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The group in America that reports having the lowest opinion of the military is the elites: The elites are almost six times more likely than those in the military to say they would be "disappointed if a child of mine decided to serve."

Thanks for posting that article.

To illustrate the above quote, allow me to describe my last two months of high school:

April 1, 1972 was one of the happiest days of my life, when I received the letter awarding me a 4 Year Army ROTC scholarship. It meant I could matriculate at any of over 300 colleges and universities that had an ROTC program, all academic expenses paid with a monthly stipend during the school year.

Of course, I told my friends, and the news traveled fast on campus, a suburban high school 15 miles south of Berkeley. Within a few days, I was ostracized on campus, receiving much of the same vile treatment accorded by our soldiers when they returned from Vietnam.

I had teachers say to my face how "disappointed" they were that I accepted that scholarship. I was incredulous, as I had earned the best scholarship of my 500+ graduating class.

I took that scholarship to Gonzaga University, and was one of 20 cadets that would be commissioned four years later. We've stayed in touch over the years, and it was a class of distinction (I ranked in the middle of my class BTW). Most of us returned to civilian life after our military commitment, but we had one two star general and several colonels that made it a career. Over a third earned their Ranger tabs, and over half earned their Jump Wings (me included). My awards included an ARCOM and MSM (Meritorious Service Medal).

That scholarship set me on a path that I could never have imagined as an 18 year old. I was stationed in Germany for four and a half years, learning to speak the language. I saw the method to the Army's madness of making me an Air Defense Artillery officer, though my degree was in accounting. My last job in Germany was Battalion Supply Officer (S-4), where I used my degree to run circles around higher HQ staff when it came to budgeting and accountability. I admit that I was a PITA, but my battalion commander loved it when I, a First LT went toe to toe with majors and light colonels, never giving an inch because I knew I was right, as they would learn.

Upon returning to the States (Fort Bliss), I would work again for my old battalion commander, as his operations officer...a lieutenant colonel's slot, though I was a new captain. I would also meet my future bride in that job, and we've been married for over 30 years with 3 kids, and a grandson to boot.