ATS Badge on a member's user ID-profile to denote current-prior Military Affiliation (optional)

a reply to: IkNOwSTuff

I can't see how age and gender badges would help promote discussion and/or credibility but if you can think of how they would then I think those should be available also. I do think the religion one could depending on the post (I'm assuming the badges would all be voluntary of course).

As for the military not doing anything for the American people in the last 50 years claim. You are flat out wrong. Were it not for the US Military, Russia might cover half the world by now. The US military has had a major preventative aspect to it. Protecting US interests over seas is an important thing that allows the American people to continue living the life they are accustomed to. It's also nice for American people that they continue to have oil (while not espescially cheap would be much more expensive without the US military protection the nations interests). I could go on and on.

However I do agree that in many instances maybe even the majority of instances in the last 50 years, the US military was used by the MIC and interested politicians.

originally posted by: SgtEsquire
a reply to: IkNOwSTuff

I can't see how age and gender badges would help promote discussion and/or credibility but if you can think of how they would then I think those should be available also. I do think the religion one could depending on the post (I'm assuming the badges would all be voluntary of course).

As for the military not doing anything for the American people in the last 50 years claim. You are flat out wrong. Were it not for the US Military, Russia might cover half the world by now. The US military has had a major preventative aspect to it. Protecting US interests over seas is an important thing that allows the American people to continue living the life they are accustomed to. It's also nice for American people that they continue to have oil (while not espescially cheap would be much more expensive without the US military protection the nations interests). I could go on and on.

However I do agree that in many instances maybe even the majority of instances in the last 50 years, the US military was used by the MIC and interested politicians.

You could go on and on but Im assuming it would just be more of the same.

What you described could just as easily be said of Russias or Chinas military who some might argue have kept Americas runaway and trigger happy army in check.

As for your Oil comment well thats basically it isnt it, your military has been used to overthrow governments to get at their countries resources, you may feel it was done for your benefit but most of us feel it was done for the benefit of those selling the oil or other resources your military helped plunder

My comment on other badges was to highlight how silly it would be to put any badges on profiles, if people wish to disclose any of that type of info they can either mention it in relevant posts or put it in their avatar or comments bit that comes up below posts.

I dont think ATS needs any sort of site sanctioned markers and believe that it would be a bad thing, all that matters here should be your opinion and if we start putting in ages, gender, military service then people will pre judge based on these things and completely discount the opinion.
Just my 2 cents

P.s Im not against those who have served their countries, Im anti war and and anti imperialism but I know nearly all those who have joined any military have done so out of a belief that they are doing the right thing or because they had no other way to provide for themselves and their families.

I believe all soldiers are patriots who are manipulated and the only difference between the Nazis and modern day soldiers is who they serve, all those who fought for Germany in WW2 were doing so out of a love of the fatherland and felt they were defending Germany from outside threats that hadnt materialised yet but would in the near future if they didnt stop it.
Very similar to the whole "Red threat" you mentioned

a reply to: SecretKnowledge

I think the dr idea is a good one. I think that if ATS could verify that someone has the expertise that they claim to, it would help discussion.

If I'm reading a post about the benefits of some kind of medical procedure or if the OP is posting about some new scientific study, it lends the OP some credibility. Anyone can claim anything on the internet or in their posts, but it'd be nice if there was at least SOME evidence that they were legit.

It would be especially helpful to me when I read posts that I'm not inclined to agree with because of either ignorance or inherent bias or being too proud to admit I'm wrong. It's easy to just write off the other person's opinion by just thinking (eh I bet this is just some person who doesn't really understand what they are talking about or whatever).

I'm definitely not saying that just because someone is an expert, professional, amateur, or enthusiast that they are always right or even that they don't have their own agendas, but it would be beneficial to me at least.

I like the idea for the part that people can reference themselves with their actions. Military, Professions, Militia, Religion, Whatever.

However, and it is a big However, I think it is weird to identify oneself on a conspiracy site. At least when discovering and leaking unhidden truths that by some parties shouldn't be exposed. Linking an identity to that may be a Dumbass move because we can't all go hiding in Belize. You don't know what you might uncover and how things will change but once linked it will never be unlinked.

Ok it's true, I exposed myself, I am really a Dumbass

I think it's a fine idea.

I think a little flag of the country the member is from would be helpful, as well.

a reply to: SgtEsquire

If I'm reading a post about the benefits of some kind of medical procedure or if the OP is posting about some new scientific study, it lends the OP some credibility. Anyone can claim anything on the internet or in their posts, but it'd be nice if there was at least SOME evidence that they were legit.

Unfortunately, credentials can be manufactured fairly easily. I hear it is a very lucrative business. There has been more than one case where a doctor has not been what he/she claimed to be, and those sheepskins hanging from the walls of their office weren't worth the paper they were written on.

We have reached the stage where believe nothing you see, hear, taste or touch, to be real without validating it yourself first, can be a practical and sensible idea to run with.

I served the citizens of America as a member of the US Air Force. I didn't always agree with the ideas, the rules, or regulations of the military, or the government. I got into a lot of trouble a lot of times for going against the grain. Everyone in the military is not some brainwashed tool that follow orders blindly.

