U.S. Troops Who Criticize the Military May Lose Their Careers, But They Retain Their Honor

Those who served in U.S. military combat from Vietnam to Afghanistan have witnessed unimaginable atrocities. Once proud to serve, some members of the armed forces became disenchanted by the realities of these wars once they experienced them firsthand.

Stories from those who spoke out against the U.S. military are cataloged in new book called “Paths of Dissent: Soldiers Speak Out Against America’s Misguided Wars.” Service members from all walks of life are included; a variety of branches, races, genders and mentalities pertaining to war as a concept are represented.

Retired Lt. Col. Paul Yingling is one of the service members who spoke out, and his essay “Candor and Intolerance” appears in the book. After enlisting in the army at 17 and serving for 28 years, Yingling published an article in 2007 lambasting the leadership and morality of the U.S. military throughout many decades.

Retired Col. Andrew Bacevich is the president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft and served as the book’s co-editor.

Listen to his full interview with WBUR-FM.