#19

I am currently reading a book called "Lone Survivor" written by Marcus Luttrell. The book is about Luttrell and his SEAL Team, and the mission that cost more SEAL lives than any other mission. Ever. Luttrell was the only survivor, as the title states.

So far, the book is pretty good. Come on, it was written by a squid so it's not perfect! Just kidding, I love the men and women that serve our country; it doesn't matter if they wear green, white, or blue.

I love that the book is totally real. The guy talks about his training before he became a SEAL, growing up, and his life in the Navy. All with honesty (I think). He just seems like a down to Earth guy that puts his life on the line, and is a professionally trained killer. Pretty cool.

One of the things that I am loving about the book, though, is how right on he is with my person beliefs. I mean, the guy is a patriot above all else. He believes in the USA. He believes in the right to own a gun, understandable. And, he is clearly conservative. Which makes me happy.

I am so a righty. But I also believe our government is far from perfect, no matter who is in office. And this guy just cracks me up with his observations and remarks about/to the government. He calls it like he sees it, which makes me so happy.

This morning, I read his observations on the ROE (rules of engagement). Now, I have had my opinion about these for a while, but I freely admit that I need to educate myself more on this topic. However, Luttrell is quite certain of the ROE, and our stand on them meshed soooooooo well! He essentially said- If the elected guys want to make the rules, they should have to go out there and test them out. Otherwise, let us military guys make our own judgement calls. OK, clearly I am not quoting him, that was the general idea though. And I totally agree.

Those people in Washington are not in the military. They are not in a war zone. They are not risking their lives. So why is it that our servicemembers have to follow rules that these guys set? ROE can really hinder our guys. And the terrorists know that.

All that said, I of course stand behind our government. Rules are rules, and yes they are supposed to be followed. But if the elected officials were wearing combat boots in the sand, I think the ROE would be a wee bit different...

Now, I really need to further educate myself on ROE so I can make sure I am not talking nonsense! If I am, feel free to tell me. And check out the book. About halfway through it, and so far its good.