[Joe Wicked]

Originally Posted by Buzz

When we say soldiers who find themselves unable or unwilling to follow directives should be kicked out, I assume that discharge would/should be accompanied by some other punitive measures. Otherwise, any goldbricking deadbeat who decides military life is too tough can act up a bit , get deemed unfit to serve, and score an early discharge.

I can't help but be reminded of a now well-known St. Lucian bodybuilder cum journalist cum political figure who, like many in his day (early 60's) , saw joining the British Army as a way to a better life. He soon found out that he was not cut out for the structure and discipline of the military and submitted numerous unsuccessful requests to get a discharge.

He basically discovered that the only way to get out would be to have himself declared either physically or mentally unfit. The physical part was out of the question because he was already well into bodybuilding, so he set about mimicking the outward signs of schitzophrenia. His CO eventually told him he was onto the scam but since he wanted no unwilling people in his regiment, he gave him his discharge.

Tying back in to the topic, It would become a big problem if, in reaction to the Muslim issue, all a homesick soldier needs to do is act like a possible jihad sympathizer and it's home sweet home. Failing to live up to the commitment a person makes when he signs up for military service must always have serious repercussions.

Agreed as well.