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In society, most of us are civilians. Because of the nature of our societies (American, British, Australian and others), it is believed immoral to force people to join and serve in our armed forces. Therefore we have the concept of voluntary militaries.

With a few exceptions, most civilians, particularly those who are voted into their jobs, will tell you how much they admire, and support those who serve in the military. They will tell you how much they respect the sacrifices these men and women AND their families are making. Sacrifices that start with irregular work hours, separation from families, and work up to potential loss of life and limb.

We are on the whole happy, that there are people who believe so sincerely in the concept of serving their nation, and protecting the values and lifestyle of said nation, that they willingly make these sacrifices. While we (the civilians), get on with our lives without making similar sacrifices. Now isn't that a lovely state of affairs?

Those who serve in the military are, in many respects, a sterling example to the rest of us. They put others before themselves, by the very nature of their service. They don't just mouth the traditional virtues like honour,loyalty, respect, unselfishness - and a hundred others - they actually practice those virtues.

No, they don't enter the military for financial gain or reward. But we - those who benefit from their service- are we then justified in neglecting their needs? Because these people volunteered, does that then gives us the excuse to condone barely adequate salaries, excessive deployments, insanely long working hours? If we value them so highly, why does that not carry through to the logical extension?

No, the members of the military are not clamouring to be made wealthy. But as citizens, the recipients of their services (the military are an extension of the government, which in turn are the servants of the people) surely we should wish to ensure they are fairly compensated? To make certain that they are not worried about the welfare of their families when parted from them? In the worst scenario, to make sure that dependants are properly taken care of in the event of death or disablement? How is any of that unreasonable? Or, is what is right and fair and decent, and above all, civilised, only apply to those who don't have the courage or committment to do the right thing?

Learn more about this author, Gillian Larcomobe.
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