In the begining of the book, Jarhead, by Anthony Swafford, the issue of free speech comes up. Reporters come to interview the marines who are stationed out in Saudi Arabia, and the captain gives rules/regulations on how to answer any questions the reporters ask regarding their personal feelings on the war. In actuality-- there are NO personal feelings allowed when discussing war, at least if you are enrolled in the services. Swafford makes us completely aware of this,
"When you are a part of that thing, you speak like it. Reporters are arriving to ask me what I think about sitting in a desert, waiting for war. I'll answer that I like it; I'm prepared for anything that might come my way; I have supreme confidence in all of my leaders, from my team leader to the president".
It's scary to think that the guys who are out there fighting aren't even allowed to express how they feel. No wonder the statistics show that mental health services are necessary for marines. http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/05/07/3005-defense-department-releases-mental-health-assessment-findings/
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