We are running out of troops to send to Iraq

03-27-2008, 11:24 AM

Military tells Bush of troop strains - Yahoo! News

WASHINGTON - Behind the Pentagon's closed doors, U.S. military leaders told President Bush Wednesday they are worried about the Iraq war's mounting strain on troops and their families. But they indicated they'd go along with a brief halt in pulling out troops this summer.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff did say senior commanders in Iraq should make more frequent assessments of security conditions, an idea that appeared aimed at increasing pressure for more rapid troop reductions.

The chiefs' concern is that U.S. forces are being worn thin, compromising the Pentagon's ability to handle crises elsewhere in the world.

Either we start a draft which would tear this country apart or we come home.

Which should we choose?

We have National Guard Troops that should never have been sent overseas in the first place serving their second, third, fourth etc.. tours in Iraq. Enough is enough. We are torturing our troops in a needless war.

arnguy · 03-27-2008, 11:41 AM

Agreed. I gotta go now and put on my flak jacket before the Bushies on here tear into me!

03-27-2008, 12:29 PM

Since unlike the Humvees that were first committed to Iraq unarmored, I am already fully armored, I will speak to the reality of the situation. Most "Bushies" as you termed them, do not like to admit to the realities of the current format. Because of an illegal war, wehave done great damage to our military.

Winter · 03-27-2008, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by JORGEJR

Which should we choose?

If Hillary is elected she should be able to provide some leadership here based on her combat experience in Bosnia.

Winter

senior-advisor-indiana · 03-27-2008, 08:11 PM

Do you think Hillary will get a BJ from an intern?

dmiller90 · 03-28-2008, 07:20 AM

Since unlike the Humvees that were first committed to Iraq unarmored, I am already fully armored, I will speak to the reality of the situation. Most "Bushies" as you termed them, do not like to admit to the realities of the current format. Because of an illegal war, wehave done great damage to our military.

Ever served? The last time I enlisted I raised my own hand and accepted the responsibility. You can thank the Democrats for the reason the National Guard is used so heavily. 51% of your Combat Brigades are National Guard. You can thank the Clintons for cutting the military to the size it is and placing a greater responsibility on the National Guard and Reserves. When did you ever get the idea National Guard does not play an important role in this Nations Defense. Its not the 70's when the guard was a hiding place for individuals not wanting to be drafted during the Vietnam Conlflict, I have sent two boys of my own 1 with the 101st Airborne in 2003 and my other Son a National Guard member, left in 2005. I will agree that this Country needs to do something, its been five years. But Thank God we still have young Men and Women who still beleive in a cause, and dont spend time bashing the War on a Forum.

GreenSky · 03-28-2008, 10:31 AM

Just because we have brave and honorable men and women serving, it does not make the war proper.

Reducing the military to a size needed for DEFENSE however is proper. Illegally invading other countries does nothing to protect us from terrorists. We were attacked because of bases in the middle east (I'm not saying the attacks were justified), not because "they hate us for our freedom."

I respect each and every person risking their lives in any conflict. However, most of these risks are unnecessary.

Rick

dmiller90 · 03-28-2008, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by GreenSky

Just because we have brave and honorable men and women serving, it does not make the war proper.

Reducing the military to a size needed for DEFENSE however is proper. Illegally invading other countries does nothing to protect us from terrorists. We were attacked because of bases in the middle east (I'm not saying the attacks were justified), not because "they hate us for our freedom."

I respect each and every person risking their lives in any conflict. However, most of these risks are unnecessary.

Rick

I dont think any of us really understand. But to say Illegal, really makes me and my boys feel good about what we did.

And World War II was Illegal? Why did we care that Germany invaded Poland? What did it have to do with us? Were are actions illegal?

Read the new book called Terriost Watch, then maybe this whole illegal war will make alittle more sense, but maybe not, and I respect your opinion. But Illegal? The last time I watched the Democratic Pary handle a conflict was, in Somalia with Clinton using his military. Several of my closest friends will never be the same, due his miscalculations and handling of the military, Then their was the bombing on the USS Cole, I remember his speech, Makes me a little nervous, I have been on the other side, when it makes a difference.

