I read the observations of veterans from different countries, of different wars, of different generations. There is a common sentiment, often with equal elements. Some of us would love to be engaged in a war in which we could be entirely invested. Some of us envy a righteous cause. Most of us know and accept that despite our history, combat is a young man game
I can remember my initial responses to Desert Storm. I’d been home for more than 20 years. It was simply that I might still have skills which could keep a green young soldier alive. That’s all.
Now 30 years later, more recent veterans are engaging that same itch. “Oh give me a righteous cause!”