Sybian- you grizzled old bastard- welcome back, buddy- it's been a while....
I agree with all of your points regarding the rank and file, but to your comment of "being told the entire story... may have never questioned orders in the first place":
It's a fine line when deciding what info to share down the line- I was on the line side long enough and somewhat felt as you did (do)- of course I wanted to know the bits and pieces- and that would lead to a whole different level of questioning orders. But now that I'm further up the food chain and lead the show I can see more clearly why a lot of info doesn't necessarily need to be shared. I won't go into details or specifics- you're a bright guy and see the big picture far better than most.
Respecting the command and feeling in your guts that it addresses the best interest of all is a tough one sometimes- but that was on the table when we signed up- if we didn't get it at the time then we most certainly learned quickly.
And respect to those that put it on the line in the first place and as a matter of course- it's not easy being green.......
I am well DD.....still causing trouble and leaving a trail of stripper glitter in my wake.
Your very right, we signed up and executed our duties, but upon return from over there, I now have the inclination to question, and the time to ponder over the things I've done.
Back home there is the luxury of opinions, questions, and arm chair theories while stuffing our faces with McHappy Meals.......that luxury was fought for by men and women who's very rights they were fighting for ...were taken away, to faithfully follow orders without question......and be part of an active War Machine and to face an enemy.
Following orders without question is how it works.....Yet when the shit hits the sand, and something goes wrong, it is the Brass who has their ass covered. In a court martial, everyone looks to the infantryman with the leather neck, the thousand yard stare.....and the orders to pull that trigger.
If you respected the command, they would support you, even when a mistake was made, yet if the mistake was made before the mission was carried out ,it was the Brass who covered their ass first......and hopefully you made it out half-assed clean in the military wash.
Your right about another thing, it's not easy being green, which is why I'm over here licking my wounds ,and enjoying the luxury of my hard earned cowboy opinions.