Cherry –
Of course we respect the US soldiers. That’s why we provide them with benefits both during and after service.
The question was, should we as frum yidden, join the ranks. My take is, we can be of better service to our host country than crawling thru a minefield. Could I do it? I guess. Could some 250 lb shaygetz from Ohio do statistical analysis? Perhaps.
But he is better at fighting and we are better at thinking. And while thats all well and fine, Uncle Sam thinks I would do just fine with a 100 lb knapsack and a gun in my hand.. just like the 250 lb Ohio guy. So if at all possible, I’d try to avoid getting into uniform. Besides, Mr. Ohio shaygetz has no minyan or kashrus or Shabbos logistics to be concerned with, whereas I do.