1945

Rifles were made of wood and steel, shot a .30 caliber bullet and killed the enemy in one shot.

Today

Rifles are made of plastic and aluminum, shoot a .22 caliber bullet, and wound the enemy, if you can hit them.

1945

The winning side used a U.S. made .45 Caliber pistol, The losers used a European 9mm.

Today

We use a European 9mm pistol. Nobody uses the .45, and we have been out of ammunition for years.

1945

If you smoked, you had an ashtray on your desk.

Today

If you smoke, you are sent outside and are treated like a leper.

1945

If you said "damn", people knew you were annoyed and avoided you.

Today

If you say "damn" you better be talking about a hydroelectric plant.

1945

NCO's had a typewriter on their desks for doing daily reports.

Today

Everyone has an internet computer, and they wonder why no work is getting done.

1945

We painted pictures of pretty girls on airplanes to remind us of home.

Today

We put the real thing in the cockpit – and don’t even think about painting anything on your aircraft and those rocks better look pretty.

1945

Your girlfriend was at home, praying you would return alive.

Today

She is in the same foxhole, praying your condom worked.

1945

If you got drunk off duty, your buddies would take you back to the barracks to sleep it off.

Today

If you get drunk any time they slap you in rehab and ruin your whole career.

1945

You were taught to aim at your enemy and shoot him.

Today

You spray 500 bullets into the brush, don't hit anything, and retreat because you are out of ammo.

1945

Canteens were made out of steel. You could heat coffee or hot chocolate in them.

Today

Canteens are made of plastic. You can't heat anything in them and they always taste like plastic.

1945

Officers were professional soldiers first. They commanded respect.

Today

Officers are politicians first. They beg not to be given a wedgie.

1945

They collected enemy intelligence and analyzed it.

Today

They collect our pee and analyze it – 5 times a month.

1945

If you don't act right, the commander might put you in the Stockade ‘till you straighten up.

Today

If you don't act right, they start a paper trail that follows you forever.

1945

Medals were awarded to heroes who saved lives at the risk of their own.

Today

Medals are awarded to people who show up for work most of the time – even the guys we kick out.

1945

You slept in a barracks, like a soldier.

Today

You sleep in a dormitory, like a college kid – tear up a brand new building and wonder why the place looks like hell.

1945

You ate in a Mess Hall. It was free and you could have all the food you wanted.

Today

You eat in a dining facility. Every slice of bread or pat of butter costs, and you can only have one.

1945

We defeated powerful countries like Germany and Japan, and once in awhile somebody got a medal.

Today

We can’t even beat Iraq or Yugoslavia, but everyone comes home a Hero with a chest full of fruit salad.

1945

If you wanted to relax, you went to the Rec Center, played pool, smoked and drank beer.

Today

You go to the Community Center and can still  play pool, if you pay.

1945

If you wanted a beer and conversation you could go to the NCO or Officers Club.

Today

Today you can go to the "All Ranks Club", the beer will cost you $1.75 plus tax, membership is  forced, someone is watching how much you drink, and the MP’s will give you a ticket the second you walk out the door.

1945

You could buy quartermaster gas tax free because it was on a

military reservation.

Today

AAFES charges you the tax but pockets the money themselves

because it is on a military reservation.

1945

The BX/PX had bargains for GI's who didn't make much money.

Today

You can get better merchandise cheaper at Wal-Mart.

1945

We could recognize the enemy by their Nazi helmets.

Today

We are wearing the Nazi helmets.

1945

We called the enemy things like "Krauts" and  "Japs" because we didn't like them.

Today

We call the enemy things like "opposing forces" and "aggressors" so we don't offend them.

1945

Victory was declared when the enemy was dead and all his things

were broken, and you could go home.

Today

Victory is declared when the enemy says he is sorry, and you stay to police the area for years to come.

1945

If you killed an enemy soldier, you could bring home his rifle

as a trophy.

Today

If you bring home anything at all as a trophy you get a court

martial.

1945

A commander would put his butt on the line to protect his

people.

Today

A commander will put his people on the line to protect his butt.

1945

After the war, you could buy your own rifle off the government,

cheap.

Today

You can't be trusted with your own rifle, and you'll be jailed

if you ever get one.

1945

Wars were planned and run by real Generals with lots of important victories.

Today

Wars are planned and run by politicians with lots of important

panty raids.

1945

We knew we were fighting for freedom. The country was

committed to winning.

Today

We don't know what we are fighting for. The government is

committed to Socialism.

1945

All you could think of was getting out and becoming a civilian

again.

Today

All you can think of is getting out and becoming a civilian

again.