[ubernostrum]

I have a lot of sympathy for both current and former members of the US armed forces.

Current members, because I grew up in a part of the country ideal for military recruiting: poor overall education, weak economy, and for many people enlisting is the only way they can see to escape from it. It's not direct conscription, but in terms of the genuine choices available it's often pretty close. And for "choices" that are partly or heavily coerced I'm much less judgmental.

Former members, because many of them signed up for the reasons outlined above, and now are treated horribly.