Military matters and issues

Of recent, much has been written, discussed, "tweeted," blogged, and broadcast about current events pertaining to the military and armed forces.  Most certainly, anyone is free to offer an opinion about any matter or issue of their choosing, though having personal knowledge abut the matter or issue under review.  However, and perhaps due to personal sensitivity, it seems a wide swatch of our population assumes qualification to opine about uniquely military matters an issues. 

Sharing opinions in a public forum is a tricky business, because the thoughts are open to review and criticism from multiple angles, including technical accuracy, political leaning, sufficiency of research, quality of analysis, ad validity of the conclusions.  Therefore it is important to be comprehensive and accurate when deliberately sharing one's opinion.  It doesn't really matter if others disagree with a shared opinion, but it does matter that such an opinion is based on solid ground, so to speak.

It is with this point that I take issue with all too many opinions recently launched into the public square concerning military matters and issues.  Far too many of the opinions are offered from deficient positions and levels of knowledge.  Some of the opinions are being offered without any experience or relevant expertise in matters military.  It is very clear, in some cases, that the commentator is woefully ignorant of the topic on which they offer their views.  While free to do so, it takes away from the substance of the view they seek to present.  So their views contribute to misinformation ad confusion, rather than to informed debate.  It is really no different than offering uninformed medical opinions.  

Thank about it the next time you read or listen to a self appointed "expert" on military matters and issues.  Does the individual have reasonable standing, experience, or expertise on the topic?  If not, discount the offered views.