Mr. Parille is correct in asking, “why should this suprise anyone?” It obviously shouldn’t, especially to those who have spent time in or around the military. Abu Garib, Gitmo, Koran and Bible trashing, and blaring loud music in intimidation should be no surprise. In particular the scandal at Abu Garib should be no surprise.
In my time as a Marine, I’ve seen the likes of Pvt. Lyndie England and Spc. Charles Garner before, particularly in support noncombat units. Lyndie/Garner relationships happen all the time. In my last unit of a Company size there were two of these relationships.
One thing that you will find consistent among all units is persistent sexual perversion. Pornography is rampant particularly in combat units. We used to have a Marine in a Weapons Company whose special billet was the “porn NCO” (he is a good guy but definitely misguided). He had such a renowned collection that grunts and officers in the rest of the Battalion would check out his stuff like a library loan. Many Marines know about the “joke” of the donkey or bronco punch which essentially describes a savage form of rape. Speaking of donkeys, I’ve known many a Marine who loved to go down to Tijuana to see the donkey show (Just understand that it is really sick & sexually perverted, I’ll spare the details).
Not that all Marines and servicemen exhibit these tendencies, attitudes, or behaviors, but you will find them to be quite visible in many units. Let’s just not act surprised when Abu Garib happens, nor when Bibles and Korans are trashed by military personnel. Let’s not act surprised that this is the military that our secularized, politically correct society has produced. Chivalry may be dead, but it is long overdue for a revival.
12:17 pm on May 18, 2005
