[justin66]

> I wish there was a non-military or less-military domestic version of this, I've considered joining the national guard for this reason but I'm don't trust that I wouldn't end up fighting and dying in a pointless war. If there was another volunteer force that was devoted to humanitarian issues and search and rescue I would be all for it.

You're basically describing the Coast Guard. I believe they do hire reservists.

[krallja]

The Coast Guard is not the pacifist organization you seem to imagine it to be. They also combat smuggling, illegal migration, and terrorism. Also, they can be called to provide defense of the maritime borders of the United States. It is every bit of a military organization as the Army or Navy, even if not as well respected.

[justin66]

Your comment is full of misconceptions. I never claimed the Coast Guard was a "pacifist organization," and the person I was responding to was, when asking for a "not military or less military" option, wasn't asking for one. And I certainly respect them as much as any other branch of the armed forces. Right now, immediately after a natural disaster, I'm sure I'm not the only one.