In regards to the Iraq war why isnt anyone asking the soldiers how they feel?

Question

I dont know if Ill pick you yet but KK, I have to say I wish I could give 10 stars for your answer

Answer 1

That's a very good question. The media doesn't ask the soldiers how they feel because they wouldn't get the answers they wanted. The majority (and I am not saying all of them) feel that what we are doing in Iraq is right. No one likes leaving their home to go and fight in a war, but as the old saying goes "freedom don't come free". We overthrowed a tyrannical regime and gave the Iraqi civilians freedom. The militant Muslim extremists in Iraq are trying to take away that freedom by terrorizing them into submission. That is why it would be sucicidal and pointless to pull out of Iraq at this time.
Another old saying "war is hell" also applies here. Almost everyone (including the Democrats) supported the war when clear results were being displayed. They cheered when we invaded Afganistan, they cheered when we invaded Iraq, they cheered when we captured Haddam Hussein, they cheered when we captured other terrorist leaders in Iraq and other Middle Eastern Countries. Now the Democrats have taken control of the House and Senate and the Presidential Election is coming up, and now less and less is being reported about the things going on in Iraq. We're not hearing about the Al Queida leaders that were just taken out recently, we're not hearing about the relief efforts still being given to Iraqi civilians. We are hearing, however, that the Democratic leaders are no longer supporting this war and now think that it is a bad thing and we should just pull out with our tail between our legs. Not only that, but it is now completely President Bush's fault for getting started in this war in the first place (and they completely gloss over the fact that most of them were also supporting his decision). We're hearing a lot of negatives and not a lot of positives, and hearing even more of the 2008 Presidential Election (which won't take place until next year!) and how the only thing we can do now is to elect a President who will "finish the job" and bring back our soldiers. Remember, whenever you point a finger, there are always three more pointing back at you.
The fact is, we're not hearing much about the soldiers and what's going on in Iraq other than doom and gloom. Consider that the next time there is a news headline about a new candidate for President.

Answer 2

I have to agree that KK's answer is excellent.

I have close friends in the military who I have talked in great detail. KK is right...the majority of them think that they are there for the right reasons, and that leaving would be stupid. They also ALL feel that the liberal mainstream media are terrorists and would love to brutally beat the he11 out of them.

People like Michael Moore-on look long and hard for those who enlisted simply for the college tuition and are crying in their pillows at night. There are very few.

As for the person who said that we should ask the Iraqis how they appreciate us "destroying their country" THEY ARE ALMOST 100% appreciative. The media also has to look a while to find those who do not want us there. There are a few stongholds that are controlled by the terrorists and they hate us. Other than that, progress is more than the media will report, moral is high, and the Iraqis continue to bring water, candy, and food to offer to our soldiers.

Do not believe the mainstream media.

Answer 3

What you just asked has pointed out one of the glaring faults of our all volunteer (mercenary) army. They are not a liberty to say.
You can bet if the bulk of our Army was citizen soldiers who had been drafted and were doing their duty we would already be out of Iraq. And most likely we would have never invaded Iraq.

Iraq is the whole history lesson on the the constitution about the citizen soldier (every male 18 years of age and older in the militia) versus a professional mercenary army of all volunteers.
Sure the generals and politicians love it because they are not going to be questioned like they would if we had a citizen army
We have a great bunch of kids over there getting killed for nothing but political greed because of it.
And the Guard is the only ones that can say anything about it and even then not much or face getting in trouble. Captain's Mast, Office Hours, Court Marital etc.

Answer 4

The soldiers are asked, but most will not go on the record at least until they retire or leave at the end of their enlistment/commission. It does not bode well for a military career to question the Commander in Chief, plus as someone else stated good morale is a must overseas. Soldiers are pumped with "once in a lifetime opportunity" and "liberating the oppressed" because "failing Iraq policy" just doesn't keep soldiers excited about their job. They follow orders and keep opinions to themselves (at least to the public) you will never hear my husband complain about deploying, even in my company.

Answer 5

Well, there have been a few interviews with the solders in the field. I just saw one that was covered by ABC News, less than a week ago. I also tuned in on one, that CNN had covered. The only problem with interviewing an solder, marine, sailor or airman, is that they are under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This does not allow them to tell you everything you would want to hear. There can be repercussions, from what they say. Due to the UCMJ, the are not allowed to bad mouth the military, it's actions or it's leaders. It is a regimented situation, but that is the U.S. Armed Forces, and their regs. Peace!

Answer 6

That is what all the reports that just came out are, they generals came out and said we are not making any progress of there, They are soldiers. I love my soldiers when we owe it to them to stand behind them and up for them. Even the soldiers who do not believe in the war fight every day. If you want to know how the soldiers feel write to them watch news casts that are shot from the battle fields. The answer you seek is on their faces.

Answer 7

People ask me and I tell them straight up (no sugar coating) what a mess it is. I also let them know how the majority of other soldiers feel....which is by the way...leave Iraq.

You can't win a war - there is no such thing as a winner in war.

You can't fight a war with a corrupt administration calling the shots.

The troops need to come home and regroup / recover from this to deal with any REAL crisis that may arise instead of being used as pawns to fight a corporate profiteering.

Answer 8

I think that the soldiers gave their view when they signed up for the military in the first place. The exception would be the soldiers that were already under contract when the war began.

Answer 9

People have asked what the soldiers feel in this matter. The problem I see is that openly questioning commanders usually does in an otherwise promising military career.

Answer 10

there have been interviews with the soldiers. Many do not want to talk about what happened, it is too traumatic!
In the Bronx there was a soldier that actually hired a hit man to shoot him in the leg while home on leave to avoid going back...google Jonathan Aponte..sad, but true!