US military service members: what do talk about amongst yourselves concerning the Iraq War?
367780
25, was active Army, 25F (Network/Switching systems Op/Maint)\nI just exited the service after 6 years and 7 months (was stop loss-ed for my second Iraq tour), and the things I ask someone else that was in Iraq is where they were, what they were doing, and whether or not the local nationals nearby would "misbehave."  The answers to the first and second are always different, the third one is usually yes.\n  One thing I've learned about the news is that the news only exists where the reporters are, and it is only as good as their understanding of the situation.  There were so many things that I've witnessed that the news would mention as side notes, using the phrase "reports of..." because they didn't have anyone there.\n  One thing I've always wanted people back home to be aware of is that the situation is both worse and better than what they hear.  The news only seems to focus on US casualties, but never talks about police forces built, infrastructure repaired, people helped, anything with a positive outcome, etc.  The news also misses the significance of some of the Iraqis targeted by insurgents if no US forces were involved.  During my second deployment, I spent the majority of the time in Mosul, and it never ceased to amaze me how the insurgency would actively target local officials with the same techniques and weapons they'd use for CF (Coalition Forces).  It seemed like incidents were occurring constantly, Iraqi Army being hit with IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), police were being gunned down, sheiks (who are more or less the equivalent of an alderman here) being assassinated, sometimes with their families.   If you want a good question, consider the amount of times you are quoted the number of US soldiers killed by hostile fire, and wonder how many Iraqis are killed by the insurgency.  Not like those estimations of bystanders killed, but how many have been actively sought out and killed by the insurgency since the start, before you heard the words "sectarian violence" on the news.  That's a question I wish I knew the answer to.\n  I hope that gives you a start of sorts.  Please continue to ask more questions, and you will receive replies.
1097137
First of all, if you have never served in the military since the war in Iraq, then I don't think that you would be in a position to judge the calibre of todays armed forces. Now since I served 4 1/2 years in the army, in the grunts, and 20 months in Iraq, I will comment on the possibilities of your question. \n \nWWII was a clearly defined war. Everyone was aware of what was at stake. We knew that civilization as we knew it was either going to prevail, or that the dark fascists states of Germany and Japan were going to rule the world, exploiting whatever and whomever they wanted. I'm sure that if the conditions were right the US would rise to the occasion once again. Remember, this war is not even in the top 3 as far as unpopular wars that the US has been involved in. The first was the Mexican American war, second was Vietnam, and believe it or not, the war of 1812 became so unpopular that we almost lost it. It's okay to have differing opinions, that's what makes this country great. I don't care if you're a liberal or a conservative, all I care about is that you're a concerned citizen. As long as we have concerned citizens, then this country will continue to prosper.\n\nNow, as far as the comment made about "We can't even win the war in Iraq" I suggest to that person that they inform themselves on some history, and try to grasp the complexity of a guerrilla war. The British citizens said the same things about their military during our Revolution because we employed guerrilla tactics against an Army that by all means should have beat us within a fortnight. They didn't understand how to fight an insurgency much the same way we didn't understand how to in Vietnam. If you are implying that we are not "winning" in Iraq because of the quality of our armed forces them I must veheamently protest. The soldiers and Marines that I worked with in my time in the service were by far the MOST proffesional people I have ever had the honor of meeting. I think that they have made our forefathers proud THROUGH this proffesionalism. \n\nFinally, I think you should apologize to the men and women of the armed forces forces for your blatent ignorance, disrespect, and utter disregard for the price that warriors like us pay so that you can remain in the pitiful world you know as your life. In other words, SHUT THE FVCK UP.
990132
Amen!!!  I am a moderate liberal, but some of the crazy people in here scare me!!  also, my spouse is in the marine corps.... so the military is definitely a good thing!
147279
Sending US back out for war?  Are you in the military?  Are you fighting over in the desert?  Have you made huge sacrifices for the good of this country?  I'm guessing not.  As a veteran I can safely say that the majority of military personnel would be insulted by you saying "us".  They are trained professionals who believe in what they do and take pride in fighting evil.  Next time I suggest saying our military.  Or our troops, soldiers, sailors or airmen.  \n\nIf you are currently in the military, I apologize.
799038
Yes, I will. And a thought for those who oppose our presence in Iraq..\nI'm not a fan of the war or the politicians. I do, and think everyone in this country should, be respectful, thankful and compassionate to our soldiers and their families. The men and women are doing their JOBS. And, unlike you and I, have chosen to do their jobs to benefit the people of this country knowing it may cost them their lives, limbs, mental health. They do this without question and in spite of the danger. Their families support their loved ones out of love, not duty. They sacrifice out of love. I'm sure there are many family members and soldiers themselves who don't agree with the politics, but they continue to do their JOB. So, whatever your position politically, the soldiers deserve our loyalty,respect,prayers and admiration for the sacrafices they make on a daily basis while we get to be here on Yahoo Answers discussing it on a computer sitting in a chair, in a warm home. I don't know about anyone else out there, but sitting here I'm not concerned in the least that I may be shot or bombed or even get an uncomfortable chill. And no, I don't know any soldiers or any families of soldiers. I do, howerver, love this country and the life I enjoy as an American. You can't have it anywhere else in the world.
