Some Troops Say "Bullshit"

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

Fight to Survive Soldier's Blog

http://ftssoldier.blogspot.com/

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As veterans themselves, Rep. Murth and Sgt. Seavy, are qualified to comment on troop morale and support for the war. However, having served as a sniper in the First Infantry Division, deployed to Baquba, Iraq from Feb. 2004 to Feb. 2005, I have a better understanding of the mindset belonging to the soldiers fighting in our current conflict. The majority of them were in low spirits, not only due to the expected reasons of stress, hostile environment, risk of injury or death, being tired, hot, hungry and homesick, but also because the reasons for fighting in Iraq are ambiguous, at best.

With a plummeting public support for the war it is becoming more difficult for the soldiers serving to swallow the over emphasized patriotic ideals that have been hijacked to guilt Americans into backing the false war effort. Not only is the civilian polls turning from the war, also senior military leadership is gaining the courage to stand up for the enlisted soldiers. Commanders like General Anthony Zinni, Lieutenant General Gregory Newbold, Major General Paul Eaton, and my own Division Commander Major General John Batiste have all been outspoken about the neglectful manner in which the administration has endangered soldiers and national security by attacking Iraq instead of focusing on legitimate terrorist targets.

America’s and the Senior Leadership’s views might have an impact on the troops opinions of the Iraq War, however I believe that it is the truth on the ground that sways the belief of the average soldier. Although, unless asked anonymously, like in the recent Zogby Poll, most soldiers fear repercussions from their chain of command if they express their honest feelings about the politics behind the conflict. Most politicians and Generals that visit soldiers in the combat zone encounter pre-groomed soldiers that the local command knows will not question the war and lead to possible embarrassment. Further more no soldier that has a critical opinion about the war will voice his concern in front of his superiors.

If we take a look at recruiting numbers and volunteering to serve additional combat tours you might again be led astray. Many of the soldiers in service today have little control on weather they choose to have multiple deployments. If a soldier’s unit is returning to Iraq they have little option but to go. The lack of employment options in the civilian sector has a direct impact on reenlistment and recruitment numbers. Many modern day soldiers are married with families. A large portion of these soldiers make the sacrifice to reenlist because they are supporting their family who live on a secure military base where they have free housing and an affordable lifestyle. Meanwhile, recruiting statistics are misleading because the military has lowered standards for enlistment and altered the goals to meet the recruiting levels. Even with the increased reenlistment bonuses and challenges of returning to the civilian lifestyle, Junior Officers are separating from service at an alarming rate.

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[CrazyOrangeCat]

1. They have been sent into a hellhole . . .

. . . for no good reason. To be maimed or killed.

[stillcool]

2. very honest and articulate....

kind of blows me away that he has the capability of such insight being so close to the experience. He reminds me of something MLK once said...

Perhaps a new spirit is rising among us. If it is, let us trace its movements and pray that our own inner being may be sensitive to its guidance, for we are deeply in need of a new way beyond the darkness that seems so close around us.

[Late Slip]

3. What's your opinion on the paramilitary contractors?

What exactly do they do in Iraq? My understanding is they get huge salaries ($8K - $15K/month)but function more like security detail. Is there resentment amongst the troops towards these contractors? It is also my understanding that some of the attrition rate in the Army (especially SPecial Forces) is because they see the $$$ these contractors are making and want to get in on the action. I'd like to know what your thoughts are. THanks for your service BTW.

[Mr_Jefferson_24]

4. I don't think we should subcontract...

...paramilitary anything. It's feels too much like using mercenaries and raises all kinds of very thorny issues, not the least of which is how cost ineffective it is. Mercenaries get paid a lot and our troops rightly resent it. Taxpayers should resent it too.

As to what they do, most of what I read sounds like they are high priced security guards. I think these are sweetheart deals. Contracts awarded by the Pentagon for huge amounts of, often unaccounted for, money that could be much better spent training military personnel to perform these security details. We need oversight and accountability in the Pentagon. I think there are honest, smart, able and competent people in the Pentagon that could see to this, but they are not the ones running things.