That's blatantly untrue. You act like the second they joined the military, they became a robot, devoid of thought and reason. Any US soldier over there can CHOOSE at any time to be shipped back here and sit in Fort Levenworth for a few. They choose not to, for one of various reasons, which I've highlighted already.
Certainly, that wouldn't stop THE WAR as a whole, but it'd stop THEIR PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT in it, which is what I applaud or boo people on.
Yes, but like I keep saying, this isn't a viable option for most people. And it isn't just because they're a "robot." These men and women have loyalties to each other as well - for those that can afford to stand on principle and oppose the war, there are countless others of their fellow soldiers who cannot - and standing on principle would force you to abandon those loyalties.
The military is a fraternity that we can't possibly begin to understand or appreciate if we're not involved in it - the relationships and loyalties developed there are probably more intense than any we'll ever have.
But given the choice between having to shoot someone else in the head or sitting in jail for five years, then it's not? Intriguing.
I think that says more about how much we value other people's lives then anything else.
The choice isn't this simplistic; you've reduced it too far. The choice is based on far more things than just this - lets expand on it.
"Given the choice between having to shoot someone else in the head, or have them shoot you in the head? Given the choice between having to shoot someone else in the head, or have your family go without food and housing? Given the choice between having to shoot someone else in the head, or have your best friend shot in the head? Given the choice to between having to shoot someone else in the head, or abandon everything else in your future that you've worked for (see above mention of dishonorable discharge)?"
I could go on, but shouldn't have to.