GreenSky · 03-28-2008, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by dmiller90

I dont think any of us really understand. But to say Illegal, really makes me and my boys feel good about what we did.

And World War II was Illegal? Why did we care that Germany invaded Poland? What did it have to do with us? Were are actions illegal?

It's illegal because only Congress can declare war. How dare the President effectively declare war on Iraq without the Congress? And how dare the Congress fund a war with declaring war?

You and your son's did your duty to follow orders and I more than respect that. It's not a soldier's decision to determine if a war is just.

Rick

dmiller90 · 03-28-2008, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by GreenSky

It's illegal because only Congress can declare war. How dare the President effectively declare war on Iraq without the Congress? And how dare the Congress fund a war with declaring war?

You and your son's did your duty to follow orders and I more than respect that. It's not a soldier's decision to determine if a war is just.

Rick

Did you have to go? Have you ever seen or dealt with an extemist? or that matter the Middle eastern hatred(this just didnt start with bush) or is this something that you have read? Would you like a Mosque built next to you that teaches jihad. Because just keep thinking the way you do, and you will have one, there are several in the US.

And you dont think we should have gone after these terriorst after they finally attacked us on our soil? Congress is a bunch of liberal minded thinking people worried about Soft America and what they think.

*midwestbroker* · 03-28-2008, 04:12 PM

The problem with our congress is that first they would have to create a report on what happened, create a committee to look into it and come back with another report. Then they would debate the report, come up with a "bi-partisan" sub committee to look into it again...

I am getting ready to read Michael Scheuer's book Marching Towards Hell. He was with the CIA and with the unit that was supposed to take out Bin Laden (thanks Clinton!).

Anyone read that one yet? Heard an interview on the radio and he had some good stuff.

dmiller90 · 03-28-2008, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by midwestbroker

The problem with our congress is that first they would have to create a report on what happened, create a committee to look into it and come back with another report. Then they would debate the report, come up with a "bi-partisan" sub committee to look into it again...

I am getting ready to read Michael Scheuer's book Marching Towards Hell. He was with the CIA and with the unit that was supposed to take out Bin Laden (thanks Clinton!).

Anyone read that one yet? Heard an interview on the radio and he had some good stuff.

Yes I just finished that book, good stuff, Show on Fox at 9:pm about Jihad in America, Let Obama win, so we can get to the issues. Hope and love went out in the 60's. He better start reading Field Manuals on Combat Operations in the Middle East. Cause its not going to stop, no matter who is in office, or what they think. We better just have a no nonsense Commander that isnt afraid to go to War!! Obama talks about new sidewalks and a better America. Who doesnt want that for the future generation. But I am also a realist not a dreamer

Winter · 03-28-2008, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by GreenSky

It's illegal because only Congress can declare war. How dare the President effectively declare war on Iraq without the Congress? And how dare the Congress fund a war with declaring war?

Rick

Refer to the following Congressional act passed and signed by the President

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

GreenSky · 03-28-2008, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by Winter

Refer to the following Congressional act passed and signed by the President

Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002

I get that and I understand that Congress is a bunch of idiots.

If we are going to use force against a country then have the nads to declare war.

Rick

ijerome · 04-02-2008, 06:38 PM

O.K., I was drafted right out of college during Korea. Didn't go there and didn't see combat. But, I am all for a strong and professional military. However, everyone of has to participate by:. 1. Raise taxes to pay for the war.
2. compulsary draft for everyone 18 and above. If they are not acceptable for armed services then put em to work in other much needed activities. 3. Give them all lessons in what a democracy is, what our constitution is about, and try to make them useful citizens, speaking English of course. 4. Teach them discipline, it may not last but at least we can try. Let there be havoc if the students and young people want it., but teach all of us that this war is not just for the few, brave young people who have done more then their duty.

joshril · 04-03-2008, 02:01 AM

Originally Posted by ijerome

O.K., I was drafted right out of college during Korea. Didn't go there and didn't see combat. But, I am all for a strong and professional military. However, everyone of has to participate by:. 1. Raise taxes to pay for the war.
2. compulsary draft for everyone 18 and above. If they are not acceptable for armed services then put em to work in other much needed activities. 3. Give them all lessons in what a democracy is, what our constitution is about, and try to make them useful citizens, speaking English of course. 4. Teach them discipline, it may not last but at least we can try. Let there be havoc if the students and young people want it., but teach all of us that this war is not just for the few, brave young people who have done more then their duty.

