Military - March 2007

VP Dick Cheney argues that the house (Democrats) do not support our troops. Speaker of the house, Nancy Polosi, believes that, "The American people have lost faith in the president's conduct of this war." Which do you believe is true, and where do you stand?

2007-03-24 19:20:13 · 16 answers · asked by ? 2

I'm talking about army medics. Basically what I wanted to know is do they go with infantry platoons and fight along with them and then assist those that need it?


Anyone in the military please feel free to just give me a basic overview of what they do


thanks in advance.

2007-03-24 19:15:47 · 6 answers · asked by banner_man08 1

It is rumoured that this signifies support for the Taliban in their resistance to the current occupation. Is this true?
Similar questions have been asked about black ribbons on cars but no explanation was provided.

2007-03-24 18:55:10 · 5 answers · asked by Lefty 1

14 September, 2001

Dear friends and fellow Americans

Like everyone else in this great country, I am reeling from last week's attack on our sovereignty. But unlike some, I am not reeling from surprise. As a career soldier and a student and teacher of military history, I have a different perspective and I think you should hear it.

This war will be won or lost by the American citizens, not diplomats, politicians or soldiers. Let me briefly explain. In spite of what the media, and even our own government is telling us, this act was not committed by a group of mentally deranged fanatics. To dismiss them as such would be among the gravest of mistakes. This attack was committed by a ferocious, intelligent and dedicated adversary. Don't take this the wrong way. I don't admire these men and I deplore their tactics, but I respect their capabilities. The many parallels that have been made with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are apropos. Not only because it was a brilliant sneak attack against a complacent America, but also because we may well be pulling our new adversaries out of caves 30 years after we think this war is over, just like my father's generation had to do with the formidable Japanese in the years following WW II.

These men hate the United States with all of their being, and we must not underestimate the power of their moral commitment. Napoleon, perhaps the world's greatest combination of soldier and statesman, stated the moral is to the physical as three is to one. Patton thought the Frenchman underestimated its importance and said moral conviction was five times more important in battle than physical strength. Our enemies are willing — better said anxious — to give their lives for their cause. How committed are we America? And for how long?

In addition to demonstrating great moral conviction, the recent attack demonstrated a mastery of some of the basic fundamentals of warfare taught to most military officers worldwide, namely simplicity, security and surprise. When I first heard rumors that some of these men may have been trained at our own Air War College, it made perfect sense to me. This was not a random act of violence, and we can expect the same sort of military competence to be displayed in the battle to come. This war will escalate, with a good portion of it happening right here in the good ol' U.S. of A. These men will not go easily into the night. They do not fear us. We must not fear them.

In spite of our overwhelming conventional strength as the world's only superpower (a truly silly term), we are the underdog in this fight. As you listen to the carefully scripted rhetoric designed to prepare us for the march for war, please realize that America is not equipped or seriously trained for the battle ahead. To be certain, our soldiers are much better than the enemy, and we have some excellent counter-terrorist organizations, but they are mostly trained for hostage rescues, airfield seizures, or the occasional body snatch, (which may come in handy). We will be fighting a war of annihilation, because if their early efforts are any indication, our enemy is ready and willing to die to the last man. Eradicating the enemy will be costly and time consuming. They have already deployed their forces in as many as 20 countries, and are likely living the lives of everyday citizens.

Simply put, our soldiers will be tasked with a search and destroy mission on multiple foreign landscapes, and the public must be patient and supportive until the strategy and tactics can be worked out. For the most part, our military is still in the process of redefining itself and is presided over by men and women who grew up with - and were promoted because they excelled in - Cold War doctrine, strategy and tactics. This will not be linear warfare, there will be no clear centers of gravity to strike with high technology weapons. Our vast technological edge will certainly be helpful, but it will not be decisive. Perhaps the perfect metaphor for the coming battle was introduced by the terrorists themselves aboard the hijacked aircraft — this will be a knife fight, and it will be won or lost by the ingenuity and will of citizens and soldiers, not by software or smart bombs. We must also be patient with our military leaders.

