FM 3-24: America's new masterplan for Iraq

[Freddie53]

Sounds like a conflict of interest in Iraq. Are we aiming to save them or "nuclearfy" them?

It appears that you are maiking the assumption that this administration has common sense and has secured the best minds in military matters. Bush doesn't have a clue. Bush has to be one of the dumbest presidents in US history.

 

[dong20]

I often wonder if it is unfair to expect the millitary to be expected to perform a civilian role?

Well I don't know about 'unfair' but it's certainly inefficient and in too many countries the start of a slippery slope.

 

[witchway]

The average soldier we send to Iraq has done Basic and Advanced Infantry Training, probably some additions such as Airborne School. Altogether an excellent military training, but not the training that's efficient for what's basically a police job.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand there is no one with current political influence, in the Bush (or Blair) administrations, who has had any personal experience of military service themselves.[/quote]



I don't think you need to be corrected, you're absolutely right!! Unbelievable! This administration (for lack of a better word for it) has lied and cheated it's way through the last 6 years! I am really curious as to what GWB and his trusty sidekick Big Dick Cheney will say and do next! God stand by us all!!

 

[Nitrofiend]

As an American I am quite offended by the title of this post. You speak as though Americans have any control whatsoever over their politicians' actions.

 

[hypolimnas]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand there is no one with current political influence, in the Bush (or Blair) administrations, who has had any personal experience of military service themselves.

I don't think you need to be corrected, you're absolutely right!!

There are suggestions of evolutionary reasons why populations should be capable of waging war, for self defence and improved access to resources etc.

Physically aggressive males are needed in every society, increasingly less so but they are not redundant and never will be. However there can also be a surplus of them. One study of gorillas I read ages ago (sorry to be vague, a dangerous thing here) showed that the aggresssive dominant males from time to time actually went to war with each other, killed each other, and then left the communities on both sides to live in peace. Some how when there is a war, and none of those in government understand the grass roots reality (or have any experience) it all goes a bit wierd.

One of the first things to observe is that modern military technology places civilians at risk more than ever before.

I think it may become increasingly difficult for the US military to feel they are understood, valued, and supported by their political masters. US soldiers are trained to kill, they know that, we know that.

Specialist international forces experienced in peace keeping, reconstruction, plus international NGO support exists in many former conflict situations around the world. The US military presence has become increasingly problematic.

The time to lead through diplomacy, and reaching out for international negotiation, and support is well overdue. This has to be led by politicians, it is not the work of the military.