What do think about George Bush firing and replacing the top military brass that did not agree with him?

Question

Do you think that pouring more troops in the region is correct solution to the Iraq situation?

I am a reserve vet and I dont agree with adding more troops. Our military is given 6 to 8 weeks for training and ready or not they go into combat. Why is it taking the Iraqis so long to get trained?

Answer 1

First, if a commander continues to protest after the decision has been made, he's bucking the chain of command and deserves to be removed. That's basic military.

Second, I think more troops are needed. The experience that we're hearing about in Iraq is that after an area is pacified, it remains pacified if US troops remain present, but falls apart when Iraqi forces assume command.

So, in order to secure Baghdad, more troops are needed.

In addition to those troops there are going to me more US instructors and personnel embedded into Iraqi units.

Yes, a US soldier can train in 6-8 weeks, but the US military has a couple of centuries of military institution. Iraq started from scratch. It has been estimated that it takes from 5 to 10 or more years to build up a military infrastructure and a professional cadre to train and maintain itself. This is what they don't have, and this is why it will take more time and effort to create it.

Answer 2

I imagine its pretty much the public consensus as when Harry Truman replaced Gen MacArthur in Korea: President Bush, what ever his capability or standing, is the The commander in chief of the US Armed Forces. He has that power, and will also take the responsibility if it was an unwise decision. Only Time will tell if his decision was the right one.

As to pouring more troops into the situation, well no i really don't think escalating the force, Like what happened in Viet Nam, is the right thing to do. Unfortunately, it would seem that until everyone in Iraq has its own private body guard, no one is going to be safe. From the report we are getting here in the United States, it would seem no one is safe from the terror tactics used by the groups in Iraq, especially every tom, dick and harry that has a grudge against his neighbor.

I tend to agree with the answer given above: it takes time to build up a cadre that can train new soldiers. They simply don't have the infrastructure desirable to the US in place to do this. Seems we wound up killing off most of the real trained army in the two gulf wars: its going to take a while to get it back.

Answer 3

I think he's making a big mistake both in sending more troops in and also in taking out commanders that have experience with the situation over there. He never listened to what they told him time and time again. Yet he says he's going to listen to his new men over there. He doesnt listen to anyone. I've a nephew thats leaving for Bagdad next week. He'll be there for 4 months. After that he said that otheres coming in will be stationed there for 6 months. His assignment is guarding the U.S. Embassey. A prime target. So you can see why I'm a little concerned.

Answer 4

When are some of you Americans going to open eyes and listen with your ears and realize that the Bush Administration has duped you. The only ones that are profitting from Iraq are the Oil Companies and bush and company being Corporate America.

I guess he needs to get the US another Trillion in debt before some of you wake up to the reality of what has happened. If you would realize that the once great US now has the largest per capita debt in the World at $28,000 per American or 8.4 Trillion.

Some of you might wake up but then it will be to late.

Answer 5

Absolutly President Bush is the number 1 commanding officer over every military branch...While your under his lead you keep your opinons and comments silent untill asked for.

As for adding more American and allied troops into iraq is good. It will show the good Iraqis we are not giving up hope in them and we are there for their future.

And last..So you got alot of Iraqi's who are totally phycho Karan (sp) junkies...give them all guns and tell them to police...nah. You have to weed out the ones who do not belive in what they are doing. Same way with Basic training...you weed out the wrong, bad, and weak.

Answer 6

Now I'm not trying to compare Mr. Bush to any past world leaders, but if I remember my history of WWII, the German Fuhrer did a lot of General changing when they disagreed with him. He even took command of armies himself sometimes. As a result, The Germans lost huge parts of their Armies. In several cases the Germans were surrounded and many soldiers could have been saved had they been allowed to retreat, as the generals suggested, before being surrounded instead of ordered to stay and fight, even to the last man if necessary.

Answer 7

The next top military brass will eventually disagree with him,too.
More troops - means Bush is more desperate.
Someone should tell him "when"! (now is the time to stop)

Answer 8

sending more troops is a sign that we will not retreat, we will not surrender, and by all means, we will complete our mission in Iraq. It is time we send a clear message to the terrorist that we "America" will not stand down to let them terrorize innocent civilians. it is time someone stands up to the terrorist, and who better than the U.S. the most powerful nation on earth. And it is our responsibility to bring freedom to the people who live in fear of terror. and unlike the majority of the cowardice american people, there are still true Americans who desire victory and success, and will not stop until victory is achieved. we are on a conquest to end terror, and only through the U.S. and our allies will we achieve our goals. Bush is doing the right thing, and he is doing what is best for America, the American people, and the people of countries who do not share our everyday freedoms. He got rid of the cowards and put in patriots who are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Answer 9

It just reinforces evidence suggesting that he is a moron with a god-complex, and a hypocritical liar who has never listened to honest assessments by the military and will pursue his ‘stupid and doomed-to-failure’ Iraq strategy.

Answer 10

I don't consider 3 years a long time to train the Iraqi's. I think the President can do whatever he wants. I support him 100%.