US military recruiter: ‘I totally agree with you the wars are illegal and started with lies. For now, my mouth stays closed. But my eyes and ears are open.’

*hyperlinks live at source*

I recently attended a public event with US military recruiters present. I walked by their display table wondering if any of them knew they recruit for lie-started and illegal Wars of Aggression. I made eye contact with one, who instantly responded with a friendly greeting. This is roughly the conversation after I answered that I’m a high school teacher.

Recruiter: Hey, could I come to your classroom sometime to discuss military careers with your students?

Carl: Ok, let’s talk. This is what I see and would include if you’d like to come to my class: the US wars are the opposite of legal, and from disclosed top-level documentation of our own government were started with “reasons” that were lies known to be lies as they were told.

R: (suddenly still, and looking intensely straight into my eyes) May we talk about this outside? (pretends to look down, but actually looking at the feet of another recruiter in apparent check if he heard what I just said)

C: Sure. (I walk out double doors to a foyer. The recruiter follows)

R: (looking around in apparent check for a confidential conversation) Look. I totally agree with you that the wars are illegal and started with lies. (pause to let this admission sink-in for me)

I’m 16 years in and would like to retire with benefits. If I speak out now, I might go to military prison, and for sure would throw away those 16 years.

For now, my mouth stays closed. But my ears and eyes are open.

C: I empathize, Brother. You should try to earn those benefits with 20 years in. My wife was in the Navy for six, and now makes a nice salary as a computer systems analyst from what she learned. You have to take care of your family.

R: I have to. But that doesn’t mean I’m not paying attention.

C: What percent of the military you observe are aware that the wars are illegal, and you’re all sent to invade and attack other nations that just happen to have strategic resources like oil?

R: I’m really not aware of how many of us know this. As I said, my mouth is closed.

C: Did you know the first operation name for the war on Iraq was O.I.L.: Operation Iraqi Liberation? They changed it after too many people like me noticed.

R: (wrinkled brow, then shakes his head) No, I wasn’t. But I’m not surprised.

C: They use and laugh at you in the military.

R: (purses lips, deep breath in, nods his head in agreement)

C: And it’s not going to stop. Syria is the same. So is Iran (both here).

R: I know.

C: (looking in his eyes to read his status. I don’t have anything else to communicate, and am open to contribute more if this would be helpful)

R: Look: I’d appreciate it if this conversation stays confidential.

C: Agreed. (zero details of time and venue do this) Keep your eyes and ears open, Brother. There might be an opening to take action. Be prepared.

R: (nods in agreement)

C: (I extend my hand to shake; he embraces firmly) Best wishes.

R: You, too.