16 October 2004 (Post 3)
A quick touch on the headlines for today. As I sit and write this, explosions rock the area and we are unsure if it is outgoing or incoming. We have gotten used to it and we usually don't think twice about it.
I had a reader inform me of something I already knew about. Ramadan. I know that this month is supposed to be a month of charity, fasting and cleanliness, however, I see no charity in all of this. Five churches bombed this morning, one of them near us. Where is the charity in this? Car bomb kills troops in Iraq. Nope, not there either. Explosions rock central Baghdad. Still searching. Bombing, killing and violence seem to be the order of the day.
Also I wished to touch on the item regarding the soldiers who refused their mission because of their equipment. This is an extremely isolated incident, however black the mark on the military it may leave. The United States military is some of the best equipped and supplied forces in the world and there is absolutely no excuse for cowardace or using this excuse because of fear. Our platoon consists of at least 18 well equipped soldiers, 2 heavily armored HMMWVs, (I hate mine because I cannot see or hear) and 2 lighter armored HMMWVs. I prefer to ride in the lighter ones for they are faster, more mobile and I can see and hear anything that may be coming. The excuse given by at least one of the soldiers that refused the mission, is that some of their vehicles were deadlined (not mission capable). Well, genius, whose fault is that?? The operator, that is who. No, we do not take a deadlined vehicle out, unless it is a deadline that will not risk the lives of our soldiers, unless absolutely necessary and then it has to be signed off by the commander. If one of my vehicles is deadlined, we do not rest until it is fully mission capable, and there are always parts on hand to fix any problem. If that vehicle was deadlined, well, then the operators were at fault for not informing their commanders. Also, a deadline, by regulation, has to be identified in the technical manual, not the operator. In other words, if the operator doesn't "feel" his vehicle is safe, but the technical manual does not state in black and white that the vehicle is deadlined...then it is NOT deadlined. I see where there is no culpable argument by this unit to refuse a mission. No discipline, cowardice and mutiny were to blame here. Yesterday the article stated that this unit had no "armed escort". Well excuse me SOLDIER! Do YOU have a rifle? Do YOU have a machine gun mounted on your trucks? Well that is all any one else has so therefore YOU are your OWN armed escort.
I am severely disenchanted with this incident as I said before it is an isolated incident, however, it will tarnish the names of those soldiers who go out every day and walk a highway in helmet and body armor to visually identify IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), so that these "supply convoys" can come through unharmed. The soldiers that risk IEDs, RPGs, gunfire, and car bombs EVERY SINGLE DAY, do not complain because the "mission is too dangerous". Some of my soldiers have complained to me that they hate the Kevlar body armor because they cannot move properly and could not throw a grenade if they had to. We have proven this fact with attempting to throw rocks. However difficult, it is possible, so I told them to be quiet about it. I have complained about my truck and not being able to see above me (roofs being the most dangerous contact points) however, I have no choice in the type of vehicle I ride in, so if I want to see or hear something I GET OUT AND WALK. My soldiers have put more miles on their boots than we have on the trucks and we have proven, statistically, that we are safer, dismounted than mounted as a dismounted element can act more swiftly than a mounted one and the insurgents know this and don't even attempt to mess with them. IEDs on the highway have dropped extensively, almost to none at all, during our tenure here because we walk. Is it dangerous? Of course it is. However, all of us have accepted the fact that we are SOLDIERS and in the performance of our duties, being a soldier is the most dangerous occupation in the world. We accept that fact because we signed the papers. We know what we do and we know what could happen.
Forgive me for my tirade, but cowardice in the face of the enemy, mutiny and discord kind of touch a nerve with me. God forbid that all soldiers decide that "this mission is too dangerous so therefore I refuse to go out". Humph. Prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Leavenworth needs more rock breakers.
I had a reader inform me of something I already knew about. Ramadan. I know that this month is supposed to be a month of charity, fasting and cleanliness, however, I see no charity in all of this. Five churches bombed this morning, one of them near us. Where is the charity in this? Car bomb kills troops in Iraq. Nope, not there either. Explosions rock central Baghdad. Still searching. Bombing, killing and violence seem to be the order of the day.