My need to have things make sense to me before I will agree to do it, started before I utter my first "why?", and will stay with me from cradle to grave. I may not have always been successful when trying to fight for what I believed to be right, but one thing has always been consistent. There has always someone that was standing by to kick you in the teeth for trying.

We have these things called avatars and titles under our user names....both are self-generated and can easily be used to express prior military affiliation.

Just sayin'...the options are already in place without beleaguering for more specialized coding and programming.

I think that I'd rather remain somewhat anonymous. The more information that is out there, the more risk of identity theft. Sending a DD214 scan with all the associated info is not a good plan for me.

If you are so anxious to identify yourself as a military man, why not place the appropriate rank on your mini-profile or your signature?
Just click on "account" and change your signature or your "custom title" as preferred.

a reply to: IkNOwSTuff

Your original post was about how you didn't think the US military hasn't done anything for the AMERICAN people in the last 50 years. The US military and the US government for that matter is supposed to protect American interests all over the world.

I'm sure the Russians and Chinese feel that they have kept America in check and in reality they most likely have. But those militaries are not for keeping our military in check, their purpose is to protect their respective nations interests and in some cases expand their spheres of influence. Just like every other country who has the means to do so.

Are you an American? I only ask this is because you make comments like "your military". When you say most of us who are you referring to exactly? Americans, the world population?? I only ask so I can frame my replies better. are making statements about what has been done for the American people. Americans would freak out if we were suddenly cut off from oil or if it skyrocketed in price. It would kill the economy, massive unemployment, people would even freeze to death in the winter in some cases.

Yes America has forced governmental change and supported regime change on many different countries (we have proof for some and it is obvious it's happened more than a few times) but those have MOSTLY (not in every instance of course) been perpetrated by the Alphabet agencies and upper elected officials NOT the military. The reason I make this point is because your main point (please correct me if I misunderstood) is that the US military hasn't benefited the American people. Even when the Alphabet agencies did those things they were -mostly-done for the interests of the nation (or at least they were supposed to be) Sometimes we are able to work out something mutually beneficial that doesn't involve regime change or the use of force but sometimes not.

If you would have said that the American government (or at least parts of it) are doing things so they can make money or make money for their campaign donors, I'd have a hard time refuting it. But again your comment was that the US military hasn't done anything for American people in the last 50 years (I don't know why you limited it to the last 50 years though). I can't think of any US military conflict that was completly aultruistic on our part.

America isn't some white knight trying to protect the world. When I started to figure this out as a young adult it really shattered my belief that America wasn't getting involved in conflicts to free the oppressed and be the "good guys". But then again that isn't the purpose of any military or country. EVERY country is doing the same thing in accordance to their capabilities.

I'm not saying there isn't corruption involved, I'm not even making the argument that it's worth it to do those things.

Are you operating on the believe that America shouldn't protect its interests? ALL nations act in accordance to their interests. It is sad that nations make mistakes and allow special interest groups and big business to sometimes/usually/mostly (depending on your belief) dictate what is in its best interest, and unfortunately it does happen not just America but in most if not all countries.

Is your next reply going to try and tell me Russia is involved with the current Syria conflict because they are only interested in eliminating ISIS? How about China's actions in the South China Sea.

One thing that, for the most part, that separates the US and other powers is that at least for the last 50 we haven't been "plundering". Or maybe I don't understand what you mean by plundering. At least the US hasn't been annexing parts or whole other countries like others have after they won military conflicts. We haven't even taken their sovergnity even when we were perfectly capable of it, and when we could have done it with little to no blow back from the International Community at large.

So while the US is not a nation who rights all the wrongs in the world, the military certantly has benefited Americans. Plus military units regularly get involved in community charities of all kinds in all kinds of communities.

a reply to: IkNOwSTuff

Over the last 50 years? Good stuff, for Americans? How about people everywhere?

Take a look at a lot of the global disasters over that last 50 years.

Plenty of times the US military branches have carried aid, performed evacs, search and rescues, and a multitude of other different kinds of aids to people not just in the US, but also around the world.

I even participated in some of these while in the US Navy.

Does it make it all good? No. But from what you are posting, you would have it all bad and no other way.

Suggest you do a little bit of research and thinking before you make such broad statements with such an absolute attitude.

originally posted by: eriktheawful
a reply to: IkNOwSTuff

Over the last 50 years? Good stuff, for Americans? How about people everywhere?

Take a look at a lot of the global disasters over that last 50 years.

Plenty of times the US military branches have carried aid, performed evacs, search and rescues, and a multitude of other different kinds of aids to people not just in the US, but also around the world.

I even participated in some of these while in the US Navy.

Does it make it all good? No. But from what you are posting, you would have it all bad and no other way.

Suggest you do a little bit of research and thinking before you make such broad statements with such an absolute attitude.

Hitler cared for sick animals and loved children, would you ever say he was good for the world?
Charles Manson gave a few lost and misguided souls comfort and the belief that they belonged to a family, was he a good bloke?
The few good bits and pieces here and there do not make up for dozens of proxy wars and 10s of 10,000s of people killed.