Unlike Americans who are eager to put this messy time behind us, our adversaries have time on their side, and they will use it. They plan to fight a battle of attrition, hoping to drag the battle out until the American public loses its will to fight. This might be difficult to believe in this euphoric time of flag waving and patriotism, but it is generally acknowledged that America lacks the stomach for a long fight. We need only look as far back as Vietnam, when North Vietnamese General Vo Nguyen Giap (also a military history teacher) defeated the United States of America without ever winning a major tactical battle. American soldiers who marched to war cheered on by flag waving Americans in 1965 were reviled and spat upon less than three years later when they returned.

Although we hope that Usama Bin Laden is no Giap, he is certain to understand and employ the concept. We can expect not only large doses of pain like the recent attacks, but also less audacious sand in the gears tactics, ranging from livestock infestations to attacks at water supplies and power distribution facilities. These attacks are designed to hit us in our comfort zone forcing the average American to pay more and play less and eventually eroding our resolve. But it can only work if we let it. It is clear to me that the will of the American citizenry - you and I - is the center of gravity the enemy has targeted. It will be the fulcrum upon which victory or defeat will turn. He believes us to be soft, impatient, and self-centered. He may be right, but if so, we must change. The Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, (the most often quoted and least read military theorist in history), says that there is a remarkable trinity of war that is composed of the (1) will of the people, (2) the political leadership of the government, and (3) the chance and probability that plays out on the field of battle, in that order.

Every American citizen was in the crosshairs of last Tuesday's attack, not just those that were unfortunate enough to be in the World Trade Center or Pentagon. The will of the American people will decide this war. If we are to win, it will be because we have what it takes to persevere through a few more hits, learn from our mistakes, improvise, and adapt. If we can do that, we will eventually prevail.

Everyone I've talked to in the past few days has shared a common frustration, saying in one form or another, "I just wish I could do something!" You are already doing it. Just keep faith in America, and continue to support your President and military, and the outcome is certain. If we fail to do so, the outcome is equally certain. God Bless America

Dr. Tony Kern, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
Former Director of Military History, USAF Academy

2007-03-24 18:45:28 · 12 answers · asked by fredonia 3

Well, its comin' down to the wire now, my ship date that is, and I was wondering what some of you former or current Military men can give me along the terms of advice. What is it that I need to remember to get me through the tough times?

2007-03-24 18:30:22 · 4 answers · asked by Camron N 1

They have never provened it;

so they beat the British but that happend a long time ago and more recently the Germans but still the Russians took 75% of the Germans and the USA had the Brits help...

But 4 the most part they only pick on 3rd world countries.

2007-03-24 18:28:21 · 24 answers · asked by Taquito 1

2007-03-24 18:21:40 · 5 answers · asked by Ejsenstejn 2

2007-03-24 18:19:01 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous

Me and my fiance want to get married but he is 20 and Im 17. Does anyone know if the Marine Corps will allow this or will he be punished?

No rude comments please!!!!!!

2007-03-24 17:57:34 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous

"Before you call me an idiot read this" IT" NOT MUCH

300 Spartans died a small number just cuz the counsil wouldn't give them the troops they needed to defeat the persians. Although those troops kicked @$$ they lost the last balttle because small numbers.


Just like our Goverment troops are not being sent as needed.



although this happend alooooong time ago the politics of the day are similar; although the Spartans were a much hardier race than the well American people.

2007-03-24 17:56:03 · 15 answers · asked by Taquito 1

I just read that Cheney is saying that congress, by giving Iraq a time limit to meet their benchmarks or pulling out in September 2008, is viewed as not supporting the military. Do you believe that Iraq should step up and do their part as soon as possible? Isn't that the ultimate goal? Do you think they will if they're not pressured into it?

