This would not be the first or last time a military has turned its back on its fighting men...

Sadly, that's exactly what nations do, almost invariably.

Along with this unacknowledged history of its involvement in SA, the US ignores the betrayals of its own veterans.

American troops, led by the "hero" Douglas MacArthur were turned against American Veterans of WWI in Washington D.C. in what was referred to as the Bonus Army. Tear gas & tanks were used against not only veterans, but their wives & children.

That's not exactly good for military recruitment.