Druids Associated with the Military

[Art]

Topics related to Druids in the military, veterans, and others associated with the military have generated some interesting and meaningful discussions.

If there is sufficient interest, we would be pleased to implement a new forum for those who have a close association with the military. This obviously would be a place to voice opinions, share experiences, vent as needed and even tell the occasional war story.

Please let us know your feelings about this proposal by participating in the poll. Initially this poll will run for five days with an option to extend.

[Beith]

Hi Art, everyone,

May I ask some questions to this suggestion?
- what is the purpose for such a forum?
- would it be private or public access?
- if private, who will have access to it?

I'm not against any group having their area for discussion if that's felt necessary but aren't there enough locations on the board where topics related to druidry can be discussed? We have had some good discussions about druids in battle (past and present) in open public fora in which everyone can participate and there are fora which cater for just about every aspect of druidry already, in addition to private members areas where private discussions are held off the main public-access board, so what is the reason for a military forum that is not already addressed by those?

If it's for a support-group purpose that's one thing but if it's for discussion of topics related to druidry, then is that need not already met? ie. can opinions not be voiced, experiences shared, thoughts vented without the need for a special military-themed forum on this board? Just asking in order to better understand...

cheers
Beith

[Ailim]

We have had people from a military background asking to be put in touch with druids of similar background. We usually give them some links to other websites that we've come across (but are not linked with us). However, I have the impression that sometimes it can very difficult to follow a Druidic/Pagan path whilst in some country's military, and therefore the forum, if one was approved, would probably be for support and advice, rather than a discussion about druidry - which as you rightly say, Beith, we have a wide range of fora for that.

[Scylla]

So what´s the decision? I see we´re equals, in the poll result. I find interesting to have such a forum here, personally, being a reservist and a pagan I feel a bit lonely here in Spain for not having more pagan military comrades that I can meet and talk aobut our needs and wishes.

[Art]

The poll itself is tied however the commentary has been slight. The plan is to make no decision until Wednesday evening and then to make the decision based on both the poll data and the commentaries in this topic.

[Selene]

Well, I'm not a veteran and therefore not really one to comment, but I don't see this idea as much different from the Druid-Christian subforum, or most of the other special interest groups, for that matter. They're private or hidden so they don't clutter things up for people who aren't interested, and anyone who does want to join can ask the moderator for access. Of course, most of these fora see very little traffic...I've often thought that giving a group its own private space is the kiss of death...but if there are military folks who want to try it, it doesn't cost anything to experiment.

[Saule]

I don't think there is a need for the separation. There are existing forums that would sufficient to allow reasonable conversation. Since being in the military is at the root of it a career, [Druid Living > Druidry in the workplace] comes to mind as a good place for threads related to the military to be posted.

The one thing I'd really not like to see is (if it comes into existence) it being closed (maybe to the general public, but not to members). A free exchange of ideas (with out too many hurdles to jump) is what I would always consider ideal. I've never been a fan of segregation of any kind. Non-military folk could learn a lot from the military and visa versa.

The last point I'd like to make is if you create a forum for just the military, you will be setting the precedent for other career paths who might feel they want a separate forum as well. And then the question becomes where do you draw the line. The only career path I can think of that is also somewhat contradictory to the druid path is derived from right around here, which is the oil and gas industry (and ALL its suppliers). Oil and gas industry is terrible for the environment, but druids trying to make a living while trying to improve oil and gas industry from the inside could have huge conflicts with faith and career and peer perspective. Now I know oil and gas is limited to a few regions of the world but I'm sure there are other sectors that could have similar problems.

Ok that was a long paragraph... But segregation would cause "draw the line" issues in the future.

I think using the general already provided forums would be enough and more beneficial too everyone involved. And you never know the military guys might find they have a lot in common with some oil executive somewhere, and the doctors/nurses/teachers/animal care givers/gardeners can give us all a little piece of mind!

[Scylla]

Of course I don´t like either the idea of a closed forum for military people, it should be open for everyone, so non military people can join and give their vision about the discussed matters, sometimes we need the sight of a foreing person to see the problem/solution.

Any decision the Board makes will be good for me.

[Art]

After much consideration and input, we have decided not to establish a separate private forum for Druids associated with the military at this time. The concensus seems to be that the existing forums provide ample platform and that there is value in the recognition Druids in and associate with the military get from interacting with the general population.

We can however revisit this concept in the future is a need does arise.