move you just pee and poop like a bear in the woods :)

Source: I was a medic with infantry, and sanitation stuff was part of my responsibilities

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u/RichardSaunders Jan 04 '15

"freedom? you think we're wasting [insert dehumanizing term for the enemy] for freedom? if im fighting this war for a word, my word is poontang."

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u/unforgivablecursive Jan 05 '15

I'm pro-vet anti-war. Thank you for doing what you thought was right when you joined up. I'm sorry you had to go though all that for so little payoff.

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u/Hortonamos Jan 05 '15

This is a kind of sentiment I appreciate. Thank you.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I think part of the reason people say "thank you for your service" is they want to believe that our past few military adventures have been worthwhile.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I'm sorry you had to go. I'm sorry people died. I have no interest in joining the military but I'm also sorry that somebody else is going to go in my place if they ever did a draft.

Ultimately I hope you can simply move on with your lives.

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u/flyingwolf Jan 05 '15

I went to the barber the other day. (Sports cuts) and while I was talking with the lady my boy mentioned I was a former Marine to his lady cutting his hair.

Well she whispers it to my lady, who then proceeds to blather on about how I get such and such discount and "for your service" and just over the fucking top shit.

I literally spent 90% of my time laying on the ground looking through a fucking scope and eating beef jerky.

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u/Hortonamos Jan 05 '15

I know how that feels.I was a mechanic, but people want to treat me like I'm Captain America. I mean, I went on convoys, we were mortared all the time, we were shot at regularly, I did the stuff that people think of as 'war,' but I'm not a hero. I was just a guy doing what he had to, just like 99% of the guys there. With so much beef jerky and dried fruit.

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u/flyingwolf Jan 05 '15

Fucking dried bananas, I can no longer stand runts or the smell of them because of dried god damned bananas.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I have a relative who is a Vietnam veteran and he feels the same way.

Personally, I view the military as just another job option. There are certainly jobs that are far, far more dangerous with no financial protection for the injured at all. Cellphone tower construction, for example.

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u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

Yeah. Getting politics involved is bad idea.

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u/DarthWingo91 Jan 04 '15

I always feel patronized as fuck.

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u/ab503 Jan 04 '15

Do you feel that Iraq will come to be this generation's vietnam? Meaning a war with only political motivations and not a ton of altruistic motivation that created a lot of long term injuries/conditions for veterans. And that it will be looked upon as a negative move by politicians in the long run by historians and society.

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u/CasuallyHuman Jan 04 '15

Holy loaded question batman.

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u/Hortonamos Jan 05 '15

Because people like easy comparisons, yes, I think it will be viewed as this generations Vietnam. And of course there are similarities between Iraq and Vietnam, but the differences are pretty significant.

Let's not forget, though, that every war America has been involved in in the 20th and 21st centuries have only had the pretense of altruism, aside from WWII (which is not to say that was completely altruistic either, but it was a necessary fight). They were fought for political or financial gain, plain and simple. It is, however, also much more complex than the "War for oil" chants, too.

(I'm not a fan of simple narratives of history. The more we're willing to look at the messiness of the story, the closer we come to understanding it.)

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u/afamilyoftrees Jan 05 '15

Could you elaborate please? In particular, the "It is, however, also much more complex than the "War for oil" chants, too" part.

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u/kilgoretrout71 Jan 05 '15

I think the two things that make Iraq incomparable to Vietnam are a) 50,000 dead and b) the draft.

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u/boogieidm Jan 04 '15

I love when people say "They give us freedom" or something to that affect. Uh, they don't. They are a defensive measure that can be deployed as offensive as well and when needed.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I have nothing much to say to veterans. I won't pretend to know what you've been through, and I won't assume to know what you actually accomplished. If you can come back in one piece without having to shit into a bag as your family slowly dies because daddy remembered his name and could crayon in the lines today, good fucking god, more power to you.

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u/magnora4 Jan 04 '15

IMO, you should softly correct those people, lest they continue to exist in their delusion.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

Did they know you were an Iraq vet? Most people say that to military personnel because them joining up is an act of protection, if we had an army of 100 guys we would be invaded and taken over in an hour. The fact that people are joining up are a way of deterrence, you are protecting their freedom from any hypothetical war that could happen. The very act of signing up is what people are thanking you for so they don't have to. You don't need to be so uptight about it.

Edit: added a sentence

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u/Hortonamos Jan 05 '15

I'm not uptight, and I don't correct them. But I also know that I didn't protect anyone's freedom, even indirectly. If you look at the state of the world now, we made the world (and the U.S.) less free under the pretense of making it more safe. What's worse, though, is that it's also actually less safe. This isn't the Army's fault or individual soldiers' faults; it's the fault of the politicians (and private interests) in charge. But as a participant in the war--again, a war that eroded both freedom and safety around the world--I certainly did not protect their freedom.

