Before I succumbed to the propagandizing coming out of the Army PA folks *and* the senior leadership, I was much more careful myself in the use of the terms "warrior" versus "soldier." The warrior can be admired for his personal prowess, but oft-times true warrior societies aren't really very good militarys, and usually get their butts handed to them when they run into a disciplined group of soldiers, even when armed similarly.
There are always exceptions, of course. One can juxtapose the Wagon Box Fight against Little Big Horn, for example. But in the end, who reigned supreme? Ask the warriors of the Mahdi, square-breakers or no.
It kind of reaches it's ultimate expression in an occasional feature that is put out by Army Public Affairs - one which I like, mind you, though I've always thought the title of it was contrived.
The Army "Warrior-Soldier" of the Week...
Comes now a thoughtful guest editorial on the subject, by a serving soldier, Major M. Orris, published here with his permission (you may have already run across it - it's been a rash in service email):
Read the complete post at http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2009/09/warrior_versus.html
Posted
Sep 03 2009, 08:38 AM
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Argghhh! The Home Of Two Of Jonah's Military Guys..