The title of this thread is What do our Military really think. It's not about what did John Kerry think.
Of course I believe he would get them the money. But that wasn't my point.
My point was the message he sent to the military. He could have made his point better in another way.
I really don't hate John Kerry. Should he win the election, then for at least 4 years he will be My President. I will give him the respect that he would deserve as the President. He is not my choice but I won't be so filled with hate that I would bash him at every turn. I didn't do it when Clinton was in and I won't do it no matter who is in. I think George Bush is better for the job and that is who I will vote for. But I will respect the will of the American people.

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Those who think they know everything, usually know the least.

My brother is in the military. Two years ago I could say, "Well, my brother does better under a Republican administration." Of course, if you're dead then that really isn't better. But...

I think what the military thinks is mixed, but leans toward their commander in chief -- that has been my experience. I am guessing, but I'd say 70/30 in favor of who is in office. I can't really blame them for that. They are loyal.

But I don't THINK too many of them believe they would be un-funded under either administration.

The point is and has always been what does the military think. The military by a majority thinks this war is worth the sacrifices they are making.
The message John Kerry sent to the military with his vote against the money was: I know you need the money but I am not going to support you with my vote because I have to make a point. Not a good sign for someone who wants to be commander in chief for the military.

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Those who think they know everything, usually know the least.

Writing as a prior military member, the loyalty that I observed for President clinton was about 30% positive (error of 5%), 70% totally opposed. This was due in part to the under-funding nightmare that he imposed on the military. We had equipment, but it didn’t work. We had vehicles, but had no parts. We had to cannibalize parts from other less running vehicles.

Now, as a college graduate, I feel so strongly about our military and our commitment to protect American interests that I am becoming an officer.

I would say that the military is strong under a Republican or Democrat. It is when a liberal ideology is guiding our military policy that the military suffers from personnel cuts and under-funding. Kerry has made a statement directly to the military and our nation. I will compromise your safety and your mission for my political benefit.

Military members are required to support the mission in Iraq. However, they are not required to re-enlist. The re-enlistment number is an indication of the state of the moral. Rather than looking at the pentagons goal for the fiscal year to see how good or bad moral is (re-enlistment); you should look at historical data for times with a comparable number of soldiers in the ranks, and then look at the % of re-enlistment.