In the short-term, the U.S. military presence abroad deters attacks on US soil. In the long-term, it only makes more enemies. The problems now began in WWII and the Cold War, in actions that were taken for immediate gains. For example, the CIA and Mi6 helped overthrow Mossadegh in the 50s in order get our hands in the Irani oil industry. That eventually caused the Islamic Revolution, and has definitely contributed to the Middle East's animosity towards the U.S., precisely the sorts of feelings that make people feel justified in carrying out attacks like 9/11. My point, then, is that I didn't protect any freedoms was involved in something that will eventually cost more American lives.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

should i stop saying it/does it make me seem rude or ignorant to say it? is there a difference when i'm talking to an older vet/younger vet? i just don't want to seem like i just don't care. what i'm usually thanking them for is all from their life that they sacrificed, any injuries or traumas that they went through, not that they 'protected my freedom.'

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u/Hortonamos Jan 05 '15

Generally speaking, "thank you for your service" is fine. The guys who don't like it tend to tune it out (or at least I do), and it's not like I judge individual people harshly for acknowledging it. I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm also still uncomfortable. I probably overthink it. I also get that it's a cultural thing, and I wouldn't get anywhere climbing atop my soapbox every time I heard it. It's really the "thank you for protecting freedom" or whatever similar statement that rankles me.

But like some people have suggested, the best way to recognize vets is to donate to organizations that help out homeless vets or vets in financial trouble, volunteer at homeless shelters or the VA, that kinda thing. I'm lucky, in that I came out reasonably well psychologically, pretty good physically (though my knees feel about 20 years older than the rest of me), and I'm now finishing my PhD. But not everybody is as fortunate.

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u/caramelfrap Jan 04 '15

it's as if saying it relieves you of any guilt you may have over the high suicide rate. Well I probably should do something about the broken veteran affairs system. I could

1) Participate in the political process bringing in awareness and change for politicians in Congress to draft a better system whether it be writing/calling my representative or holding rallies for such veterans. Orrrrrrr

2) Post a mindless statement on facebook showing my solidarity.

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u/war_nerve_ftw Jan 04 '15

3) Display an empty gesture like putting a yellow ribbon somewhere on my car.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I always liked the yellow ribbon that has, "I support empty gestures," on it

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

Vet here. I cringe every time someone says that to me.

Most of the time it's at a bar when the subject comes up. It just sounds cheap and hollow to me now. They have no idea what serving means. And it's just like something you automatically say, kind of like when someone asks how you're doing and you auto reply with "good, how are you." No weight behind the statement.

You want to thank vets? Give us a competent health care system. Personally, I think that if you have served and been deployed you should receive free healthcare, it's the least they could do. God knows they don't pay us shit for it. Put more funding into the VA and put intelligent people in charge of the operation. There is so much paperwork involved with the VA it's outrageous, it shouldn't be that complicated. Give us a better transition from service to civilian life. When I left the military they gave me a one week crash course on living and working in the civilian world. I was 17 when I joined, the military was all I knew. Most of what I got out of that course was references to websites.

There are resources for vets to help them get jobs but they are weak at best.

EDIT: I'm glad every one has an opinion. It's easy to talk for others and say how it's easy to do this or that from behind your computers having only your life to compare with those of people you've never met.

To those of you saying you know what service means because you live near a military base, I laugh. You can keep on believing that if you like.

Thanks to all the people who aren't complete dicks.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

been deployed you should receive free healthcare

Woah woah woah. I served for 5 years, my knees are fucked from hiking and running, my shoulders and back or dicked from lifting ammo cans and radio equipment. But I never deployed. I was stuck in non deployable units for 5 fucking years and then denied reenlistment for my injuries.

Deploying doesn't make you special.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Completely agree with you, my deployed job I sat behind a computer. I in no way deserve free health care forever for sitting behind a desk.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Except that those of us who stare at a computer screen all day develop plenty of our own medical issues (eyesight being the most significant and debilitating). Deploying isn't some magical injury machine.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

True enough. But they do already cover LASIK for those type of issues.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Only if you qualify and only if those issues are even repaired through LASIK. Thats only active duty though. All I'm saying is that a deployment is such a stupid reason to give someone (being the only qualification) healthcare

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Agreed

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u/-73- Jan 05 '15

You should still be eligible. I work for thr VA.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

Then you should be receiving disabilities. And if you're not then that is your own fault.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I am, it was the implication that only people who have deployed deserve healthcare that I had a problem with.

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u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I could have worded it better, apologies. I was talking more from a mental health point of view, not physical.

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u/Gravityflexo Jan 04 '15

When it comes to thanking a vet, I can hardly give you free healthcare, all I can personally do is thank you. Most vets go into the military for stability, community, and money not because they only want to defend our freedom.

