On FOX News yesterday, it was stated that we are very short of 'foot soldiers'.
How do you feel about this statement?
2007-12-17 01:36:31 · 8 answers · asked by Henpecked 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
This is a fact and not fiction. We are short on ground pounders because after too many deployments, many simply do not re-enlist, this causes a shortage of experienced personnel.
The Army has lowered their standards to fill quotas with anybody that can walk and talk and shoot, not to mention cash a fat bonus check.
And the reserves and national guard are loosing people once they complete their enlistment obligations.
How can the government expect the military to fulfill obligations on a war that has lasted far too long and yet keep the number of troops needed to operate.
We have no problem going to war and winning quickly, it's what happens after that screws us up. take for example the Gulf War, it was short and quick, we simply stopped the enemy and sent them running home.
2007-12-17 03:53:42 · answer #1 · answered by Sgt Big Red 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally don't put a lot of faith in ANYTHING that FOX "News" puts out. In this case, I think the criticism is that the military in Iraq is resource intensive and that there is a disproportionate number of support troops to combat troops. This may be true to some extent. At the same time, many of the support troops are doing the types of jobs that have traditionally been infantry or cav missions. It also misses the fact that alot of coalition combat power is based on the functioning of Iraqi Army units and the ability of the U.S. MTTs to keep them up to a reliable standard of readiness--something that has been hit and miss.
2007-12-17 09:58:30 · answer #2 · answered by G.I. Reaux 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a day and age where young people EXPECT to get a marketable skill from the military, it's very difficult to convince them to enlist as infantrymen. Even with the unheard-of size of the bonuses currently offered, 11B recruiting is very tough.
Retention is even more difficult. After a 21-year-old serves his third combat tour, it's almost impossible to convince him to stay in the military.
I'd agree with Fox News' assessment.
2007-12-17 09:54:46 · answer #3 · answered by Aaron W 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not to sure, but when I went to MEPs a majority of people there wanted 11b or 11x...infantry...I think mainly because a majority of people that join want travel and adventure and the infantry is the best place in the army if your that type of person..you can't really convince people to do that job..it's just in a thing some people have in them.
2007-12-17 10:45:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As stated above, its hard to get people that want the job.
Its a difficult position. It doesn't have the glamor of some of the other jobs. It is more dangerous than many of the other positions.
The really unfortunate fact is that it is more vital than most of the other jobs.
2007-12-17 10:01:21 · answer #5 · answered by Yun 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Former President Clinton, in all his wisdom, enacted a military drawdown during his Presidency. If the military is short soldiers, I know where I am putting the blame. I know that I had to do the work of a 7 soldier shop by myself thanks to his wisdom.
2007-12-17 10:12:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
They dare call our foot soldiers short?!?
2007-12-17 10:02:01 · answer #7 · answered by anonymousryu 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think that America is in a bit of trouble unless allies pick up the slack.
2007-12-17 09:46:32 · answer #8 · answered by The Hell With This Constitution 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