Vietnam
After years of mindless killing, dying and widespread atrocities in Vietnam, some components of our military fell into a state of disarray. Morale plummeted and drug use became widespread. Units that had previously fought bravely were threatening mutiny. Officers and N.C.O.'s were targeted for death by resentful enlisted men.
The capabilities and reputation of our military, which were meticulously rebuilt after Vietnam is falling victim to lowered standards, breakdowns in discipline and a series of atrocities, which is a betrayal of the honorable men and women in uniform. We haven't learn from Vietnam and are condemned to suffer the consequences.
The Army has lower its standards because most young Americans want no part of the war in Iraq. Recruiters, desperate to meet their quotas, are enlisting those who are less qualified and disciplined.
The Southern Poverty Law Center states that recruiters are under intense pressure to fill the thinning ranks. Consequently, they look the other way as militant white supremacists make their way into the armed forces. Minor criminal offenses that previously would have prevented enlistment are being overlooked. The Army is reluctant to release soldiers who are abusing alcohol or drugs.
We're faced with the case of American soldiers suspected of raping an Iraqi teenager and murdering her and her family. This is one of at least five cases currently being investigated in which our troops have been accused of killing unarmed civilians. Marines are suspected of slaughtering 24 Iraqis, including women and children, in the western town of Haditha. It calls to mind the My Lai massacre of Vietnam, but at a much smaller scale. Colin Powell’s "My American Journey" relates the My Lai atrocity, when American soldiers "herded 347 old man, women, children and even babies into a ditch and shot them."
While, Rumsfeld attempt to put the best face on this war, the predicament confronting the military is growing more dire. There are still not enough American troops in Iraq to secure the country. Our military has been stressed to their limit, with some troops serving their third or fourth tour of duty.
The capabilities and reputation of our military, which were meticulously rebuilt after Vietnam is falling victim to lowered standards, breakdowns in discipline and a series of atrocities, which is a betrayal of the honorable men and women in uniform. We haven't learn from Vietnam and are condemned to suffer the consequences.
The Army has lower its standards because most young Americans want no part of the war in Iraq. Recruiters, desperate to meet their quotas, are enlisting those who are less qualified and disciplined.
The Southern Poverty Law Center states that recruiters are under intense pressure to fill the thinning ranks. Consequently, they look the other way as militant white supremacists make their way into the armed forces. Minor criminal offenses that previously would have prevented enlistment are being overlooked. The Army is reluctant to release soldiers who are abusing alcohol or drugs.
We're faced with the case of American soldiers suspected of raping an Iraqi teenager and murdering her and her family. This is one of at least five cases currently being investigated in which our troops have been accused of killing unarmed civilians. Marines are suspected of slaughtering 24 Iraqis, including women and children, in the western town of Haditha. It calls to mind the My Lai massacre of Vietnam, but at a much smaller scale. Colin Powell’s "My American Journey" relates the My Lai atrocity, when American soldiers "herded 347 old man, women, children and even babies into a ditch and shot them."
While, Rumsfeld attempt to put the best face on this war, the predicament confronting the military is growing more dire. There are still not enough American troops in Iraq to secure the country. Our military has been stressed to their limit, with some troops serving their third or fourth tour of duty.
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