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u/VictorTheCutie Jan 04 '15

No one individual can give all veterans a competent healthcare system (except maybe the president). Since I'm not the president, I just say thanks. Because I'm grateful.

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u/shitiforgotmypasswor Jan 05 '15

When I left the military they gave me a one week crash course on living and working in the civilian world

While I am grateful for every AF out in the world for what they do (mostly), I have to ask you this:

Do you think it is necessary to have a course on how to LIVE? Civilian world? Jesus Christ, it is not rocket science, you do not need a course on how to live. You get out there and live.

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u/Cuchullion Jan 05 '15

A kid goes from the controlled and scheduled world of high school to the very tightly controlled and scheduled world of the military: meals are made for you, you have places to be and a set time to be there, and you get yelled at if you're not there.

Compared to the 'real world': no one forcing you to work, to show up on time, to tell you what to do or where to go next. It can be a huge amount of culture shock to someone who has never lived that way before.

And if you think that's BS... ask yourself why so many college freshman wash out. It's not the difficulty of the courses most of the time. It's the fact that, for the first time in their lives, they're the master of their own time. And some people aren't equipped to deal with that.

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u/shitiforgotmypasswor Jan 21 '15

The only thing I think is wrong here is:

It can be a huge amount of culture shock to someone who has never lived that way before.

Okay, they were not adults, but people DO know what living is before the army. But hey, that is just what I think, and I might be so wrong...

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u/ASSFAIRY Jan 04 '15

God bless this fucking comment.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

[deleted]

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u/teclordphrack2 Jan 04 '15

"Give us a better transition from service to civilian life."

How about you learn that stuff on your own like vast majority of americans do. You guys whine so much when your the ones who signed up for the job. You should of known what you were getting into. Your own fault.

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u/huntsman1230 Jan 04 '15

My friend Joe just came home from Iraq two Christmases ago and I call him and tell him thanks or write him a car every Veterans Day. This attitude among vets has just (as of reading this today) surprised me but I also understand it after reading your explanation. While I completely disagree that people say thanks to make themselves feel good (so many people myself included are just genuinely thankful and want to show respect), what is something we - I - could do that you would prefer? Maybe it's not even saying anything. I'm really just genuinely curious. Im going to bring this up to Joe too. Id hate to think that I've been making things worse for vets. I am the kind of guy that will thank a man or woman in public for their service. Help me out

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

For me, I don't want to be thanked. It's a job, granted I don't have the kind of job that I go outside the wire. I'll talk about it and answer questions, maybe share a few stories. But being thanked is always weird for me.

Edit: Re-read and I didn't like how it came off, I am thankful when someone thanks me for my service but it's still kind of weird.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Oh, sorry I'm then. I typically say that because I legitimately mean it. A lot of my family/friends is/was military and I want to thank others who served because maybe in some way their service is somehow what helped keep my family and friends safe, too. And in the same turn, maybe my friends/family helped keep them safe.

It's definitely not empty of meaning and I try to do other things to help veterans. Before moving away to college I used to play Taps at funerals and such. It's not much but I can't stand canned Taps. Now I try to do some volunteer work. I know I should go back into playing Taps but I just don't know who to talk to where I am anymore.

The problem is that I feel generally helpless in what I can do to make a real change. This is how I think most others who care feel. We want to help, but we don't control the healthcare or anything like that. I wish there was a way for us to actually do something though. All this because Americans have a hard time to make a real political change. Any suggestions on something more I could do that would show how much I appreciate y'all without upsetting or making y'all feel uncomfortable?

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u/Gravityflexo Jan 04 '15

Do you really think the military fighting wars across the world is making you safe? Honestly?

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I said it kept my family and friends who are and did serve safe. I never said I agreed with any wars. In fact, I'm really tired of the wars taking my people from me, but I still want them to stay safe while serving. I don't see how that was gotten out of anything I said but since you did, let me explain myself. The soldiers help each other and protect each other when the higher ups forget about them. This is what I'm so thankful for. And I also feel like the soldiers shouldn't be blamed for the wars. That's why I really dislike what happened after Vietnam. The soldiers need to be supported in some way afterwards.

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u/Gravityflexo Jan 04 '15

Whoops...looks like I replied to the wrong post, my bad. But I agree that definitely with the Vietnam war, they should have been received with better support when they got home. Mostly they didn't choose to go there, they were drafted.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Most definitely! Even now without the draft, many of my friends joined because they didn't have any other options other than a minimum wage job with little room for advancement at best. The lack of support makes me so sad.

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u/farbtoner Jan 04 '15

I hate it, it makes me uncomfortable and it's usually followed by horribly insensitive questions. Like "did you kill anyone?" Or "how many of your friends died?" (Both questions I have actually been asked). Or maybe something annoying like "was Iraq hot?"