715654
What i would like in an advice/news column would be something about the war in Iraq and the effects it has had on the soldier's families and how their families deal with the loses and some consoulation for them to help them feel better.
933556
Generally speaking, yes it has had an impact on the image of the US.  I'm in the USA.  But many people outside the US are quite upset with us over Iraq.   Outside of the Islamic world, not many are too upset with us over Afghanistan-- that was considered justified given the taliban, OBL and 9/11.\n\nAfter 9/11 the US supposedly had much support over being attacked.  Even from some countries one wouldn't expect.\n\nInvading Iraq based on faulty info has been seen as a mistake especially in light of ignoring the UN position on this.  We had broad support in the first Gulf war but not in the second.\n\nI do speak with friends and colleagues from other countries-- generally they're ok US people, but quite upset about our policies around the world.  I've also seen opinions from some that indicate we're too leanient in some cases-- that is, we need to just demolish people who mess with us.\n\nIn one converstation, I was discussing freedom of speech etc. with a foreign student (from Europe).  When I mentioned protests, it surprised him that we protest against our own government.  In his country, most of the protests are against the US and less so against their own goverment.\n\nI think we (the US) are often seen as trying to impose our wishes on everybody else regardless of what they want or think.\n\nOh, I'll echo the comment below me-- many outside the US think "americans" are generally ignorant.  Not agreeing with that but that's the perception.
304690
Most soldiers returning from Iraq get a shock when they come home.  Over there we see what we are achieving and the good we are doing - but when we come home we realize that the people who hate us and want us to lose are the only voices you hear.\n\nNow we are questioning all of you.  We are winning this - and the only people who can defeat us are the news media and the US anti-war movement.\n\nAnd there is another issue you should consider.  If you let us down and force us to lose in Iraq - who will fight for you next time?
1029919
The US military is a perfect slice of Americana.  You have people of all walks coming in for various reasons.  Jews and Muslims.  Christians and Pagans.  Black, Caucasian, Arabic, etc...  Straight and gay.  Liberal, conservative and plain old apathetic.  A collection of good people, with some bad apples thrown in because that's society.  The point being is that military folks aren't really any different than what you encounter in your own neighborhoods.  It is the perfect melting pot and almost a pinnacle of what America should be; acceptance of diversity.\n\nWhat they should also know is the history of the US Military.  All of it.  Both it's triumphs and defeats, as well as the honor that most of us in the profession of Arms withhold juxtaposed with the shame that some in a very small minority live and die with.\n\nYour children should know that good people die so they can ask these questions.  Military members provide for defense of this country and its freedoms.  Hopefully those elected officials who have their hand in the military governance, have a enough sense to know what freedom really means.\n\nIf you want a history lesson, don't read a book; talk to a vet.
209059
You know it always amazes me when people talk sh*t about the military. They only see the bad things that go on in Iraq and never the good things because they far outnumber the bad. many of the Iraqi people wanted us there and they supported us. Granted we should now pull our troops out  and let the people of Iraq finish getting their country back up and running. Bush did not go into Iraq for oil. I really have no idea where everybody gets that from. Oil was not even thought about when we went into Iraq. \n  for those people who are bashing the military are a bunch of cowards that do not have the guts to serve their own country. Anybody can sit at home and talk shit about how the country is going and about the miltary. So if you really cared about waht is going on then get off you a** and do something otherwise just shut the f**k up. we serve our country becasue we have honor and courage. every man and women in the military know what our ultimate sacrifce can be by serving our country. Beleive me the men and women who have died serving did so doing what they wanted and did so in honor and courage. For some people to talk bad about the military and our country are just a bunch of cowards who have no balls to do something themself. All they know how to is just open their mouths. I think that Bush is overstepping his boundaries but he is doing what he feels is right for us and the iraqi people. If you think that you can do better then get up off your sorry a** and run for president
31816
I am a US Marine and we will pull out whenever the mission is accomplished. BY THE WAY, the reasons of OIL or American love for money have nothing to do with it... I'll give you an example of why we are there...Sadamm was such an evil tyranical man that he struck fear in the people of Iraq through actions such as torture (feeding people feet first into wood chippers just so they could scream and feel the pain longer) or shooting people simply because they may not have agreed with him. It is a war that was necessary to bring freedom to the People of Iraq. Any other negative talk is just deminishing what we have accomplished so far and what we will complete. I have lost a few friends myself but we all signed up understanding that it could happen and we are willing to sacrifice if it means freedom for them and mission accomplishment.\nP.S. I've served for a couple of presidents so far and you mock us by knocking our Commander in Chief and his staff. Look at the bigger picture.\n\nP.S.S. Smedley D. Butler was a long time ago and his efforts were for a different war. He's not in this conflict. \n\nP.S.S.S. The war may be "over" but the clean up and peace keeping mission is still active.
