"Soldier Deconstructed"

The Questing Cat is a 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One) soldier currently deployed in Iraq. He is always a good read!

Here is an excerpt of his latest post:

"Of all the armies in the world, how many vow to defend a piece of paper, rather than a king or queen. The most remarkable thing about US soldiers is how far removed we really are from the political structure. We serve when called, we train when at peace.

The duties we are called upon to perform are varied and in depth. Many times US soldiers have been called to defend the weak, but not necessarily our own. Called to Somalia, Kosovo, Germany. At times the army is a powerful sword to bring about swift political change. At times a shield to defend humanity. And no matter how these things are accomplished it is always the sword which is dulled, or the shield that is dented. The call to duty always weakens the military, always."