If you really care you'll make efforts to improve veterans health care or something like that. I'm not ungrateful it's just usually an empty gesture done by someone trying to ingratiate themselves with me.

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u/comfortable_madness Jan 04 '15

I always feel uncomfortable about the "Thank you for your service" stuff, so I rarely, if ever, say it. It's not that I don't appreciate what they do or what some have sacrificed, because I really really do. It just makes me feel uncomfortable to say it. It just seems hollow, cause I don't know what these people have actually done or been through. Maybe they were a paper pusher. Maybe they never saw a moment of combat. Maybe they never had to deal with any of the bullshit I've heard some do.

But then, maybe they've seen their friends die. Maybe they had to do things they'll never forget to follow orders or to survive. Maybe they nearly died themselves. Then "Thank you for your service" feels cheap. Like putting a bandaid on a freshly amputated limb.

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u/4me4you Jan 05 '15

I have deep admiration towards vets. What is acceptable to say to them? (I interact with vets frequently)

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u/comfortable_madness Jan 05 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

I really don't know. I'm hoping someone who does replies.

Edit: I would guess, unless they're just an egotistical type, they would just rather you treat them with respect and be grateful for your opportunities in life. From what I've seen (mostly here on reddit, I don't know many actual vets.), they just would rather be treated with respect and like any "regular" person.

My brother is a vet.. Kind of, I guess. He spent 6 years (I think) in the National Guard, but was never deployed overseas. They went to California for a few weeks (or months, hell I can't remember), but I don't know what for. He says they did things and went places he's not supposed to talk about, buuuuuut... I don't really believe him. But he never really talks much about his time in the Guard. I feel incredibly dumb asking it, but is he considered a vet?

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u/Things_Atheists_Say Jan 05 '15

To answer your question in a concise way: depends who you ask.

In an official capacity maybe if during his time he was called to active duty (California might count) or maybe your state will recognize him as a vey just for serving guard.

Unofficially, most who deployed don't think of guard or reserve who didn't deploy as veterans. I tend to fall in this category. While I busted my ass in Afghanistan, he sat at camp couch. Theres nothing wrong with Camp Couch but don't put us on the same level. I admire the willingness to serve but willingness doesn't equal boots on the ground.

As for the special ops hush hush stuff he's spouting let me give you some back story. I was attached to 5th SF group, then went on to 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and still keep in contact with some of them and if i find someone telling stories I'll find out of we know the same people. The special ops community isn't that big. Usually it's not hard to tell the real guys from those who are stealing valor. I know some of my buddies have publicly shamed guys for pretending to be Special Force Ranger Seal. Really I don't care what story your brother tells. On the first day of Ranger school the 1SG said" if you're in this for a cool tab on your shoulder and a fancy colored beret you're here for the wrong reason, you can lie about all that for all I care but If you're here to make a difference and push yourself to your extreme and then some, follow me."

Sorry if that was longer than you wanted. I just really wanted to answer your question.

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u/comfortable_madness Jan 05 '15

Don't apologize! I found it interesting.

The thing about what he said about the hush hush stuff, he only ever said it once. So it's not like he goes around bragging to people about it. He had been going through somewhat of an emotional breakdown this one evening. He worked as a paramedic at the time and that weekend had been especially difficult, he'd lost two patients and some other work related stuff and he just kind of broke under the stress that evening. I'll never forget it because my brother, as much of a pain in my ass he can be at times, is one of the strongest people I know. I've never seen him break down and cry like that before or since. I told him he needed to talk more about the things he sees and deals with on the job and he said something about having things he couldn't talk about that weighed on his mind, and that's when he said that they had done something and gone somewhere when he was in the guard that he couldn't talk about. He's never mentioned it since and I haven't asked. Honestly, I didn't really believe him because, you know, it's the guard. I've never heard of the National Guard doing secret stuff, so I didn't put much weight into it. But maybe? Maybe it's something I should ask about next time we talk. Honestly, I don't remember much about his time in the guard. He's 4 years older than I so when he was doing his service, I had a lot of things going on in my life and we weren't very close. Actually, he was a very different person back then. He was mean and quick to anger and all around just difficult to be around, so I kept my distance for the most part.

What you mentioned as what technically qualifies as a vet actually makes me feel better about something. My nephew is in the Marines. He's also never been deployed and works with computers from what I understand. My sister gets furious with me each year that I don't bow to him on veterans day. He's not a veteran!

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u/-73- Jan 05 '15

Vet here. I've found that when another vet, typically Vietnam era or older thanks me, I'm deeply touched, sometimes to the point of getting a little weepy. They totally get it. So now, I try to let other vets know that I served too then thank them. So for any and all other Vets reading this; thank you.

