Here is the part I skimmed through and just didnt take time to understand it in this article, thats why I asked because I know folks like you and others can really explain it better NYT: General faces unease from 'handcuffed' troops - The New York Times- msnbc.com R
From the quotes I have heard, he needs to be fired. Though it almost seems like he wants to resign and this was his parting shot at the president. I don't care who the president is, he has to retain respect for the chain of command and the general went outside of it. Obama can't keep him, even though he is talented and it might not be good for us militarily. But generals have to be expendable.
Man that is a tough call there. Off the top of my head it sounds like this dude (the Sgt) has a bad case of vaginitis. It straight up effinig sucks out there. It is hot beyond hot and you are wearing at a minimum 50lbs of gear and that makes it even hotter. The armored hummers are like giant ovens and the A/C they install in them are about like a hair dryer on cool and that is a good day when the system hasn't leaked all the coolant out. It sucks, but it is what it is and as far as I know it is still a volunteer army so that is from the hip thoughts. If he is complaining about strategy or the way the war is going down, eh I don't know. Again, maybe some vagisill would be in order. Most generals that I know personally would love nothing more than to be with the troops but it is not what they get paid to do. If there is time for them to get out there, most of them do. Of course we all joke about how they can't wait to get back in their sedan or helicopter and fly back to some palace but that is just what we do. Bottom line is I wouldn't put a lot of stock into what some buck sgt bitching because he has sand in his crotch. When I served under Col Hickey we hated that bastard because he was such a prick; we also loved the way he took the leash off and let us kick tail. That may be what his beef is and if so it really isn't with McChrystal it is with the WH.
The troops in Afghanistan may be upset about the "tactical directive," which puts their lives in more danger in an effort to protect civilians at all costs. There could be a house full of Taliban preparing for an ambush, but if there's one civilian, the house isn't going to get bombed. It's understandable for COIN, but is a radical change in mindset for troops who are taught throughout their careers that their main objective is to kill the enemy and break their stuff.
You know what i always wondered about American soldiers. Ok so, you are an American, chances are you had a decent childhood, had food, was loved, had a roof over your head (in alot of cases maybe not) but Americans aren't subject to the horrors of war as children like some soldiers in these 3rd world countries, who have been killing people since they were old enough to walk. (interestingly enough that is where the term infantry came from, child soldiers) But does this have any negative effect on the casualty rates of American soldiers? I would think it would be easier for a man who was brought up in a 3rd world war torn country to go out and kill people, than it would be for a guy who is from Baton Rouge who never had to kill anyone. Just another reason to tip your hat and give the utmost respect to our men and women who fight in our name.
Oh it matters. I forget the exact number but there was a study that said something like 0ver 50% of the Soldiers in Vietnam never fired their weapons. It was some crazy number like that and it makes you :huh:. Bottom line is even when you are being fired at, not everyone has the gut to shoot back. Many freeze and it isn't always from fear but I don't care who you are, when bullets are whizzing by your head you get scared. Thanks for the pat on the back though. We all appreciate it.
I think this is the major point here. I dislike our Liar-In-Chief as much as the next person but he is the guy in charge (for now). If the good general didn't like the situation the appropriate thing to do is retire and then speak your mind. And for God sakes talk to some one more reputable than Rolling Stones
Isnt he having some sort of medical problems? Anyway I think its a good choice, honestly. Always respected Petraus. not that he needs my respect.
