1,300 Iraqi Troops Fired for Deserting

[Ed Ely]

Posted in the Political View, just in case -

1,300 Iraqi Troops Fired for Deserting

We will never understand tribal government!

Ed

[Krackels]

That makes almost as much sense as punishing truant students with out of school suspension.

[Judge]

Maybe I'm nuts, but I just see that as a good thing. Two years ago, the entire army and police fell apart and we caught the brunt of the fighting. This time, the army and police held and are purging the weak...

That's progress. Very significant progress. IMHO.

[rupert]

Originally Posted by Judge

Maybe I'm nuts, but I just see that as a good thing. Two years ago, the entire army and police fell apart and we caught the brunt of the fighting. This time, the army and police held and are purging the weak...

That's progress. Very significant progress. IMHO.

I wouldnt say that is good. If the U.S. had 1,300 troops refuse to fight in Iraq at once, I think very few would look at it as purging the weak.

I look it as a sign of things to come. I just this isnt a huge setback where there are zones that they can no longer control themselves (more stress on U.S. troops).

[one-eyed-fatman]

Originally Posted by Judge

Maybe I'm nuts, but I just see that as a good thing. Two years ago, the entire army and police fell apart and we caught the brunt of the fighting. This time, the army and police held and are purging the weak...

That's progress. Very significant progress. IMHO.

That's possible...

[Judge]

Huge difference though... we've had a professional military for 175 years, we've got a 'national identity' and have largely overcome regional and racial bias in this country. Folks go into our military wilth a common allegiance and sense of unity that is further strengthened by an experienced NCOs and officer corps. The Iraqi's have none of that, their tribalism has to be replaced with a loyalty to the nation and they don't have a seasoned mid-level corps. Those take some time/decades to really establish. I think the progress made in a few years is remarkable.

It'd be like trying to teach the French army to stand and fight - just a huge challenge.

Originally Posted by rupert

I wouldnt say that is good. If the U.S. had 1,300 troops refuse to fight in Iraq at once, I think very few would look at it as purging the weak.

I look it as a sign of things to come. I just this isnt a huge setback where there are zones that they can no longer control themselves (more stress on U.S. troops).

[one-eyed-fatman]

Originally Posted by Judge

Huge difference though... we've had a professional military for 175 years, we've got a 'national identity' and have largely overcome regional and racial bias in this country. Folks go into our military wilth a common allegiance and sense of unity that is further strengthened by an experienced NCOs and officer corps. The Iraqi's have none of that, their tribalism has to be replaced with a loyalty to the nation and they don't have a seasoned mid-level corps. Those take some time/decades to really establish. I think the progress made in a few years is remarkable.

It'd be like trying to teach the French army to stand and fight - just a huge challenge.

It'd be like trying to teach the French army to stand and fight - just a huge challenge.

You'd have to learn how to stand and fight for your own country first.

[Frenchy]

I wonder if they get to claim unimployment...?

[KEVWYO]

I saw today that al Sadr wants them re-instated. Good grief the logic ... er .... I mean the lack there of boggles my mind. Then again if they get re-instated he has people on the inside.

[ichy_trigger]

Everyone of them should have been shot! I read a report that said they were even handing their weapons over to the insurgents. Shoot hem now or shoot them when they join the other team. I hate to say it but they should fear deserting more than the enemy.