1) A common theme was the disgrace and shame the German soldiers received. Collin R. wrote “duty and honor are forever tainted” when referring to the general attitude towards the German army still today. My question is why? Because they lost or because they are synonymous with the holocaust?
- Thinking Points:
- Not every German Soldier knew of the Holocaust.
- Allies too, committed Atrocities.
- Some of them were following order, follow or be shot.
Please note that these are German POW’s viewing a Concentration camp via War film for the first time.
2) Had the Germans been successful in their endeavor to control a majority part of Europe (not to include Great Britain or Russia) and had declared themselves successful and at peace with the world yet the public knew about the holocaust do you think they would have received the same treatment?
- Thinking Points:
- Hitler would have brought Germany out of a depression.
- He would have too showed the world his power.
- Russia too committed a great deal of atrocities prior to 1944.
- Would the everyday people who are noticing the “common problem” or the Jews as the reason for their success and power?
3) Hunter in his blog stated “a mans veteran status made him a part of a very influential political group” and there for allowing them to have political power. Is this good or bad in the realm of a nations political structure? General thoughts?
- Thinking Points:
- Secretary of Defense for the United States is the bridge between the president and military.
- That same Secretary of Defense is supposed to be a civilian.
- The current Secretary of State is Ash Carter who has no military background.
- The predecessor of Ash Carter was Chuck Hagel who was a Vietnam Veteran.
- Good or bad or indifferent?
- Secretary of Defense for the United States is the bridge between the president and military.
4) Now, Allie writes “veterans returning to Australia following the Second World War were treated as a superior citizens than those who did not fight” showing a clear distinction in the social order. We discussed this briefly last class as in those who were drafted vs those who volunteered but I want to revisit this and ask now that we have read each others post. Should this be the way nations view there veterans?
- Thinking Points:
- Would soldiers volunteer because they truly want to be superior citizens for appearances or because they truly want to protect their nations?
- What would that say about non service members?
- Would they feel less patriotic or inclined to participate in political agendas or feel that they are a lower social class than veterans?
- Would we see a rise in volunteers?
- How would you earn this superiority i.e. what perks or accolades do you receive showing your superiority.
5) Ashleigh discusses the issues of moral boosting and destroying in relations to couples both married and sweethearts. She states in her blog “My Tomorrow” that she “see[‘s] the dangers of pushing the ‘happy couple’ during wartime because, although a good wartime effort to boost morale, it is a dangerous tactic” if there is a Dear John letter waiting for him/her, yes woman served too guys/gals!
- Thinking Points:
- Reflect on personal long distance relationships if applicable.
- How do you think this could effect the returning veteran?
- For those in the Corps, when you’re gone for months training, how does it feel to get or not get a letter from the special someone?
- Do you think you would have a similar reaction to those coming back from WWII?
- You just were apart of conquering almost half the globe, does that count for anything now that you’re single and ready to mingle?
6) Case Titles his blog “Returning with a burden,” have no questions, I just thought that was a great title.
7) My last question comes from “Return of the Veteran” Question 6, sounds like a Star Wars title by Cookis95. He/she (I failed to read the placards) quotes Pratt by stating “what is done wisely or unwisely for [veterans] will be a sign and measure of our times and a forecast of our future.” Cookis95 goes on to make an analysis that “Pratt’s foreshadowing shined light on the new problem of the era: How do we treat veterans?” Is this accurate and if so why/why not.
- Thinking Points:
- Have we come far in terms of PTSD assistance?
- Do you still think there is progress to made? (thinking back to last class where the young ladies friend has PTSD and they gave him a gift card to REI and told him to go find himself?
- Could we possibly have hit or be soon to hitting a turning point with PTSD?
- The United States military is drastically working to help those with PTSD and trying to prevent it i.e. ACE (ask, call, escort) or the buddy system.
