Take a look at this letter from a soldier

[yankeedem]

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/userletter/?letter_id=50310056

Wouldn't this be perfect as a response for one of those moralizing chainmails that the repugs send out (about the "military wife" in the restaurant, for example).

ARMY OF ONE?

When we had eight weeks left of our 6 month tour, I saw the light at the
end of the tunnel. When we had eight weeks left, I saw the smiles when soldiers
spoke to their families of a job well done. When we had eight weeks left I saw
motivation and enthusiasm to do what we had to do and complete our mission
safely. When we had eight weeks left, I saw soldiers having a positive impact
on the Iraqi people. When we had eight weeks left I saw soldiers willing to
endure any and all of the despicable living conditions and countless
frustrations brought about by questionable leadership.
Now, however, our eight weeks have been extended to eight months. Now I
feel it is my duty as an American to point out a few simple facts to the people
who depend on me and my compatriots to be strong, reliable soldiers in the
National Guard. First of all, often when my Military Police unit discovers
large caches of weapons (80 mm rockets, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades,
etc.) we are ordered to leave them where we found them, completely unsecure,
waiting to fall into the hands of the enemy. The reason? There aren't enough
EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) teams available. So, dangerous weapons that
are used to kill Americans are left just to sit there

continued

[jiacinto]

1. That's smart

I wonder who made that command.

[Noordam]

2. This has always been the case

"Regular Army personnel have all the up-to-date equipment, National Guard gets the leftovers..."

The reason is the NG were never expected to do things like Iraq.