However, after years of thinking this over, I believe the problem in large part is due to our national capitulation to end the draft, as flawed as it was. When only a minority of service age Americans choose to enter the military, it might be expected that those relative few would have to be endure multiple tours, even if already damaged from a prior one.

Perhaps it is time once again to require universal service, including sons and daughters of Senators, Representative, Hollywood and entertainment elite, sports figures, and all the rest. Of course exceptions would still be required for those simply cannot serve for medical reasons. But, is that really too much to ask for 12 years of free (to the student) education, and entrance into a society bought and paid for with the blood and deaths of millions who came before them? I think not.

Such a policy change is surely not a popular suggestion in this current age, but I'm not looking for popularity. I'm for easing the burden on the minority to actually choose to defend the majority, and then get screwed by those who sent them into wars not of the choosing of those who provide that service.

Once again, I enjoyed reading what you had to say on this subject. I do not have your 'crime and justice' background or focus, but it sure seems criminal to me to turn a cold shoulder to those who have so valiantly served the citizens of the Greatest Country in the History of the World!

' In WWII and Korean War, the percentage of military personnel engaged in combat was ten per cent, or less, of the total force being fielded. Yes, there were occasional exceptions such as when clerks and cooks were obliged to take up arms. I suppose the percentages are higher for subsequent wars, given the nature of warfare since. Does anyone know what that ratio is?
Does a veterans in trouble with the law deserve a special court and special consideration? Yes, if he/she actually experienced the trauma of combat. No, if the veteran in question served solely in a support capacity to combat troops. If a rear echelon veteran is being treated for post-traumatic stress, he/she should never have been allowed into the service in the first place.'