852511
Obviously you have valuable experience that would help in the current conflict.\n\nUS troops should be open to hearing other perspectives.\n\nHowever, the real problem is NOT with the troops, it's with the President who put them in Iraq in the first place, and who fails to give them the support to do their job right.\n\nIt's the President who really should have listened to the other countries in the UN years ago, who said give the weapons inspectors time to do their job. But no, he had to invade, and there were no wmds.\n\nPlease don't blame the US troops - they are doing the best they can under the circumstances. Blame the Americans for electing Bush again, and blame bush for not listening to the experience of other countries.\n\nNow that we have voted in a Democratic congress and senate, things will change rapidly.
741039
I served in Afghanistan and received quite a bit of hate mail from back home. I was injured while on patrol and upon returning home had garbage and other things thrown at me as I entered the base for my discharge. Iraq is far more controversial so I am glad that I do not have to bear coming home from Iraq and receive even worse criticism. Joining the Army was my CHOICE!. You people may not like wars but you are not fighting in it so I don't know what gives anti war protesters the right to spit on me when I am only serving my country and my countrymen, including them. We are told not to argue, but I wish they would put their time to better use than standing outside all day and ridiculing the soldiers. Fortunately others and I are far too proud to take too much offense.
900040
Where is the support for your "facts"?  My brother has been there and has seen his friends die and has seen the people of Iraq.  He had the citizens come to him and thank him for what he was there too do.  Ask any one who has served and met the REAL people of that country.  They do like what we are doing there.  It is the radicals who are fighting against us that don't want us there.  These are the people who would rule by terror.  Get your "facts" straight and serve in the military yourself before you start criticizing what is goin on.
985808
I have not lost a loved one but my son is serving in Iraq. If he died in this war I would protest the White House. Camp out on his lawn until he sees me and explains why?\n\nI do not believe this war to be just or right. We invaded another country without the UN behind us and without good justification. Losing my son would never be worth it. If I lost him in protecting our borders and our country from invasion that is different. \n\nI do not sleep well. But my sons destiny was always to go into the military and so I have supported him since he was 12 and decided to get in an Air Force Aux to start his life as a soldier. He has always connected to it. It was in his blood as God intended.\nHe serves all Americans with a happy heart. He does not agree with the war but he does what if expected. If he helps one soldier saves one life in Iraq it is worth it.\n\nHe is there for a reason.  The reason was to save many many lives, his whole squaron. He spent his first 6 months there transporting military equipment in caravans across Iraq. Did he tell me the constant Dangers, no, he knew I could not handle it and would never sleep a wink. Instead he did his duty. He lead his troops across enemy territory many times, not sleeping for 36 hours at time, just to make sure they were all safe. His bravery was relentless.\nHe comes home soon and is getting a Bronze Star for his bravery. I am proud not that he went to Iraq to invade their country but that my sons role was to save many soldiers lives. As an officer he did his job. And will he go back. I am sure he will do more that one tour. But God has a plan for him a destiny that he needs to fulfill. I will not stand in his way but I will worry no matter what. I love him.
599931
my answer. \ni'm a soldier and spent about six monthes living inside the haditha dam in that town. \nthe "facts" that others speak of here, are actually facts. and they are not in question. those innocents were killed by marines (whether on accident or on purpose) and i agree with his opinion that it's sad and it makes me sick too.\ni have also spoken to very nice and somewhat hostile iraqis and they all would like to see us leave. i never spoke to the very hostile ones, but i can only assume they would like us to as well.\nso i agree with most veterans in politics (guys like murtha) on this issue and not with the cowardly draft dodging self servers who got us into this war. it's crap. oh, and i love them soldiers. and think that our country should let them go kill the bad people who actually sponsor terrorism.\nthe end.
1095221
Your question should really be addressed to your father.  He's a good man.\n\nI've been there.  We should be there.\n\nAsk any honest Iraqi.  (I did) They'll tell you how they lived in fear for their live from their government, their police, and their border countries.  Something you probably have never had to endure, so probably can't appreciate the weight of the fear or the dispair in their lives.  They're now realizing that they have a shot.\n\nWhile the war does serve American political interests, that's of secondary importance to me.  I'll fight any day of the week to stop the hell that the Iraqi's were going through.