Does Serving in the Military Make You a Hero?

No, is the short answer from William J. Astore in an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times.

"Simply joining the armed services does not make you a hero, nor does the act of serving in combat," Astore writes. "Still, ever since the events of 9/11, there's been an almost religious veneration of U.S. service members as "Our American Heroes" (as a well-intentioned sign puts it at my local post office). But a snappy uniform -- or even dented body armor -- is not a magical shortcut to hero status."

Astore is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who teaches history at the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

So what's wrong with elevating all of those who make at least some measure of sacrifice -- and, in many cases, put themselves at great personal risk -- to serve their country? "A lot," says Astore. "By making our military a league of heroes, we ensure that the brutalizing aspects and effects of war will be played down. In celebrating isolated heroic feats, we often forget that war is guaranteed to degrade humanity as well."

By the way, just so we're clear here, I'm not endorsing or rejecting Astore's position. Just passing it along for your consideration.

(Hat tip: Atlantic Wire)