It Is Time to Heal America's Civilian-Military Divide

It Is Time to Heal America's Civilian-Military Divide


Christine Pelosi
Campaign Boot Camp author; California DNC Member
Posted: November 14, 2010 05:02 PM

Though millions of Americans paused to remember those who served our country and honor those who still wear the uniform on Veterans Day, our civilian-military divide persists and must be healed. As a proud family member of three generations who wore the uniform, I'm convinced that we can do more to help.

For years now, we have had raging debates over how to separate the war from the warrior -- how to recruit, support, and fund a strong military while debating the policies for which those in uniform will risk their lives. Now more than ever anti-war activists play a strong role in promoting warriors' benefits. Yet recent surveys of military families reveal an ongoing civilian-military divide. For example, a Blue Star Families release reported over 90 percent of military families believe that the civilian communities do not understand their needs nor support the values and dignity that come with a military career. That is an astounding, depressing number. This is not for lack of information -- we have TV, blogs, papers, and magazines devoted to war coverage -- but lack of experience. When less than three percent of Americans are serving, there is a cultural divide. Short of returning to a draft, what is to be done?
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It Is Time to Heal America Civilian Military Divide