Also I wished to touch on the item regarding the soldiers who refused their mission because of their equipment. This is an extremely isolated incident, however black the mark on the military it may leave. The United States military is some of the best equipped and supplied forces in the world and there is absolutely no excuse for cowardace or using this excuse because of fear. Our platoon consists of at least 18 well equipped soldiers, 2 heavily armored HMMWVs, (I hate mine because I cannot see or hear) and 2 lighter armored HMMWVs. I prefer to ride in the lighter ones for they are faster, more mobile and I can see and hear anything that may be coming. The excuse given by at least one of the soldiers that refused the mission, is that some of their vehicles were deadlined (not mission capable). Well, genius, whose fault is that?? The operator, that is who. No, we do not take a deadlined vehicle out, unless it is a deadline that will not risk the lives of our soldiers, unless absolutely necessary and then it has to be signed off by the commander. If one of my vehicles is deadlined, we do not rest until it is fully mission capable, and there are always parts on hand to fix any problem. If that vehicle was deadlined, well, then the operators were at fault for not informing their commanders. Also, a deadline, by regulation, has to be identified in the technical manual, not the operator. In other words, if the operator doesn't "feel" his vehicle is safe, but the technical manual does not state in black and white that the vehicle is deadlined...then it is NOT deadlined. I see where there is no culpable argument by this unit to refuse a mission. No discipline, cowardice and mutiny were to blame here. Yesterday the article stated that this unit had no "armed escort". Well excuse me SOLDIER! Do YOU have a rifle? Do YOU have a machine gun mounted on your trucks? Well that is all any one else has so therefore YOU are your OWN armed escort.
I am severely disenchanted with this incident as I said before it is an isolated incident, however, it will tarnish the names of those soldiers who go out every day and walk a highway in helmet and body armor to visually identify IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), so that these "supply convoys" can come through unharmed. The soldiers that risk IEDs, RPGs, gunfire, and car bombs EVERY SINGLE DAY, do not complain because the "mission is too dangerous". Some of my soldiers have complained to me that they hate the Kevlar body armor because they cannot move properly and could not throw a grenade if they had to. We have proven this fact with attempting to throw rocks. However difficult, it is possible, so I told them to be quiet about it. I have complained about my truck and not being able to see above me (roofs being the most dangerous contact points) however, I have no choice in the type of vehicle I ride in, so if I want to see or hear something I GET OUT AND WALK. My soldiers have put more miles on their boots than we have on the trucks and we have proven, statistically, that we are safer, dismounted than mounted as a dismounted element can act more swiftly than a mounted one and the insurgents know this and don't even attempt to mess with them. IEDs on the highway have dropped extensively, almost to none at all, during our tenure here because we walk. Is it dangerous? Of course it is. However, all of us have accepted the fact that we are SOLDIERS and in the performance of our duties, being a soldier is the most dangerous occupation in the world. We accept that fact because we signed the papers. We know what we do and we know what could happen.
Forgive me for my tirade, but cowardice in the face of the enemy, mutiny and discord kind of touch a nerve with me. God forbid that all soldiers decide that "this mission is too dangerous so therefore I refuse to go out". Humph. Prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Leavenworth needs more rock breakers.
posted by Jay | 4:53 PM
16 Comments:
Jay,
I agree with you! There's no question that if the heros in Iwo Jima refused to obey orders in the heat of battle what would have happened. The battle would have been pushed closer to our parents and grandparents and more patriots would have to be sacrificed to win. The beheadings and bombings of churchs and hospitals has shown us the character of those we are fighting. They are desparate and know that they have few options left so they choose these.
Thanks for all that you do and the *vast* majority of the military are doing. I can say that my family appreciates it and we pray that this black mark is seen for the abberation and extreme minority that it is.
Wow,you sure can write! The three posts are awesome.While I agree with your concept of following orders, I am concerned that what this platoon did comes at a time when our media and politicians tells us that our troops in Iraq do not have sufficient and/or proper equipment to follow out orders in a way that does not place them is harms way do to equipment failure.
In terms of the significance of this so called holy month of ramidan....I can't find holiness or purpose to bloodshed in the name of any god.
