There are a number of retired US Generals who served in Iraq who speak out publicly against the war in Iraq as well as many Iraq veterans but why is it that out of 150,000 US troops serving in Iraq right now there is basically not one word of any problems in Iraq?
Are the retired US Generals lying or are US troops serving in Iraq afraid something might happen to them if they were to talk freely?
2007-07-07 16:26:24 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Soldiers do ...not ask questions!
When you retire or come home you can voice your opinion.
However, as we have seen in times past when you put yourself out there against the leaders they usually cut you loose and call you a traitor.
But yet we didn't let German soldiers from WWII off the hook with the old line of "But I was just following orders....."!!!!
So what's a soldier to do?
Look at Kerry for instance.
Some call him courageous and some call him a traitor.
Depends on perspective and what you want to believe!
2007-07-07 16:35:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Serving officers are required to cite official policy while in uniform, any opinions they might have contray to official policy will most likely be viewed as unflavorable and will end any future career options. One might question the morals of an officer who first secures his pension before speaking out against the war.
Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, in the 1920's, seeing the terrible plight of American Military Aviation spoke out on the record and in uniform. His comments were extremely critical of the War Department (Defense Department) and of the administration in Washington, D.C. He was court marshaled and found guilty of gross insubordination. His actions however forced much needed changes in Army and Navy Aviation.
I wouldn't give you two cents for any General who opposes the war, but first made sure his ticket got punched before stating his opposition! If they feel so strongly the would speak their minds in uniform, stand up and be counted, after all isn't that what they're asking the troops to do?
2007-07-08 12:00:37 · answer #2 · answered by oscarsix5 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A slight combination - retired means out of the loop & less knowledge of what is hapening & why. Several have been political paybacks.
Soldiers take an oath to defend the Consitution, the US at home & abroad, & to answer to the Commander in chief. That is the President & criticizing a commanding officer is strictly forbidden & grounds for punishment. This is not a political thing but a discipline & unity thing
My son is an Army Captain & Ranger & he feels that the wa in Iraq is just & that it is joining much better than the average citizen thinks. He reads intel on it & will deploy the end of August. he had a chance at a promotion & office job but wanted to serve in Iraq. I believe him.
2007-07-07 16:36:09 · answer #3 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
They are forbidden to speak out about Bush or the war. That is why My Space and the other computer blogs etc were taken away from them. The generals would get fired and lose their benefits so they have to wait until they are out to speak their minds. Iraq has caused many a good officer to resign.
2007-07-07 16:36:26 · answer #4 · answered by joker_32605 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I believe that there is some rule or regulation that active military are not allowed to express negative things publicly.
2007-07-07 16:34:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't say anything bad because as war goes, I don't think there's much bad happening here.
2007-07-07 16:30:18 · answer #6 · answered by DOOM 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