mercenary

Mercenary …hmm the general consensus defines one as a soldier of fortune.
They are not born fully kitted, nor arrive with a tattoo across the forehead announcing their future life.  They arrive; like you and I, mere babes.  Only time will show whether their choices in life will bend and sway; sending them along the path where the label mercenary will be the defining persona of who they may be.

As one looks through the world news and sees the various conflicts,  it is almost inevitable that somewhere a fleeting reference to soldiers of fortune or mercenary is found

Now don’t get me wrong, some indeed deserve the title and have freely chosen this path and all it entails for money alone.  But for many its survival.  They were once part of society’s accepted military or law enforcement path.  Trained, skilled in such ways that the general public, have or wish not to fully know or understand.  They wore the uniform of their country, their community and served.  They were seen as the defenders of freedom,  keepers of the peace and protectors of the weak.

So when does our perception seem to change?  For me; I see that once their time whether it be within the military or law enforcement draws to an end.  Its here, that choices are made.  They have served their time, their use. They find many turn their back, ignoring them, they served us so well.

Why do we provide so many with skills of little use with in the general society? 
There appears to be a lack of support once their term of deployment is over.  The powers that are; appear to hold a view there is so much new fodder to bring into the realm. So those who are leaving are expendable.  The use by date now marked expired.

So how do I see a soldier of fortune? Well, I do admit there are those who choose the path; as I have previously said for the money alone.  Many choose the path for they have no other way , no longer able to fit back in the general population.  The system has separated them too long.  They do not know or are unable to step back in the general community.. How does one step back into the community after years kept apart?  They were housed within barracks, or on bases.  A regimented life where one's needs are all provided for. The main emphasis on use of their skills.  They were protected by a comradeship that is born on the need of mutual acceptance and understanding. 

Many take the only option they see open to them and embrace the term mercenary with all its conortations.  Some, sadly,  take the only way they see and end their life.  The term brings memories of a childhood, where those labelled as a soldier of fortune were my life line, my support and always to me the angels of the soul.