Because most people here are rather left-wing, and I feel that the majority of lefties hold the US military establishment (rightfully, IMHO) in very low regard,

Because most people here are rather left-wing, and I feel that the majority of lefties hold the US military establishment (rightfully, IMHO) in very low regard, due to recent activities and engagements — e.g. the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the bombing of Libya and Syria, and so on. Not to imply this is only a position of the political left; it's my experience, however, that left-wing folk, including myself, are not exactly overflowing with praise for the US military...