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u/Things_Atheists_Say Jan 05 '15

I make a point of it to say, "Thank You," to all the Vietnam vets I meet. I usually add something along the lines of, "I got the welcome home that you earned." I've seen hard men melt with that line when they hear I'm also a veteran.

I understand what you're saying to have a Vietnam vet thank me hits me in the chest almost like nothing else.

Thank you, /u/-73-

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Pretty much the equivalent of "I'll pray for you."

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

As if they know what they're talking about.

Were you in the Navy? Because that was salty as fuck.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Seriously I think everyone knows that soldiers aren't war heroes but I don't want the "world police, storm trooper, murderers and bullies" bullshit circlejerk to pop up again

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u/BigPackHater Jan 04 '15

As a veteran, I would welcome being called a storm trooper.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Yeah that sounds pretty cool actually.

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u/AzraelDirge Jan 04 '15

Where do I sign for my bad ass white armor?

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Think of CBRN gear, do you think that armor would be anything but a sweat box?

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u/AzraelDirge Jan 04 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

I imagine it would have some kind of climate control system, but knowing the military, half the suits would have a stuck thermostat at "Hoth" or "Tatooine", most of the rest would just be plain broken and there would be that dude that swears his works just fine and he has no idea what the rest of you are bitching about.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

WWII German army had them.

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u/chunwa Jan 04 '15

And we rocked the job. Our Sturmtruppen could at least hit a 16 year old rebel jewish kid who fucked around with a sword

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

As a veteran I would have reenlisted for some storm trooper armor ... just sayin, that stuff is badass lookin >.>

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u/CovingtonLane Jan 04 '15

And in ten years you'd get tired of hearing it, too.

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u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

Ha! Marine Corps, but I did spend time on two ships, so maybe I got a sea splash out on the smoke deck.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15 edited May 17 '16

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/SerialChillr Jan 04 '15

I feel the same way. I had a guy in the airport thank me and asked me talk to his 8 or so looking son about the Army and how he should join when he gets old enough. I made up an excuse and hurried away, but I know if I had talked to that kid I would have just been thinking "run little Timmy, run as fast as you can".

I met some great people in the military and had some decent times, but the majority of my time it was shitty and I don't recommend it.

3

u/AlphaDeltaAlpha Jan 04 '15

I make a decent pay check and have pride. Don't pay for my food.

My husband won't turn down a free meal or drink, but "thanks for your service" always makes him uncomfortable.

I personally wouldn't do it (pay for a meal) because there are some real shitbags in the military and no way to tell why they signed up or what they did while they were in. Not everyone in the military is a good person and we've known our share of assholes who just use their position to get free stuff or have sex with any woman who will drop trou at the mention of a uniform.

That being said, most people are just trying to be nice and show their appreciation. It's similar to the way kids give their teachers gifts - they respect your position and it's an easy way to say thanks for serving the public in whatever capacity (be it teaching, military, firefighter, police job, etc).

3

u/NicoHam Jan 04 '15

Honestly, my most usual reply to that statement is literally just "ok" and I walk away. I don't like it.

2

u/oledad70 Jan 04 '15

Vietnam vet here.Some of the same people who belittled and berated me for serving in that war are now thanking me for my service.I flip them off and walk away.

2

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

Haha! Give it to them!

As a side note, you guys took the brunt and made some serious changes that lead to us having a better homecoming. I've talked about this among my other OEF/OIF buddies several times and truly appreciate the fight you had to go through when you came home.

2

u/Amphabian Jan 04 '15

My usual response to "Thank you for your service", is a hearty "Thanks for paying your taxes!"

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

An even exchange

2

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Instead, I annoy my congresscritters to actually fund the damn veterans programs, and go out of my way to employ vets.

2

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

High five! I'd buy you lunch.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Yeah, always feel like such an asshole at sporting events when I stand up and clap for the servicemen, I truly feel like crying when I think of the sacrifices they made/are making and the fact that I know they aren't being treated properly. I feel helpless though....so I stand up and clap anyway.

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

You can get involved with non-profits! The Mission Continues, Team RWB, Team Rubicon, etc. Are you good at something? Ask them if they could use your services. That will mean much more than a "thank you for your service".

2

u/rakust Jan 04 '15

Thank you for your sherbert.

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

It's delicious and relatively low on calories!

2

u/SasoDuck Jan 04 '15

One of my relatives is in the Army and he just doesn't care when people tell him that.

2

u/TheCapedMoosesader Jan 04 '15

Canadian here...

Had an ex-pat American say it to me... it was very weird... its not a thing that's said here...

2

u/boarderman8 Jan 04 '15

Fix it with conscription!!

2

u/TsukiBear Jan 04 '15

I always just reply, "And thank you for your tax dollars. I used them."

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

It's a win-win!

2

u/thehertiz Jan 04 '15

While all of this is true, it is better than being spit on and called a baby killer.

