The pattern of discontent in US ranks (Desertions Up-In Thousands)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1216/p01s01-usmi.html

Griping among the troops is as old as armed conflict, illustrated most memorably by cartoonist Bill Mauldin's "Willie and Joe" characters during World War II. But something more than that is happening now in Iraq with what appears to be growing resistance from the troops.

Evidence includes numbers of deserters (reportedly in the thousands), resignations of reserve officers, lawsuits by those whose duty period has been involuntarily extended, and a refusal to go on dangerous missions without proper equipment. There's also been a willingness at grunt level to publicly challenge the Pentagon - as Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld found out recently in a trip to the war zone, where he got an earful about unarmored humvees.

While some don't see much defiance - and, in fact, have been surprised by the depth of solidarity - others see an unusual amount of tension surfacing for an all-volunteer military force.

"What is driving the resistance is the same thing that drove it during Vietnam - a lack of trust in the civilian leadership and a sense that the uniformed leaders are not standing up for the forces," says retired Army Col. Dan Smith, a military analyst with the Friends Committee on National Legislation in Washington. Colonel Smith doesn't expect the kind of "fragging" incidents that occurred in Vietnam where soldiers attacked their own officers. "This force is too professional," he says. "But the lack of trust and the inequity of the tours will very likely be reflected in the numbers of Guard and reservists who vote no-confidence with their feet."

[bowens43]

1. I have nothing but respect for those who refuse to participate

in the illegal occupation of Iraq.

[rockedthevoteinMA]

2. I second that. These guys are showing their courage

by standing up - and not participating.

[tomreedtoon]

3. Where do you desert TO in Iraq?

This is a serious question. You want to desert. You're in the middle of this desert hell. You have people all around you who hate your guts, whether you're wearing your uniform or not. Especially if you have white skin, you're a target, but speaking English will get anyone shot sight unseen.

In Vietnam, you could theoretically go native, get to Japan and find your way to some country where Americans are not shot on sight. But where can you go in Iraq? You're stuck.

(And I can't help but think of that sad little film, "More American Graffiti," in which "Terry the Toad" tried to deserted from his unit in 'Nam in the mid-60's.)

[durablend]

4. Wonder if we're going to start seeing more...

"Unexplained (fatal) miltary theater accidents" to silence some of this dissent?

[bemildred]

5. I have seen resistance videos offering to take deserters in,

hide them, protect them, and spirit them out of the country. Of
course it's not an enforceable contract ...

[Jackpine Radical]

8. I would imagine that they wait til they're on leave

in the States or on R&R in Europe, then vanish.

[RubyCat]

6. Any update yet on who won the military vote?

[seriousstan]

7. Does anyone have any links to back up the desertion numbers?

I have not seen any print on this except for offhanded assertions like this one....."(reportedly in the thousands)".

Thanks

[Mokito]

9. I've heard numbers of around 5,500 current deserters.

It could be slightly off.

[seriousstan]

10. link?

[Mokito]

11. From "Times Online"

US Army plagued by desertion and plunging morale

(large snip)

The same night, interviews with three soldiers who are seeking refugee status in Canada, where they have become minor celebrities, dominated prime time television. They are among more the than 5,000 troops that CBS’s 60 Minutes reported on Wednesday had deserted since the war began.

(more)

Times Online