Why is it, that my brother can spend 6 years in the Marines, 1 tour in Africa and 2 tours in Iraq, then when he comes home... he can't get a job?
He has been trying since before Christmas to get a government job, and the government will not hire him?
I wonder how wide spread this is....
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Welcome to the story of the ages. I can sing you folk songs about this from the end of the Napoleonic wars. Why do you think soldiers and sailors are so often called cannon fodder?
What is cannon fodder hype?
The poor saps who are thrown at the "enemy" during a war. The grunts. Whilst the officers sit around on their fat arses, safe and sound.
Cannon fodder is a term for military personnel who are regarded as expendable in battle. Also used in situations where soldiers are forced to fight against hopeless odds.
The term derives from fodder - food for livestock - but in this case soldiers are the metaphorical food sent against cannons.
Like hypersonic said, the term is traced as far back as the Napoleonic wars.
What kind of work is your brother looking for, Ellie?
Sadly, the only skill that many learn in the Corps is how to kill, not a highly markatable skill. Add to that the fact that soldiers are viewed as such high risks for post-traumaric stress that some employers won't take the chance. It is widespread but let him know the situation is not hopeless. Many others admire Marines for their dedication so he just needs to find the right match.
FTI - cannon fodder=sacrificial lanbs, usually referencing inexperienced soldiers sent to do the most dangerous jobs.
That's just the government's way of saying "thank you" for putting their lives on the line. If your brother would like to move to China or India, I'm sure he'll find a government job- EASILY.
Well my brother finally got a job. I just think that it is a bitch that it took so long. I think that when you get out, they should have some system set up to help you find work.
Good point, Ellie. While the government can't, and never did, guarantee a job for ex-military personnel, having an agency to help locate jobs for them seems like a worthy idea.
Unless a veteran has a skill that is in high demand in the civilian sector, it can take an exasperating length of time to find a job.
I'm amazed they don't help him find a job or at least offer suitable training for new skills.
Glad your brother's finally sorted. I'm glad you've got him back home too, that must be heart wrenching when he's away.
Thanks Angel. It was very hard when he was away. I felt like his life was just beginning and as an older sister, with a younger brother, I felt like I hadn't had my time to bond with him yet.
I just want him to be successful. There is no reason he shouldn't have a wonderful, long and fruitful life. As a soldier for our country, he deserves ATLEAST that.
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