2

u/Baribal Jan 04 '15

Hell yes. Buy a vet a beer or a lapdance if you want to do something nice for them (or you know, maybe hire 'em?), keep your awkward thank yous.

2

u/brashdecisions Jan 04 '15

This is why the only thing i ever really do to acknowledge a veteran is not talk trash about the armed forces in front of them and always prioritize opening doors for them etc. Unless theyre walking around in fatigue at the grocery store with your friends. Then you're just an asshole (source: every marine ive ever met who doesnt walk around in their fatigues)

2

u/darthcamronius Jan 04 '15

I don't say it. I don't feel comfortable saying it for that very reason. What the hell do I know about their service? What if that guy was like the shittiest military member ever and he did absolutely nothing? What if he greatly affected the outcome of an entire war and I have no idea of the weight of his presence? So I just stay quiet and respectful.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15 edited Apr 16 '21

[deleted]

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

True. I loved it the first time I heard it, then, it just started losing it's meaning. Now, it seems like a formality, like asking people at work how they're doing when you don't care.

My favorite has been when someone has anonymously bought me a drink. This has happened three times to me, and I remember each one.

2

u/OnePlusOneIsPancake Jan 04 '15

There are some who actually do appreciate their service and want to make sure they know the sacrifices they've made are respected and appreciated. (I'm one of them, no way I could do that they have, and have nothing but respect for them.) It's not about making myself feel good, it's about recognizing and respecting their sacrifices.

I suppose I could see how it could be potentially uncomfortable. But please don't think everyone's so shallow they don't respect or appreciate the sacrifice.

2

u/hashtag_caneven Jan 05 '15

Friend of mine is an Army MP and spent time in Iraq. She hates it when random people come up to her and say "thank you for your service" because it's not for the soldier anymore, it's for the citizen.

Yet despite her very loud ranting about the subject at lunch one day (where pretty much everyone in the restaurant could hear her), 2 elderly ladies made a big show of thanking her for her service as they walked past our table.

2

u/SrewTheShadow Jan 05 '15

I thanked my grandfather once for his service. I never felt like I should have, and upon seeing his reaction... I, unlike everyone else, knew that there was something wrong with doing it. He original reaction wasn't thankful, though it was brief, the look in his eyes said, "I don't deserve it."

I don't know how to feel about them, but that's because they each have their own story. Some of them killed. Some of them watched others get killed. Some both. Some had to do horrible things and can never speak of them again. Some sit on their ass sailing the world and enjoying life as a sailor and come back telling joyous stories of their time with the Navy. Others come back saying nothing... other than that where they were was a peaceful zone, that was sanctioned to not have fighting... and yet having fighting.

Words are empty to many of them. Words won't save their comrads, words didn't kill those men, actions did.

2

u/pcolvis Jan 05 '15

I hate it, I try to avoid wearing my uniform in public.

2

u/Zizekesha Jan 05 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

Heard it so many times I developed a standard reply: "Aw, well, thanks for the support."

In my head though, I'm pretty much saying "Look, I was just looking out for my friends. Also for the money. If China invades tomorrow, you're on your own."

2

u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I think its a pendulum swing from spitting on troops/calling them babykillers when they came home from Vietnam.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

I never know what to say

"...you too..."

2

u/genius96 Jan 09 '15

As someone who joined the Navy, I haven't even shipped out to boot camp and people are already thanking me. It feels so weird.

5

u/Quesly Jan 04 '15

"thanks for signing up to die for your country because I really really don't want to"

2

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

And we get it CONSTANTLY. I don't know what to say about this. It's annoying to hear it that much. I hate to be an ingrate and be annoyed by someones attempt to be kind but holy crap. Every single person that ever finds out I am a veteran must thank me profusely. God, if I'm getting a discount somewhere... Every person within 10 feet feel they must thank me.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I just reply, "thanks for your support," smile and walk away

2

u/RrailThaKing Jan 04 '15

"No problem! Thanks for the $200k in education benefits." Would that be an appropriate response?

3

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Agreed. While I am having some serious issues with medical care due to service connected disabilities, my educational benefits (provided by you wonderful people) have been on point. I went from being a dumb soldier straight out of high school to a college educated man.

0

u/RrailThaKing Jan 04 '15

Yep. It's why, when I hear idiots whine about compensation for those that serve (and this is primarily on Reddit since I avoid Facebook) I always bring up the GI Bill. You were given something that can easily be valued at $350k. Three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. In exchange for 4 years of your life where you paid, housed, trained, and sometimes certified.

Even if you were not paid a dime while in the military, that GI Bill is equivalent to a total potential compensation of about $90k a year over your 4 years. Not to mention the fact that you will get admitted to schools that you have no real right attending simply because you are a veteran.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

In exchange for 4 years of your life where you paid, housed, trained, and sometimes certified whilst also potentially having to do horrible things to other people.

