My husband has been a military pilot (F16) for a decade now. During that time, he has been deployed to pretty much every hot spot every time there was a crisis (accept Somalia and Haiti). Each time Saddam sneezed, he went out there for several months, as well as the obligatory remotes, ect. I distinctly remember when he was out in Kosovo. I was against that operation, and it enraged me that my (then new baby) might end up fatherless for a cause that no one could identify, and wasn't even considered important enough to send in ground troops. (OF course, that's not the point of my post, just a quick illustration so you can see where I'm coming from)

During the other engagements, while he was away, I would often speak to strangers (and FRIENDS!)who would pretty much chalk it up to 'that's his job'. There was a impression that his life was less valuable than theirs because he served. He was considered expendable somehow. I would never expect gratitude or sympathy, but there wasn't even an attempt to appear empathetic. The whole mind set, it seemed, was that if our family was stupid enough to serve in the military, we deserved whatever we got. I'm not exaggerating, and I could go on but it wouldn't add to the discussion here.

Now, we are stationed at a training base, so there are fewer deployments. He isn't directly involved in this one (hurray!) but I've noticed an undeniable difference in the way the public treats him. When he wears his uniform, they ask curious questions. They offer to buy him coffee. Everyone is kind beyond belief. What do you think is the difference now? Is it just 9/ 11? Does the danger seem more real to people's everyday lives so they're grateful to those who serve? Was it always this way, and I just didn't find the right crowd before?

To me the public is very fond of the military. During every crisis the military got involved the public disagreed. But eventaually they moved down to it

I would have to agree with Jubar, The public on the whole really does appreciate the military. If it wasnt for the military we have only god knows where we would be right now. My father served in the Army and was in korea during that time,unfortunatly, being deaf, i was not allowed to follow my fathers footsteps by enlisting. But to this day, I am very appreciative of what my father and many fathers before him have done to enable people like you and I too have the freedom we have.

I think the change in attitude is different because of how much media attention the millitary is getting (ie movies like We Where Soldiers) and people are becoming more aware of the dangers the these men/women undertake everday for a bunch of couch potatos. People who have that whole perspective of 'that's his job' aught to be sent to the front line and told 'now its your job too!'.

Thanks! Maybe it is the media attention. That's something I hadn't thought of.

I don't think they ever necessarily disrespected those in the military or didn't value them. They just didn't have any particular reason to glorify the military a few years ago, when we had been away from large conflicts for roughly a decade.

As far as the attention now goes, I think the scale of the conflict and the media coverage contributes a lot to it. I also think that since 9/11 and the constant Homeland Security (our Rainbow Warriors!) reminders about terrorism people feel more vulnerable. The same way semi-religious people will find the time to pray (while rarely finding time for religious practice before) when they really need or want something, people will turn to the military when they feel threatened by outside forces (ie: nations, terrorists, whatever).