Bro... when the Clinton News Network is spilling the beans it is pretty much a done deal. Not sure what you can come up with the knock this one down.
So, the "scandal" here is that the CIA was conducting secret operations out of the US consulate in Benghazi, during a time of war nonetheless, and they were attacked by bad guys who obviously wanted to stop those secret operations and, at the very worst, steps were taken to protect the operation and the lives of those still involved in the operation? Please tell me where this rises to the level of a "scandal"? All of this started over whether talking points about Benghazi were "white-washed" by the administration and state department. It all started as an effort to make Obama and Hillary look incompetent, and in the absence of a single shred of evidence that they were involved in any wrongdoing, the story now changes to the fact that this was actually a secret CIA operation that was interrupted by an attack on our interests there. Lastly, we are talking about the CIA. The Central Intelligence Agency conducting secret operations. The BLOG piece that you offered, used a lot of words like "speculation" and "anonymous sources" to draw such sharp conclusions. But let's just pretend that they are correct and their really are rampant interrogations going on.....do you honestly think this doesn't go on within the CIA ranks on a regular basis given the sensitive nature of what they are doing and the constant risk of agents become double agents? Debriefing and interrogations are an inherent part of what that agency does. Sorry guys, I just don't see where this rises to the level of a scandal. Casualties of war? Sure. Tragic? Absolutely, same as any soldier who makes the ultimate sacrifice. But scandal? No. In fact, I am reminded of the late Pat Tillman who left his role with the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army and eventually became a special forces operator. When he was killed, the family and liberals every where stood on their heads because they wanted answers. I recall the frustration they felt because the Bush administration wasn't exactly forthcoming. Ultimately, Bush held a private meeting with the family and gave them the full story. If you will recall Obama did the same thing with the Stevens family. This is sensitive information that has potential ramifications to many Americans. To give the whole story to the victims family is one thing, but giving that classified information to the entire nation isn't prudent, especially now. Maybe we'll learn something revealing later that will change my perspective but I still don't see it. Right now it's a distraction from the economy, immigration, a new voting rights bill, etc.
Tillman wasn't spec ops, he was a ranger, not the same but still special. I don't think the Bush administration had very much to do with this deal. I think (and yes this is only my opinion with nothing to draw on but my own experience) that the command came up with this elaborate cover up of PT because he was killed by his own guys. Losing such a high profile individual to fratricide doesn't make very good recruiting posters so I think the unit actually came up with this to cover their own asses. I've been in units that have had to deal with frat cases before and when it is everyday joe no one hears, no one cares, it isn't big news.
Not sure who you're replying to, I've probably got them ignored for stupidity. GB admin had nothing to do with PT. It stayed within general officer walls, with McChrystal suspecting frat, but allowing the Silver Star process go through, anyway. (And to clarify, Rangers are part of the spec ops community, same as SF, civi affairs, the organization formerly known as PSYOPS, 160th, SEALS, AF para, etc.) GOs kept it in-house out of their own embarrassment because they are the approving authorities for the SS. It was an embarrassment for the admin caused by senior Army leadership. Good thing AQ is on the run, otherwise the US may have to shut down embassies in Muslim countries. Oh, wait.. Will never understand the reliance of this administration on UASs to attempt to achieve a strategic gain. A successful strike is only a short term tactical gain, no matter the target. In the end, the fuckers are replaced as fast as we kill them. Still holding it down, bro. If I haven't responded to someone it's probably because I've ignored the ass licker.
has it changed? when I was in, which has been better than 20 years ago, rangers were referred to as special operations. seals, green berets, etc. were referred to as special forces.
No, "technically" they are spec ops, just not to the extent of seals or 18 series. Hell, there are 10,000 IT Nerds, supply closet managers, accountants, mechanics, gas station attendants etc that are running around with a ranger tab. Big whooptie doo. At least Tillman was actually in a Ranger Batt. I was just pointing out that there is quite a bit of separation between Rangers and "Special Forces" IMO.
gotcha, no I agree. it has changed so much since I was in. was talking to a kid who worked for me up until he went to boot camp back in early June and he was telling me that they give them cards now and if a TI is giving it to you too hard, you can pull a card and they have to leave you alone or something like that. what a joke! I also agree there is a good deal of seperation between the Rangers and Special Forces, even though the Ranger training is nothing to sneeze at. also didn't like it back in the 90's when they started letting everyone wear berets. we had to earn them. Tillman was a man's man and a true patriot in my mind....wish we had more like him.
I am pretty sure this is urban legend. I had heard about these "stress" cards for a long time then one day picked up a set of orders for Drill Sergeant duty. Did 2 years of that gig and never even saw one of these things. Maybe the USAF has them since you mentioned TI, to that I cannot speak but the Army doesn't have them and God help the little bastid that tries that crap on a Marine Drill Instructor. Hated this rule, along with everyone else in the Army. This was Shinseki's bullshit and to this day I don't think anyone likes it. Terrible move. Without a doubt. I have always been a fan of Jim Rome and Tillman was almost a regular on his show. Did some really great interviews with him.