I wish you and your soldiers protection during this most difficult time.May God's hand be on each soldiers shoulder so as to guide them from harm.
Will
Media and politicians telling the American public that soldiers are not properly equipped? Well, let me put it this way, the only problems that we have are with chow. I hate eating in the mess hall. Sometimes would rather have MREs. The Army equips us from head to toe, to include 55 dollar plus pairs of eye protection. Vehicles have been uparmored to include heavy trucks and HMMWVs. Take it from a soldier here. We are equipped just fine. Compared to just a few years ago when men were fighting in nothing but their uniforms and a helmet...the military has come a long way. Grandpa had a shirt. He didn't complain.
Jay,
Another awesome post. You are right about the combat refusal or whatever a mutiny is being called these days. I think that when all is said and done (if we ever get the real story) the incident can be attributed to very poor leadership by the officers and senior NCOs in the unit. Having written that, let's not forget that some unknown NCO rallied other, more sturdy soldiers in the unit to complete the mission. I suspect that NCO will remain forgotten while the media attempts to make heros out of the mutineers.
AMEN!
I am glad you "touched" on this. I am a proud wife of a National Guardsman....he would never refuse a mission. Remember "if you refuse to go your peers do it, if you are on time you are probably late". I have heard stories about several people will not leave "inside the wire", although the same people are on patrol daily. This is going to sound rough, but this is what I have to say. Do not ask my husband to pick up something for you while he is out on a mission, because you don't want to leave the wire.....if something happens to my husband while he is picking up a movie or some crazy ass shit...I will find you.
Hi - My name is Mary and I am glad you are still blogging. I really enjoy reading what you write and it helps me remember to keep you in my prayers. It is really something to read your opinions as I don't think we get to see how the soldiers really think and feel in the main stream media reports.
Stay safe and please keep writing!
Jay,
Again, thank you so much for writing your letters and letting us know what is really happening over there. I feel like Soviet citizens must have felt during the reign of communism - their media told only lies, based on their political agendas.
In your letter you apologized for the "tirade" - that was no "tirade" - it was the truth, and if the truth hurts, so be it. We know those scared soldiers do not represent the majority of our fighting men overseas. Hang tough, have a good leave, and thank you again for what you do. May God bless you and your family, and keep all of you safe from harm.
Karen
I am so glad to see your not going the poor me route.
MORE soliders should be like you.
stay safe, come home safe!
Hi Jay
My name is Miles my mom is writing this for my, I am six and do not know how to spell very well. I want to be a G.I joe when I grow up. That is what I am going to be for halloween.You are great. Thank you for keeping me safe. I love you. Love Miles
Hi there,my name is Amanda..and I just wanted to say you're a great soldier. Thank you so much for letting all of us over here in the US and everywhere else know whats going on.
I know someone over there..someone who was very close to me..And I never got such a clear picture of what is going on over there as to what you paint when you write. Thank You.
Im praying for you and everyone over there with you as well. Stay safe and know how proud we all are of you guys over there!
~Amanda
http://www.geocities.com/amandaa_ok/SupportTheTroops.html
Man thanks for your service in Iraq and stay safe!
When I was in the Marines there were shirts going around that summed up life in the military - "Think sneakers - Just Do It".
My first take on these soldiers refusing to follow orders were that they should be shot for cowardice in the face of the enemy.
I would agree with the statement that someone else made is that this situation is indicative of a problem in that units commande structure.
Semper Fi.
First of all, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. I know you hear it alot but your service is truly appreciated. The story hasnt picked up traction lately. It apears that the other soldiers didnt want to deliver "contaminated" fuel for helicopters and risk other soldiers lives. Do you know if this is true or just another story? I havent been able to confirm this.
I was talking to a scientist from TACOM Warren the other day and he had the same comment you did about the armor on the HMMWVs and they are addressing the issue. Keep your head down.
I am unable to give my name as it won't accept it. My name is Jeremiah and I only wish i could be there with you, by being 65 they think I am too old. I believe you are under staffed and I admire your support for the cause we are fighting for.
Great information on your site folks. I also am working on a credit repair company site. I'll bookmark yours if you bookmark mine. You can find it at credit repair company.
Again, nice site folks...I'll be baak...:)
A
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