When you say, “these countries,” I imagine you include the United States, where politically connected youngsters like George W. Bush secured and then ignored jet interceptor training during the 1960s?

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JasonADrury 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Be that as it may, I think we can agree that the USAF is not the same as the air forces of the Gulf countries.

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mvdtnz 2 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Not everyone agrees that America is special. You haven't convincingly won a conflict in how long, so we're not really convinced your military is as exceptional as you like to say.

	▲	JasonADrury 2 hours ago \| parent [-]
		I'm not American

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baybal2 2 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

[dead]

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true_religion an hour ago | parent | prev [-]

I would include the USA, with the caveat that in the US being sent to the military is often seen as a punishment for rich children where as in the Middle East being sent to the military can be an opportunity to build an independent power base for yourself or your family.

	▲	nradov an hour ago \| parent [-]
		The USA has a volunteer military. Occasionally there are cases where the criminal court system might agree to dismiss a minor charge if the defendant enlists. But that doesn't happen to rich people, or those joining as commissioned officers (pilot track).