If you are in the military?

Question

For all my military members or spouses out there. Have you (or your spouse) done a tour in Iraq or one of the middle east hot spots? In your opinion are we doing good over there?

Now for the ones who have not done a tour, would you go over there? Yes or No explain why?

Answer 1

I did a tour in Iraq. I served in a brigade headquarters and as a result I was able to compare what the media was saying (we had a TV running CNN 24x7) vs. what the eyes on the ground were saying. Generally I was under the impression that the media must have been discussing a country other than the one I was in.

The media are giving you a distorted and negative portrayal of events over there.

The fact of the matter is that we are the only hope the Iraqi people have for a better future. If we cut and run - the fledgling democracy they have created for themselves will not be able to defend itself.

Answer 2

Yes I did a year long tour in Iraq as a Air Force Combat Controller. I was on the frontlines during most of the heat of the war.

I am appaled by what the normal American thinks about the war in Iraq! It is nothing like the media portrays it! 95% of the people there LOVE the US troops! We drive by and almost everyone smiles and waves at us. We have families coming up to us trying to offer us gifts.

Anyways that other 5% is either confused and think we are trying to destroy them all or they want to set up their own regime. That is what civilians know as insurgents. They use Guerillas tactics, and the crazy thing is most of the time they are pointing their guns right at us and we can't do anything unless they fire at us.

But pulling out of Iraq is the worst mistake the US could make right now. Don't get bored with the war! The only war that ran smoother than this is Desert Storm.

Answer 3

i have two friends that have been over there, one has volunteered for three tours, the other two...both say the america ppl have no idea what its like there...the iraqi ppl are very nice and appreciative of what the americans have done for them and its a lot better so far as safety, community services etc. i know there are a lot of car bombing and such but when saddam was in power a lot more died everyday. both friends are rangers so they are on the front lines so to speak, they say its strange to see news from america on iraq as its so different from what its really like there. they wish the media would get out all the information and not just focus on the bad because there is a lot of good going on there. both said they would go back in a heartbeat the one who has gone only two tours has a new baby boy so he is spending time with his wife and son for a few months but says as soon as they are all comfortable with it he is going back too....he always jokes and says he feels safer in iraq than driving on 85 (thats a well driven highway here in atlanta). all those soldiers are doing a great job and getting no credit for it and being harassed and disrespected and that is just wrong.

Answer 4

I have done one tour in Iraq and two to Afghanistan. Both were decent experiences. And yes there is a WHOLE LOT of good being done in both countries, and would I go back? In a heartbeat!

Answer 5

I have done my share in that stupid sand box I did 2years on the USS LaSalle (AGF-3) command ship Mideast forces during the Iran/Iraq war and did another year during desert shield and desert storm. I wouldn't go back again as it is pointless to interfere in what is really a civil war amongst the tribes. The only good thing we can do is pick which tribe we want to win and back them with military gear and supplies. After they win they will owe us and be happy to work with us on the issue of oil. If our tribe losses then we will just shrug our shoulders and buy the same oil on the market like everybody else.

Answer 6

My brother is in Iraq right now. He has been there for almost 3 months. The Iraqi people are very appreciative for what the Americans are doing for them. My brother talks to Iraqis in the streets everyday. Iraq is nothing like the American media portrays it. It is not violent all over. People there are getting on with their lives in most areas. My brother said people are out shopping and eating in restaurants etc.

I was in the Army from 1991-1995 and if I was still in, yes I would go to Iraq or Afghanistan if I was to get orders to go.

Answer 7

I spent a year in the Middle East. I would not trade it for anything. The media only shows you the bad and not the good that we are doing! Have faith in our troops! For those that think we are doing such a bad job then perhaps they should go see their local recruiter and make a difference themselves.

Answer 8

Too old to have served in either Iraq War, but would go in a heartbeat if duty & country called!

Answer 9

yes, most of iraq is peaceful except for once and a while, but the main area that needs work is baghdad and ramadi areas. and i would, and will, go back to iraq for a second tour.

Answer 10

my husband is a marine and he goes where uncle sam sends him to do his job. are they doing any good???
i don't know. that is like asking someone who worked for sprint when it merged with nextel...is this a good thing??
it probably didn't change that persons job very much, so they probably didn't look at it so introspecitvely.

when my husband was over there he was there to do a job. period. it didn't matter whether it was good or bad. it's just his job. so, we don't really think about it like that, at least, very much.