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December 4, 2006
Rank and File
by Nova Stubbs, insurgent49

Dear Soldier,

    Throughout history, writers have always tried to capture the human conditions of war. Yet, despite everything I have ever read or saw on a screen, I still fail to understand.

    The fact that there are aspects of war that I can’t comprehend doesn’t make me ignorant; however, a soldier who has experienced the trenches is not necessarily an expert on the topic, either. I say this because soldiers’ experiences are subjective, and they too are unable to explain the full spectrum of war.

    Yes, the soldier experiences this world firsthand and witnesses humanity’s greatest horrors, a realm where human beings kill one another and the only consequences are self-imposed. This sounds like hell, but in all reality it does not describe the totality of the face of war. The one aspect I least understand about the war in Iraq is why the American soldier is fighting in the first place.

    Many times has the soldier said, “you had to have been there to understand.” To understand what? To understand the gruesome images, the fear, or the camaraderie among soldiers? Is that what I am supposed to understand? Well righto soldier … I was not there and I can’t fully understand. Instead, I sit home and read the papers, watch the explosions on television, and witness your families’ suffering. This is what I see and this is my perception of the war in Iraq, a war that you are fighting.

    I know that as an American I am supposed to thank the soldier profusely for their patriotic duty. But they are fighting in a war that I don’t support. And from what I hear, many soldiers feel the same way but continue to fight anyway. Yes, I realize that many soldiers do in fact believe in this war, but is that really why they are fighting?  Right from wrong, for or against, tomato tamaato … doesn’t really matter.

     What I want is one soldier’s explanation as to why they are fighting.

     I have spoken with many soldiers, and to be honest, I am not completely convinced that they even know why they are willing to put their life on line. Don’t get me wrong I am not calling soldiers ignorant; however, I do demand an explanation that rationalizes ones choice to fight.

    The list of explanations is long, but none convince me. Is it because of tradition? Is it for the sake of freedom and democracy? Is it for your country? Is it for heroism? Do these reasons actually make up for the fact that you might die, leaving your family alone?

    That is what gets me every time … what about your family? It is probably easier for a soldier who is single to march into battle than it is for one with a spouse and children. But, I still don’t fully understand.

    The one reason I would fight in a war would be for the sake of defense. For instance, if China invaded our country in order to spread communism, I would be the first to throw stones and put my life on the line. This is why I understand the Iraqi insurgent more so than the American soldier. It makes sense to me.

    Dear American soldier,
    I do not understand why you are fighting, but I would love to know.

   

   



      Nova Stubbs is a freelance writer and activist, and is co-founder of Insurgent49. Nova resides in an undisclosed location in downtown Anchorage and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com.

     'Rank and File' appears on insurgent49.com every Monday.

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in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which revolts against the policies of its leadership.