State of U.S. military less than honorable

Exactly 57 years ago today, a large number of American troops hit the beaches at Normandy in an effort to aid the preservation of world freedom.

What is seen as the beginning of the end of World War II, this assault on German-occupied France on the morning of June 6, 1944, turned out to be much more than a change in the momentum of the struggle. It ended up being a large burial ground for many of our countries brave soldiers. It ended up being a massacre.

Certainly, the Omaha Beach slayings were some of the most gruesome in world history. But, the killing wasn't exclusive to the sand only.

Hundreds of troops were killed before they could even dismount their landing boats. Hundreds more perished in the water — now crimson colored — prior to reaching the sand.

Today is a day of reflection as we remember the more than 10,000 American soldiers who died on D-Day. They made the ultimate sacrifice that turned the tide in the war.

As I reflect about D-Day, I can't help but wonder about our modern military.

What is sickening now — aside from the fact that it took more than half a century for anyone to take seriously the concept of building a memorial to the great war's soldiers — is the state of the current military.

As a veteran, sometimes I find myself being a little more critical than the average American. Maybe I expect a little more since I have been there and seen it firsthand.

But, is it too much to ask to make sure that the men and women in this nation's military are taken care of? Is it out of line to ask that our troops be paid more than some kid at a fast food place?

An estimated 5,000 American troops are on food stamps. We expect these soldiers to defend our nation when they have a hard time keeping food on the table? Being a military "brat" (child of servicemen and women) is hard enough, without having to wear the same shoes for three years straight.

The sacrifices our country's heroes make aren't limited to the major wars, conflicts and battles. Our American soldiers are making sacrifices everyday.

Sure, there is always talk in Congress about making the military a priority, but that talk is as cheap as military spending.

On Friday, President Bush asked Congress to approve the $5.6 billion package considered extra money for the U.S. military. An estimated $1.9 billion of this would go directly toward soldier housing, pay and health benefits. This is great, but it's not enough.

During Bush's campaign, he promised that help for this country's soldiers is near. But, his number of requested additional money isn't near what the forces need.

The military initially asked for an amount of $7 billion. High ranking military officials are becoming impatient and have warned before that much less than the $7 billion they requested in supplemental funds would make the budget increasingly difficult to allow for adequate training once the new benefits take place.

Once it is realized that Bush's request isn't enough to maintain the daily operations of the U.S. military — the world's superpower will do what has happened in the past. Take the money that has been allocated for quality of life improvements back from the soldiers with a, "I'll get ya next time" attitude.

It's no surprise that recruiting has become increasingly difficult over the years. All I hear are complaints about the quality of living in this underrated and under-appreciated profession of our nation's protectors.

With some help, however, the problems that exist with the current state of the military could be resolved.

It is unjustifiable to ask a soldier to don camouflage, grab a rifle and guard our safety, then pay him or her at the end of the day with a packet of food stamps.

Keith Thomas is a senior in the School of Liberal Arts. He can be e-mailed at editor@purdueexponent.org.

State of U.S. military less than honorable

Additional security provides unnecessary inconvenience

Marijuana makes people feel better, Court's ruling makes reader sick

Purdue should let students decide amount of classes to take in May

OPINIONS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 256