The Misunderstood Military

Leaning on my right leg to brace against the 40 mile-per-hour winds, I watched as the crew on the deck connected the F-14 "Tomcat" to the catapult. The blast shield behind the plane's twin engines rose and so did the noise.

Through my goggles, I glanced at the end of the runway, only a few hundred feet away. Returning my gaze to the F-14 sitting directly in front of me, I saw the pilot return the deck officer's salute and then, in an instant, the jet bolted from its position with lightning acceleration and flew from the carrier's bow.

It is even more impressive than it sounds. Two weeks ago, I visited the world's largest naval base in Norfolk, Virginia. The trip was arranged by this year's military fellows at Harvard's Center For International Affairs. As part of the trip, I toured a nuclear attack submarine, an Arleigh Burke class destroyer and the Navy's newest carrier which was underway in the Atlantic. While I certainly enjoyed the excitement of the trip, it served a more profound purpose for me. It allowed me to reflect on the divergence between the military in action and the attitudes about our armed forces that predominate on campus.

Like most Harvard students, I have had little contact with our country's armed forces. From the impression left by the evening news these days, one might feel that the military does nothing right. Whether it is sexual harassment or Marines blood-pinning each other, there is no question that in recent years the military has seen its share of problems. On campus, if I hear anything at all, it is yet another story about the controversy surrounding ROTC, an organization which violates Harvard's anti-discrimination policy due to the Department of Defense's "don't ask, don't tell" rule.

Given this information, it is not surprising that so many students have negative or indifferent feelings about the military. From what I have observed, though, these stereotypes do not reflect reality. The truth of the matter is this: Every day thousands of young sailors, soldiers and pilots work long hours at dangerous jobs all around the world for little money and even less recognition.

At 18 and 19, many of these men and women are entrusted with responsibility that few of us can possibly fathom. They are not looking for medals or glory, they are just doing their job.

The commanders are no less impressive. Each one that I met was professional and open-minded. They clearly understood the destructive capability they control. Yet each one expressed their hope to never make use of it. What is more, the commanders' devotion and concern for the men and women in their charge was absolute. That kind of loyalty and mutual respect is refreshing in today's world.

With budget cuts and an ever-expanding international role on the horizon, the military's job will only get tougher in the years to come. For our part, the least we can do is combat the misconceptions about the military that permeate our society and this campus. As one high ranking officer put it, "you don't have to love us, just respect what we do."

William P. Moynahan, a Crimson editor, is a sophomore living in Eliot House.