U.S. Military Personnel Growing Critical of the War in Iraq

[radfringe]

U.S. Military Personnel Growing Critical of the War in Iraq
By GEORG MASCOLO and SIEGESMUND VON ILSEMANN
Der Spiegel -- Published: January 17, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/17/international/europe/17spiegel.html?

US military officials are becoming increasingly vocal in their criticism of the war in Iraq, telling Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld that more troops are needed to prevail over the insurgents. Moreover, recruitment is down and more reservists and members of the National Guard are being sent to Baghdad.

--snip--

Revolt no longer Rare
Deserting US recruits -- once a rarity -- are not alone in their search. Three months after being reelected and immediately prior to what is expected to be a triumphant inaugural party to mark the start of his second term, US President George W. Bush will be hard-pressed not to reevaluate the strategy for the deployment of US troops in Iraq. He faces massive doubts among the members of his own military, who are becoming increasingly vocal in their opinion that the US war with Iraqi insurgents is being conducted with insufficient manpower and equipment. Lieutenant General James Helmly, chief of the Army Reserve, warns that his troops in Iraq have "deteriorated into a broken force."

A revolt seems to be taking place within the ranks. Even though daily bomb attacks in Iraq and the latest death toll of 1,361 US soldiers have yet to trigger any significant reversal in US public opinion, and even though President Bush reiterated last week that the world is a safer place without Saddam Hussein, Bush's soldiers and officers seem increasingly convinced that the opposite is true. Almost without warning, America's armed forces, superior to any of the world's other militaries but faced with severe personnel shortages, are suddenly encountering almost insurmountable obstacles -- politically, strategically and financially.

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meanwhile -- troops are being equiped with a plastic talking point card....

Soldiers get tips on dealing with media
'Talking points' offered on Iraq -- By JAY PRICE, Staff Writer
http://www.newsobserver.com/nation_world/iraq/story/2008013p-8388436c.html

FORT BRAGG -- As they leave for a yearlong tour in Iraq, soldiers of the 18th Airborne Corps are packing the necessities of modern warfare: M-4 carbines, ceramic-plated body armor and a plastic wallet card that lists talking points for interviews.

Wallet card tips

KEY TALKING POINTS

* The Corps is trained, resourced and ready to accomplish its missions. We are committed to the cause and will remain in Iraq as long as we are needed.

* The fight in Iraq is tough, but we will remain steadfast and not lose heart.

* We are moving forward together with the Iraqi government as partners in building a future for the sons and daughters of Iraq.

* Coalition forces will help our Iraqi partners as they build their new and independent country and take their rightful place in the world community.

* We are a values-based, people-focused team that strives to uphold the dignity and respect of all.

* Our troopers and their families are our greatest and most treasured resource.

* The Corps is a national institution -- it has never failed to do the will of the American people.

Provided by: XVIII Corps Public Affairs Office, Fort Bragg, NC 28310

MEDIA INTERVIEWS

* Every service member is a command representative. Use the media opportunity to tell your unit and the Army story.

* Don't discuss classified information.

* Talk to the interviewer, not the camera.

* Be relaxed, confident and professional.

* Be concise; think about what you will say before you speak.

* Avoid using acronyms or profane language.

* Stay in your lane -- confine your discussions to areas of which you have firsthand knowledge or personal experience.

* Deal in facts -- avoid speculation and hypothetical questions.

* Stay on the record -- if you say it, they'll print it.

* You don't have to answer a question, but don't say "no comment." It's OK to say "I don't know."

* Don't argue with the reporter -- be firm, be polite -- don't get emotional.

* Protect the record -- correct the "facts" if you know they are wrong.

[rodeodance]

1. "Stay on the record -- if you say it, they'll print it."--these tips

could be the WH tips (or visa versa??)

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. >>the world is a safer place without Saddam Hussein

The world was a safer place prior to selection 2000.

www.unprecedented.org

[Disturbed]

3. How long will the brainwashing last?

Will most of the grunts ever realize that they have been betrayed by their commanders?

[radfringe]

4. brainwashing will last about

5 minutes after they've been shot at or see the vehicle in front of them get blown up or when they are taught by those that have been there awhile all about how to scrounge metal plates to put on the vehicles...