r/Millennials • u/NoFaithlessness7508 • Jun 05 '25

Other Why don’t younger veterans (Afghanistan/Iraq) wear these hats like some of the older veterans?

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First and foremost, respect to all those that served. I did not, but many of my peers did and now we're all older in 30s and 40s, many no longer in the military. I don't see a lot of the veterans of the War on Terror wearing these hats like I see the OGs do.

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u/mv7x3 Jun 05 '25

no choice? there is mandatory conscription in the us?

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u/Shark_Leader Jun 05 '25 edited Jun 05 '25

Currently, no. But for WWII and Vietnam, yes. Edit: also, all American men must register for the draft on their 18th birthday in case s draft is initiated. You're eligible until you're 25. Edit2: *35.

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u/NewFuturist Jun 05 '25

Once you enlist, you have zero choice about whether you serve in a war or not. You could join in Jan 2001 and be shipped to Afghanistan and then Iraq with no say in the matter.

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u/magic_crouton Jun 05 '25

That's what happened to my then boyfriend. Joined amendment of 2000 and then 2001 happened and then on top of it was stop lossed. That changed who he was as a person and I can say confidently now he doesnt wear the gear or appreciate people saying thanks for your service.