"If guns kill people, then pencils cause misspelled words." - Author unknown.
This particular demo was staged for the "Future Leaders of City X" (which shall remain unnamed). Half the fun was that is was in the bar at the NCO Club - lots of funny cracks about that one! This group was comprised of everyone from a high school student to bankers, engineers, business owners, and the like. A supposed "cross-section" of City X. Lots of people thrilled to see the guns we use, picking them up, taking pictures with them, and so on. Amazed at the sheer weight of the weapons, and even more so when informed of the other gear and ammo carried along with each weapon.
Obviously, such a scenario leaves one open to being placed on the spot about various military issues, although I had never been subjected to the dubious honor. That night...well, that night was the exception. These guns, these weapons, these machines capable of destruction are a part of my life. Military life. Protection of our nation. Our resources. Our people. There is no question about that...right? Wrong.
Question #1. "Why do we need this much firepower in the middle of Wyoming?" I was floored. Flabbergasted. Mouth-dropping, stop-in-my-tracks amazed. I mean, I KNOW the answer, but jeez, lady...didn't you SEE the big replicas of the nuclear missiles on the way through the gate? Those mean we have nukes here. In Wyoming. Oh wait. I'm sorry...we should lay down our weapons and just let Ahmad-Muhammed-Raed-raghead-Arab in to take our nukes. Duh. What was I thinking? Oh. I was thinking of protecting all the people in Wyoming and our nation from the effects of a stolen nuclear weapon.
Question #2. "Obviously, you know a lot about these weapons and how to use them. And obviously YOU, as a woman, would not go to the front lines of combat. But you do have the potential here to carry a weapon and to be in the line of fire, right? As a WOMAN?" Well, let's look at this for a minute. If you'd do your homework, first of all, you'd know that the majority of the Air Force are not "front line fighters" in a traditional sense. Second of all...absolutely. I will be right out there, carrying a weapon next to another man or woman carrying a weapon, ready to take a bullet in the line of work I have elected to do, which is defend my country and it's people, resources, and government. In case no one's noticed...equal opportunity is alive and well. A woman is as perfectly capable of pulling the trigger as a man (and many times, better at it.) I do not consider being a woman a "hazard" in my line of work. I don't think because I have boobs it interferes with my ability to protect this country. If you do...I can think of a couple countries that will welcome you with open arms (and possibly a suicide bomber on a bus).
Take heart, Future Leaders of City X. Not only are your sons, fathers, brothers, and uncles defending our great country in this turbulent time, but also your daughters, mothers, sisters, and aunts. Patriotism is not just for men anymore...and more than ever, part of that patriotism means being prepared in any event, for any event...which means yes. We do need this much firepower in the middle of Wyoming, all over the U.S., and in the territories overseas. It is the men AND women of the United States Armed Forces providing it. Sleep well tonight.
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