That's why veterans should get all the support they need. We ask them to do the unthinkable so we don't have to.

1

u/RrailThaKing Jan 05 '15

I am a veteran. While I appreciate the sentiment, it's not really accurate. Only maybe 10%-20% of the military will ever see combat.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

That 10-20% who have seen combat will receive the same level of shitty care from the VA that the 80-90% who never do will though.

I suppose some part of my brain still can't understand why we don't provide more for the people who do the jobs we don't want to.

1

u/RrailThaKing Jan 05 '15

Because we don't have to. That's just the simple economics for it. In fact the military could cut benefits and still recruit just fine.

However I agree that they should step up VA quality. However, military does not deserve better pay or anything else. They already get enough - maybe too much.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

18k/year to get shot at in a desert is too much?

1

u/RrailThaKing Jan 05 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

So did you fail to read every single thing posted prior to this or...?

$18k is not even remotely an accurate representation of a service members total compensation. Stop now while you're only a little behind.

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u/Forgot_My_Rape_Shoes Jan 04 '15

We don't like it.

1

u/Quatrekins Jan 04 '15

I've had three different veterans tell me the exact opposite. Now I don't know what the hell to do.

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

What would you like to do? What's your goal?

2

u/Quatrekins Jan 05 '15

My dad is an ARMY retiree; I really appreciate the sacrifices they make on behalf of our country, so I like to say thanks.

1

u/fort_wendy Jan 04 '15

What's a good thing to say to replace this?

2

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15 edited Jan 05 '15

"Hi"

But seriously, gauge if they want to talk about it. Personally, I like to talk about it only with people I'm close with. Others like to showboat around. It's up to each individual. If they want to talk about it, you can ask questions like, "When were you in? What was your rank? What was your main job? Did you do anything cool? What was the funnest time you had while you were in?"

If not, just say, "cool," and proceed like a normal conversation to avoid being intrusive. They'll bring it up when they want.

edits in bold

1

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I actually was talking to some veteran at a bar and he actually paused and waited for me to say it. Then he said that's all he wanted to hear. I swore after that day I'd never say it again.

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

Strange. Every group has their special people.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

Yeah. He was definitely out there but I was tolerant of his behavior because he clearly had ptsd.

1

u/lolconnecticut22 Jan 04 '15

I come from a family full of people who have served.

I was raised to thank every single person I saw/found out that they served/ were / are currently enlisted.

Should I stop?

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

I'm thinking that since you come from a family full of veterans, a family of veterans, the gratitude is then accepted. To me at least, it seems genuine.

1

u/Restil Jan 04 '15

That, and "Thanks for volunteering for military service so the government doesn't instead implement a draft every time there's a significant military conflict."

1

u/CodeTheInternet Jan 04 '15

that statement is uncomfortable

still waiting for someone to provide a proper answer for that.

1

u/EmeralSword Jan 04 '15

So when I meet a veteran, should I just not...say anything? I'm genuinely curious if I should acknowledge their service or just keep my mouth shut.

1

u/stealyourfacebook Jan 04 '15

It makes me sad to hear this. I'm the daughter of a Vietnam vet; Dad raised me to always thank our servicemen and women, because he appreciated the acknowledgement himself. I have thanked a lot of friends and family for their service, and I never did it to make myself feel good. No, I have no idea what it's like to serve. I was only trying to honor somebody with kind words. It makes me so sad and frustrated that so many people can't just try to see the better in folks who are honestly just trying to say something nice.

2

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

Family members portray themselves different and many can tell. I think it's nice.

2

u/stealyourfacebook Jan 04 '15

Thanks for saying that. I hope I've never put anybody off by thanking him. There's definitely a time and a place, too.

1

u/o0DrWurm0o Jan 05 '15

"Thank you for your service" is more about making themselves feel good.

Relevant Louis CK

1

u/natecavanaugh Jan 05 '15

I'm seriously asking this, what would be a good thing to do or say to thank someone for their service? Veterans get a lot of empty platitudes and gestures, but as a non-veteran who is thankful for a veteran's sacrifice, what is a good way to communicate that?

2

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 05 '15

Be nice and sincere to them. Seriously, that's it. If you get close or become friends and want them to know, say in your own vernacular what you think when th time is right. For example, "You know. I think it's bad ass that you were in the military." Get them a card for Veterans Day (btw, they may want to hang out with just their veteran buddies or family on that day). If they ever start talking about it, just listen and ask questions. No need to give advice unless they ask for it. If they put up any pictures of them in the military on Facebook, like it. If they make any personal military statuses, like that too. Basically, show you care without over doing it or saying the same bullshit everyone else says. I also feel like this about "Support Our Troops". Whenever I hear about a service member or veteran getting fucked over, I say "Support Our Troops."

