Why even consider joining the military?

This letter comes from Bob Dohnal of the Wisconsin Conservative Digest. I thought I'd post it because it speaks for many of the reasons that I have seriously considered joining the military over the last 8 months. I still don't know what I'm going to do in the end, though I'm leaning towards not joining at this point for a number of reasons, but I know that not everyone understands why I'd even consider it.

While everyone has their own reasons, I think Jake does a good job of explaining the reasons it's worth at least considering. This statement was written for his OCS application.

I have been asked why I am joining the Army. It may seem odd to most that a student already on an established path toward a promising, and lucrative, law career would choose to postpone his life for three years to serve as an Army officer. To me the proposition of serving one’s nation at a time when it is surrounded by enemies is not at all odd and is indeed the only reasonable option.

I recall in summer of 2004 that I many had conversations with friends about joining up with the Army as a service to the Republic. At the time I decided that my law career was more important. I have since come to the realization that it is called service and sacrifice for a reason. This nation cannot continue to function as a proper republic without those who come to accept that there is something larger than careers, jobs and individual goals. This republic is rife with apathy, self-centeredness and very little sense for the common good.

This nation was founded by those who, despite their lofty positions within the British colonial society of the time, felt it necessary to have the courage to postpone their lives and careers for a great cause. Indeed, throughout the history of western civilization great men are always those who didn't play it safe by continuing their careers as lawyers, bookkeepers, brew masters etc...

What is striking about our leaders today is that so very few, whether they support the war in Iraq or not, have given any real service to their nation. Up until a few centuries ago, the men who made the decision to send young men off to war were often leading those very same young men on the field of battle. Napoleon led his troops across Europe in his attempts to bring order to a turbulent continent. Several Roman Emperors died in battle, including the last Roman Emperor Constantine XI, who fell at the walls of Constantinople in 1453. Flash forward to 2006 and what do we have? Hundreds upon hundreds of Senators and Representatives, who never sacrificed much at all for their nation, avoided military service and, in many instances, merely use their office for personal gain.

The state of politics in this nation is unacceptable. The Republican Party is being destroyed from the inside out by the cancer of corruption and arrogance. Many of our current leaders have forgotten the reasons why they have been chosen to lead, and have thrown traditional conservative values out the window in their efforts to win at all costs. Though they have been successful in winning election after election since 1994, they have never stopped to consider if they have been actually worthy of success. In my view, many of them are not worthy in any sense of the word. Our generation must do better and the road to reclaiming our party begins with the individual realizing that he can do better and that only actions, not words, can restore the purity of our cause.

Everyone from my parents and friends to my recruiter has asked the same question: "Considering your education and future career in law, why would you do this?" The greatness of this nation can only be restored by those who will have the courage to look our problems in the eye and do something about them. Democracy can only be maintained by those who have a share in the society they defend and uphold. In today's America we seem to have a profound shortage of both virtues. As a consequence, as a matter of honor, duty and principle, I feel I can best contribute to the nation by serving as an Army officer.

Jake F. Creecy
Chairman,
Board of Directors
Citizens for Sound Leadership
605 N. 23rd Street #11
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Phone: 414.704.5027
E-mail: jake.creecy@marquette.edu