So Much for Self-Defense - Pentagon: Command Authorization Required to Shoot

[beerslurpy]

Out of curiosity, why is everyone so quick to buy into the notion that the military is constantly changing policy in ways it knows will endanger its personnel?

Because this is hardly the first time it has happened. I'm sure the first soldiers who heard this in Vietnam said "gosh, thats stupid, it cant be true. The government would never do something like that to its own people." Well, now we know better.

Just like people in NO probably said "I can't beleive the government is trying to kick me off my own property and disarm me." Well, now we know better.

edit: with a name like old dog, I didnt think you were still active duty. Why didnt you say you were basing your opinions off personal experience in Iraq?

 

[Old Dog]

Good question, Beerslurpy. I guess it's just that I'm intrigued by the opinions that many people -- who've either never served in the military, or who may have served, but left active duty 20 years ago -- have of the military. Things have changed so much, even in the past few years.

Well, I wouldn't disagree that there may or may not be some ... let's just say ... less than useful people working in the Pentagon or other high command ... I can say that in the past 26 years, I've seen major, major improvement in the way the military takes care of its people. I still have a lot of concerns about some of the directions that my service is heading, but as far as looking after the safety and well-being of our personnel, we've advanced by light years from when I first came on active duty (1979).

 

[Art Eatman]

Old Dog, check out Hackworth's website, "Soldiers for the Truth". (I guess it's still going.) Therein should be some of his commentary on "Perfumed Princes of the Pentagon". And, lots of emails and letters from GIs now serving.

Art

 

[Old Dog]

Yeah, Art, I used to read Hack all the time (and take him with a grain of salt). I was also one of those guys sending back the e-mails and letters complaining about everything when I was over there ... and though I've been back for a little over a year now (and won't have to go again since I'm retiring), my buds are keeping me well informed ...

 

[DRZinn]

I have no great respect for bureaucrats, but one thing I guarantee they'll never change (because even the most spineless military commander won't stand for it) is our troops' right to defend themselves when fired upon.


(of course, "never" could end in 50 years or so)

 

[makanut]

Erroneous use of bandwidth removed by Art.