Comments on: "Mission Accomplished," 5 Years Later

Since Bush Declared End To Major Combat Operations In Iraq, Nearly 4,000 U.S. Troops Have Died

[donbl1]

J, a Shiite government is not by definition a bad idea.

Maliki seems to be taking the reigns of government.

we will see if he has the cajones.....

[donbl1]

J, do not denigrate those who have volunteered to serve America.

They signed up with less than 5% unemployment to work for less than they could earn working 12 hours per day "anywhere".

We need a larger ground military than we have but I think those days are behind us. The Europeans have such small standing armies that they can not support NATO in Afghanistan like they agreed or even want to.

[j-whitman]

Don,,,,, Obviously we learned diddily sqauat about Viet Nam ------ Iraq is a mess after 5 years, with no good outcome for our nation.

Our troops in Iraq now are getting killed to prop up a Sharia Govenment.

[j-whitman]

Don,,,, Yes they are all volunteers & we need a hell of a lot more of them --- We won''t be able to meet the demands in Afhaganistan untill into the next administration.

And don''t spin it.... A lot of our volunteers are there now because of the economy, education & to keep out of prison.

[donbl1]

J, actually, Iraq is much further along than Vietnam ever was.

The military learned from Vietnam and many findings were put into effect in Iraq.

BTW, not having the draft has made this war smaller. Not having the draft is what has kept us from a larger war.

[j-whitman]

Don,,, We had a draft, a hell of alot more troops, & the GOP''s favorite contractor wheren''t stealing from them right & left and we had taxes to pay for it -- This is not Viet Nam or the 60''s. ----

And as in Iraq, we failed to win hearts & minds & never understood the culture.

[donbl1]

J, Iraq is not as bad as Vietnam and the people they serve with are better trained and all volunteers.

[j-whitman]

Being a soldier in today''s military & the demands on them in Iraq is as stressfull as it gets, it''s not like any job.

[donbl1]

Serving on a sub is a different stress than found in most jobs. No where for a person to go if they need some space for a little while.

For most jobs, there are moments for a time out and professional help gives them the tools to control the situation.

[j-whitman]

Don,,,, It violates everything I''ve learnd about security ---- PTSD & Depression, is not a good thing. You don''t know how people will handle things from one day to the next when under more stress.

I think it shows more of the problems with recruiting & retention.