How is killing other human beings ever heroic? Most of the men who ask you to fight for your country are corrupt, most of the reasons are at root financial or religious. I don’t think war ever has any glory or heroism attached to it.

I became a conscientious objector when I was asked to do national service back in the day, and the more I look back on that decision, the more I become convinced that it was the right choice.

Which part of Russia or China, specifically is the enemy that would be worth fighting? It seems to me that that all battles or wars, at some point, end up falling into your description of killing poor people in far away lands.

I share you skepticism, as our military machine seems to be more about making money than fighting for our survival. Books by such as Col. Hackworth "About Face", Bracewitch "Washington Rules", Sheehan "A Bight and hing Lie", and Weivtrab "15 Stars" bears this out. I have never served in the military, but have read its history and known many vetrans. It inculcates values that benefit society, but needs to be refocussed. I know of no veterans who saw any glory in what they did. The glory is seen mostly by middl-aged gys who couldn't manage a wet dream.
Despite my cynicism, I think there are reaons to have a self-defense force to protect our business and cultural strengths, but it has become and end into itself.

Glorification of the US Military goes back to the post-Vietnam War period. The Pentagon decided to undertake a massive makeover of the military's PR image. One of the methods they used was to make available to filmmakers, cash grants, if they were making a film that glorified, or inspired sympathy for the military.A similar project was undertaken by the old Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, to improve the public's perception of the police. In that case, funds were made available to offset the production costs of 'cop shows' on TV. So, the US population has undergone nearly 50 years of pro- police/military psychological conditioning in that regards.

First, thank you for your service. That being said, I see nothing heroic or brave about killing & destruction. It just makes no sense to me. Most regular people just want to live in peace, including people in Russia & China.