Army Sgt: "This is a civil war, and we're just making things worse. We're losing. I'm not afraid..."

[sabra]

http://www.currentargus.com/ci_4913784

Many soldiers say troop surge a bad idea
The Associated Press

Baghdad, Iraq - Many of the American soldiers trying to quell sectarian killings in Baghdad don't appear to be looking for reinforcements. They say the temporary surge in troop levels some people are calling for is a bad idea.

...

"I don't know what could help at this point," said Roberts, 22, of Paonia, Colo. "What would more guys do? We can't pick sides. It's almost like we have to watch them kill each other, then ask questions." Based in Fort Lewis, Wash., the battalion is part of the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division. Deployed in June, its men were moved to Baghdad from Mosul in late November to relieve another Stryker battalion that had reached the end of its tour.

"Nothing's going to help. It's a religious war, and we're caught in the middle of it," said Sgt. Josh Keim, a native of Canton, Ohio, who is on his second tour in Iraq. "It's hard to be somewhere where there's no mission and we just drive around." Capt. Matt James, commander of the battalion's Company B, was careful in how he described the unit's impact since arriving in Baghdad.

...

"It could help alleviate some stress on the smaller units," he said. "It could help Baghdad, but things are already getting better." Sgt. Justin Thompson, a San Antonio native, said he signed up for delayed enlistment before the Sept. 11 terror attacks, then was forced to go to a war he didn't agree with.

A troop surge is "not going to stop the hatred between Shia and Sunni," said Thompson, who is especially bitter because his 4-year contract was involuntarily extended in June. "This is a civil war, and we're just making things worse. We're losing. I'm not afraid to say it."

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

1. He will probably soon be an ex-sarge.

When I declined, in 1965, to extend my enlistment to kill Vietnamese, I found myself in the Mess Hall for 30 days. Just a "coincidence" they told me. I will admit, however, to being somewhat vociferous in explaining my reluctance and expressing my thoughts about LBJ and his venture into neo-colonialism.

[sarge43]

2. True enough. On the other one, there's the classic story about

the 2nd Lieutenant getting his hindquarters ripped by some colonel. Bird finishes his rant and rave with "And I'll make you sorry!" To which Loot answers, "Sir, I'm a second lieutenant and the Morale Officer at Fort Hellhole. :wtf: more can you do to me?"

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

3. Hell, I figured a little mess duty for shooting my mouth off was worth it.

Besides, after 4 years in the Marine Crotch, I was pretty experienced at avoiding work.

[sarge43]

6. Well, I was shipped off to Fort Hellhole for running mine.

Just saying the sergeant is probably way past being scared of an army tizzy fit. There are times when you just have to throw down.

[butterfly77]

4. I can't believe that it took this long...

before some are now beginning to speak up...I guess they have come to the conclusion that a dummy is in charge...

[sarge43]

7. More likely, many of them believe they

have nothing left to lose.

"When the bullshit reaches your chin, you might as well testify before it goes over your head."

[Fluffdaddy]

5. As a ex-military guy , I know he's in for a world of hurt. Brave Man

[maxsolomon]

8. looks like the troops don't support themselves

here's the mission: don't get killed.