Good post Grey. I guess I should go back and read them old boy scout manuals of mine and study up on that deet dot stuff again...

Old Warrior, Etech, and any other "senior" militia men. I applaud your realization of the inevitable, death is certain, its all in how you approach it. You either die bound and head hung low, or you smile and spit in his face as he walks up to deliver the last blow. HOWEVER, just because your old and slow doesn't mean we can afford to loose you anymore than anyone else. Experience and knowledge, wisdom and skill are the gifts of age. I, for one, have uses for the older generation.

Teaching the young. The old warrior is the best teacher; he knows what to do, how to think, how to survive. Those who are not old enough to serve along side the warriors need this experience if they are to survive and be a cohesive team member.

Defending the rear. Not as glorious as dying in the front line, but just as important. If you can't take the battle to them, let them do the work and bring it to you. When all the fighters leave for the field, the woman and children, the injured and ill, logistics, commo, medical and all the other necessary resources have less to ensure they survive. The old, young, and women will have to bear it to the fullest. But I forsee that many an "old warrior" would rather fall than allow for one woman or child to take his place.

Greater love have no man than to lay his life down for another. But you may as well prolong it until the last foe falls.