2007-03-24 17:36:57 · 12 answers · asked by BekindtoAnimals22 7

My husband is in the Navy and has heard of "Tiger Deployments" where the spouses or family members of a sailor can deploy on the ship.

These deployments are only for a day usually just out in the ocean and back. He heard that sometimes they dock in another country and family members can buy tickets to fly there and are shipped back on the ship with their sailors.

I was wondering if anyone has heard of these "Tiger" Deployments? Can you really be shipped back across an ocean with the sailor (if you fly to an international port)? Is this an actual fact?

2007-03-24 17:33:54 · 5 answers · asked by Marilynne 3

where could i find military records for someone without requesting them from the military (it's a background check on the d.l. and they aren't listed on intellius)? i think the person is a veteran and was honorbly discharged.

2007-03-24 17:29:38 · 6 answers · asked by :) 4

Is this still a hot topic

2007-03-24 17:22:47 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous

Once I turn 16 I'm planning on joining the canadian reserves and I can do basic either all at once in the summer or on weekends throughout the year. From past experience which would you say is easier? All at once or spread out?
Also, is reserve training any different than regular force training? I'm going in for musician if that matters.

2007-03-24 17:22:09 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous

Does not have to be lethal, but at least the fast and effective techniques...

if you know of any or are one, please email artemis.national@yahoo.com for any further questions regarding this.

san diego, CA

2007-03-24 17:17:32 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous

what are your feelings on the war in Iraq and you opinion of President Bush?

2007-03-24 17:11:03 · 10 answers · asked by tlfdfirefighter 2

We can leave now with 3,250 troops dead and "Lose" the war to the insurgents and eat crow "OR" Leave in 10 years with 50,000 troops dead and lose the war to the insurgents and eat a double decker of Crow......It's the USA choice.

2007-03-24 17:09:15 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous

What is the average pay rate for a PFC in the Marine Corps.

2007-03-24 17:07:53 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous

before u husband deployed was he distance from you, and did he want to spend alot of time away from u with his friends? I wanted to know if this is right my husbands about to deploy and all he is worring about is getting drunk with his friends he will not even talk to me any more and it is really breaking my heart. i am starting to get the attuide like if he dosen't care y should i ? please give me advise

2007-03-24 16:47:15 · 22 answers · asked by A soldiers wife 4

latest exam result for enlisted personnels

2007-03-24 16:39:19 · 1 answers · asked by dale 1

Have you ever heard of a typo before. If you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all. Why don't you step up to the plate and make the difference like I am trying to do. And further more standing side by side those woman and men out there in Iraq has meaning to me. I will make it and pass that asvab test. Infact there is nothing I can't do if I apply myself. But then someone who doesnt know the forgiveness of Christ Jesus and his love would say something messed up like that to me. Jesus loves you man. God bless you

2007-03-24 16:16:21 · 8 answers · asked by Monie 1

2007-03-24 16:08:12 · 4 answers · asked by Glen M 1

Because the war in Iraq is an illegal war?

2007-03-24 16:05:07 · 18 answers · asked by Surfer Dude 2

I'm doing a research paper.

2007-03-24 16:04:28 · 4 answers · asked by Maya T 2

2007-03-24 16:02:20 · 16 answers · asked by SmartMom 1

Carbine (improved m16) or ak-74 (improved ak-47)

2007-03-24 16:01:08 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous

im a history buff and iv been saven up for it about 3 months

2007-03-24 15:58:46 · 6 answers · asked by Glen M 1

The the reason I asked this question is that the drug problem to me any way is a bigger problem, now than anything happening in the Middle East.

2007-03-24 15:53:11 · 2 answers · asked by melbournewooferblue 4

Hi! I had a guy in a birth preparation class I was teaching today, asking how we could notify him when his baby is born. He though we call the Red Cross and they can fax the air craft carrier he is on. He leaves shortly for duty in Iraq. Anyone have info on this? Thanks!

2007-03-24 15:52:32 · 9 answers · asked by Elizabeth M 2