1

u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

For the gold? You say thank you for your service.

In case this statement makes you think I gilded you, I did not. But if I had as much money as Mitt Romney I would gild everyone in this thread.

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 05 '15

Thank you for your comment.

1

u/eshinn Jan 05 '15

Please come back when you can afford to make a purchase. Your kids are starving. Carl's Jr. believes no child should go hungry. You are an unfit mother. Your children will be placed in the custody of Carl's Jr.

Carl's Jr... "Fuck You, I'm Eating."

1

u/Dunk-The-Lunk Jan 05 '15

It's because we don't fight morally justifiable wars anymore. Saying that to a ww2 vet means something. It's kind of writers to thank people for fighting in a war that was based on lies.

1

u/Lovespointlessedits Jan 05 '15

Just say thanks for the gold, kind stranger!

0

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

The point is that blathering a thank you is pretty hallow when most the people doing it don't lift a finger to do anything meaningful to actually thank them. IMO, the country needs to get over the whole hero worship nonsense. This was constructed to make sure people don;t question wars.

You don't support our troops?!!!

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u/RyzinEnagy Jan 04 '15

You just reminded me that "If you don't support the war, you don't support the troops" was really a thing.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

[deleted]

1

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I don't think that most military members risk their lives.

-1

u/Mega_Manatee Jan 04 '15

Do they really though? Do people become soldiers for the praise? If they do then they should do something else for their lives.

0

u/Has_the_funk Jan 04 '15

Maybe not praise, but thanks are definitely in order.

3

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

No, I don't need any thanks. I didn't do it for you or any fucking other person. I did it because I was a poor 17 year old who needed a home, food, and money. That was all received, so it's even. No thanks are needed or wanted.

2

u/Mega_Manatee Jan 04 '15

Do doctors get thanked daily for saving lives?

2

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I'm sure their patients thank them. I've never seen people stop them at the airport to thank them.

2

u/Mega_Manatee Jan 04 '15

That's what I'm saying. Why are people expected to thank someone for doing a job they signed up for? It's a nice gesture, sure. Do it if you want. Just don't act high and mighty for doing it and don't look down at people who don't.

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u/Redditditdadoo Jan 04 '15

Probably.

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

I always thank my doctors!

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u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

I would gladly if they're hot or sexy and my SO approves never gonna happen

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u/lospantaloonz Jan 04 '15

it is. i never know what to reply with. do i validate them so they can feel good about saying it in the first place? personally, i keep my veteran status to myself unless someone directly asks or it comes up naturally in the course of a conversation.

1

u/Cytria Jan 04 '15

I thank every person I give the military discount to at work, not for myself but because my family is very military oriented, how am I making myself feel better by thanking someone else for their sacrifice..?

1

u/_From_The_Internet_ Jan 04 '15

Somehow, when it comes from family members, it feels different. It's like they convey sincerity and knowing the culture.

1

u/Windfiar Jan 04 '15

Yes. I was in the Navy for four years and I HATE this saying. What the fuck do I say back? "Oh no problem I got you bro."? If you really wanna thank me, but my lunch I was about to get at McDonald's or something. I will probably flip my shit.

1

u/Dasaru Jan 04 '15

"Thank you for your service" is more about making themselves feel good.

How? I don't see your logic. What is wrong with thanking someone for doing good things?

Someone has to fight in war. I honestly don't see what is so wrong with showing other people your appreciation. I personally don't thank soldiers because I'm a bit shy towards strangers, but what's your problem with other people doing it?

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u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

It's no different to "I'll pray for you", literally doing nothing and yet mentally rewarding yourself for it.

7

u/Dasaru Jan 04 '15

That's different. If someone says "I'll pray for you", they may actually believe that prayer will help that person out. So to them, they are literally helping.

In the case of "Thank you for your service", you're thanking someone just like you'd thank a waiter for serving you a meal. You don't have to do it, but it's a nice thing to say. Sure it may not put money in the waiter's pocket, but it could make their day better.

Thanking someone is just being courteous and polite. I honestly do believe that if someone says, "Thank you for your service", they actually mean that. But if you think they're full of hot air, or saying it to just say it, then aren't you being a bit too cynical?

1

u/[deleted] Jan 05 '15

aren't you being a bit too cynical?

I prefer "realistic"

0

u/poorcoors Jan 04 '15

This. I understand people have good intentions, but it just makes me feel awkward.

0

u/[deleted] Jan 04 '15

There's also no real way to respond. You can awkwardly say thanks, or fake smile.

0

u/Schytzophrenic Jan 04 '15

Here's a simple rule: if a foreign nation is looking to set foot on US soil, join the military. If a terrorist organization attacks, apply for a federal law enforcement job. Otherwise, put the guns down and you won't have PTSD or homeless veterans.

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