I appreciate your military service, but I disagree with everything you are saying...

Forcing people to fight in a war that is wrong is not the basis of what this nation was founded on. We aren't fighting for peace, liberty, or freedom...

This war is based upon lies; America needs to take a hard look at the diplomatic measures that should be taken before moving forward with combat.

A systematic withdrawl from Iraq is the only solution. Iraq will NEVER sustain itself. Let's stop wasting billions of dollars every year on people that won't fight for themselves. Do you think the French would have helped us in the Revolutionary War if we weren't even willing to fight for our own country?

The only way the bombings and terrorism will become manageable in Iraq, is if the people of Iraq (not a few here and there, but the majority) come together and turn in their brothers and fellow Iraqis that are perpetuating this violence. We all know this will never happend due to political and religious issues within Iraq.

The people of Iraq did not ask to be liberated. The people of Iraq did not stand up and fight on their own. The people of Iraq are not willing to turn in those that are causing violence and killing Americans.

Withdrawl is the only solution. Think about the billions of dollars being spent abroad on people that aren't giving the same effort we are. That money could be used to strengthen our borders and actually make America a safer and more prosperous nation.

The Federal Government is taking money that we don't have in the first place from us, and spending it on people of another nation! It's an outrage!

I have very strong capitalist views and think minimal government involvement makes everything run more smoothly, but if we are just wasting money on people that don't even appreciate it/that we can never help, why not put it to use on the people within the borders of the US?

Once again, this post is not anti-military. I have several friends in combat that share these views! I agree with decisive military action when needed, but we are fighting a battle that can't be won. Liberating Iraq is futile.

GreenSky · 04-03-2008, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by ijerome

O.K., I was drafted right out of college during Korea. Didn't go there and didn't see combat. But, I am all for a strong and professional military. However, everyone of has to participate by:. 1. Raise taxes to pay for the war.
2. compulsary draft for everyone 18 and above. If they are not acceptable for armed services then put em to work in other much needed activities. 3. Give them all lessons in what a democracy is, what our constitution is about, and try to make them useful citizens, speaking English of course. 4. Teach them discipline, it may not last but at least we can try. Let there be havoc if the students and young people want it., but teach all of us that this war is not just for the few, brave young people who have done more then their duty.

And just before that, perhaps we can become a dictatorship because that seems to be what you are advocating.

1) Raise taxes to pay for the war. DECLARE WAR FIRST!

2) Compulsary draft. So as a prerequisite to live in a free country, we are subject to servitude? Guess we also raise taxes to pay for even more government employees.

3) Learn about our constitution. I think you need a lesson first. As far as speaking English, isn't that a personal choice?

4) Teach them disipline. Can't even comment on that. Should we jail everyone who you think doesn't agree with you?

Rick

Mr. Bill · 04-03-2008, 12:02 PM

Really, now, what's the problem? With nearly 1/2 of our little youngsters not even graduating from high school nowadays, isn't the military the "employer of last resort"? We'll never have a need for a draft if we keep this up!

CHUMPS FROM OXFORD · 04-03-2008, 12:11 PM

Keep in mind...that when we are fighting for Iraq...we are actually fighting against Iran.

The term "proxy war" is a relatively new phrase, but quite applicable when it comes to Iran.

Mr. Bill · 04-03-2008, 01:26 PM

Oh, and let's not forget that we're showing the Russians and Chinese that they won't be able to take over the world...