The bad outweighs the good by so much that even bringing up the good when looking at an overall perspective seems kinda ridiculous to me

a reply to: IkNOwSTuff

Just saw your edits. Wish I would have seen that before haha.

I can see how putting any of the badges we are talking about will probably have some bad things about it, but I think it would be cool to at least try it to see if it does help promote discussion and maybe even people listening to differing view points (they probably won't change theor mind). At least it would for me. If for example there was an OP who discussed late term abortions where the OP linked an article talking about some pretty terrible practices (we all know how news stories can quote out of context in order to influence public opinion) and one of the people replying was a OBGYN or a hospital administration and could clear up any disinformation. If I knew that ATS had verified it (even if it was just them sending in a link to their company's bio or whatever) then I for sure would give more credence to what was being said. I also think/hope it would reduce the ad hominem attacks on people which would help threads stay focused on the info being discussed. Obviously just because someone is an "expert, professional, amateur, or enthusiast doesn't mean they are right, but I will listen to what they have to say because I can be reasonably sure they "might" know what they are talking about. Another big point is that the info You send to ATS would be kept private, like someone else on this thread mentioned this a conspiracy site :-). But it isn't just that. It's a news source and lots of other things.

I do think that in a perfect world everyone should just pay attention to what someone says without any bias, the thing is, most of the really contentious threads I've looked at (besides the political ones of course) it's clear that the parties involved just think the other is an idiot or someone out of touch. It might reduce those kind of problems.

I'm definitely not saying I know it would be a good thing but I would participate and would love to see it in practice to see if it does help promote more civilized discourse.

I completely agree with your post script paragraphs.

a reply to: 200Plus

Yea I for sure wouldn't send my DD214 to a place like this (I wouldn't for uber either).

a reply to: 200Plus

Yea I for sure wouldn't send my DD214 to a place like this (I wouldn't for uber either).

originally posted by: Shamrock6

...aside from having to share PII with the site

Sort of a showstopper with me. I figure it's like other things I talk about, if I'm lying about it, it's eventually going to be obvious.

a reply to: SgtEsquire

They don't realize that the fact that they are even able to post their hate on sites like this is because of the sacrifice of the men and women in service.

Say what now??????

Explain that one to me, because im stumped.

a reply to: SlapMonkey

It could be a completly automated thing. I agree that it probably isn't a big deal in most conversations regarding someone's military service but I think it would really help if the poster was discussing some little known SOP or military culture. To most people (hopefully less on this site) if they agree with the post they think it's true and the poster is legit, if they don't agree then they think it isn't true and therefor the poster isn't legit. Anyone can claim they are something they aren't (especially on an anonymous site) and since anyone can do this most if not all won't really believe the poster. In one of my first posts to this site (or any site for that matter), I mentioned that I'm a "former Marine" well someone replied to me and insinuated that I wasn't since "all his Marine friends say one a Marine always a Marine". While this is true, lots of Marines refer to themselves as a former Marine after separation. So as not to imply they currently serving. However, Marines are conditioned starting in boot camp that there are no ex Marines. Anyway, it was kind of offensive to have a civilian with no personal experience with the USMC (other than his buddies) insinuate that I was lying about it. Having a way that to show that ATS has at least seen something that lends credibility to me being a Marine would ease those kind of problems (I'm aware that anyone can fake any records or IDs but I doubt it would be a huge issue on a site like this).

I don't see an overwhelming need for the military designations, but I do think it would be beneficial (at least to me) that when I'm reading posts about subjects that I don't have a lot of exposure to that I can check to see if the poster has some level of actual knowledge about what they are saying. It doesn't make what they are saying to be true all the time but I will definitely pay more attention to their ideas if they are in an area they have experience with even when I don't agree with them.

a reply to: and14263

This is exactly my point. I read your post and immediately thought this person's opinion on this is ignorant (not in an offensive way but in an uninformed way). It gets even more reinforced when you say it is a fact when your assertion is something that is opinion or at best something very subjective. But if I THOUGHT you had ANY qualifications in an area that would give you an informed opinion, I would spend more time thinking about it and in the very least consider it. But as your post comes off, you could be some teenager in Macedonia for all I know .

Now maybe you do have some qualifications that lends credence to what you are saying, I just have no way of knowing.

a reply to: Dumbass

You make some outstanding points. It should completely be voluntary. There are a lot of people on here who have already self identified as military, LEO, Phd, Authors, Enthusasts, Astronomers etc. but this way we could have something besides their word for it. But again it would be voluntary.

It's not linking to an identity (I'm not saying people should link their LinkedIn profiles). But considering everyone had to give ATS a valid email address and they have our IP addresses people should refrain from saying anything that could get them in trouble if they are worried about it. Isn't Reddit and 4chan places for people to provide insider info, leaks, and whistle blowing? If I was going to say something that I thought was going to put me in danger, but I felt like I had to expose some corruption or whatever, I would not be doing it on ATS.