Why is it that when a question is asked about the ongoing troop buildup headed to the Gulf region...???

Question

few minitary answerers want to answer. It's not as though it is a secret!The information is being covered both here and abroad.
Are you forbidden to address such questions even given that the media has already reported on it?

and PLEASE PLEASE - no sarcastic answers! This is a serious question. It is NOT a condescending question nor is it meant to make any military angry.

Answer 1

I have answered these questions several times. The fact of the matter is that the media is exaggerating the situation. Simply put - making people think that a war with Iran is imminent sells newspapers and increases ratings.

Here is a link for some very respected military analysts on what signs would occur prior to an attack on Iran:

Answer 2

It's no secret that more troops are heading to the already trouble d Gulf region. More U.S.A troops are expected to arrive in Iraq and will be deployed there to participate in the so called on going war against .....lord knows who...the insurgents?? The massive military build up in the Gulf region by the U.S.A, might have other plans, including a strike at other anti American targets.

Answer 3

This is my guess, non-military as I am (meaning I've never served, not that I'm anti-military). By affirming the presence of additional troops, media liaisons run the risk of revealing or implying something they're not supposed to. You've got troops going . . . WHERE? (Just "Iraq" is not sufficient for the media, you know that!) What kind of troops? The military doesn't want to overplay its hand and let any potential eavesdroppers know who's going to be where when (thus keeping the element of surprise) , so the non-answers you often here are there to protect the people involved, not deliberate misinformation.

Answer 4

Troop build up or numbers are usally kept secret to keep the soilders themselves secret. the media guesses and makes numbers up to try and give the home viewer a general idea. all military operations should be kept secret so as to keep our guys safe over there. reporting on VBIED/IED attacks are jsut fuel to the fire that terrorists are wanting to burn throughout the whole country. Let the family members whose soilders are hurt or god forbid killed be informed the rest of u can jsut know that we got people over there and u jsut send your support.

Answer 5

Military personnel are forbidden to comment on military operations or to criticize commanders, including the President. It is a criminal offense to do so.

Answer 6

You need to know that the US Military has a rule that prohibits all from making any comments about how they feel concerning the war.

Answer 7

Okay Rare, seriously here...my nephew is a soldier in Iraq, two tours and just reupped. He told me that they are strongly advised NOT to make comments and NOT to criticize the current administration.

I have seen a few comments by soldiers on here...mostly supportive, but in light of what my nephew told me, I assume its what they have been told they can say. MM

Answer 8

I can't figure out why for the past year or so all the left wing liberals said we need to increase troops to win in Iraq. Now that Bush is going to do just that.....they are against it. What exactly is their plan?