To American soldiers who served in Iraq: Did you believe in your mission there?
955984
Well, at the time I was deployed I didn't now anything about it. Moreover, I didn't care. I was a fresh private, and I was hungry for blood- any blood. Having been there, and seen what I have seen, I am certain that we have only two choices. Wait to be destroyed, or destroy them in their own countries. I speak, of course, of Islam. If you study, you'll see that this is simply the latest skirmish in war that is over 500 years old.
459060
Donkey is right, we supported him throughout the Iran/Iraq war.  My unit personally found an ammo cache that included several mortars, artillery, and all kinds of other explosives marked US and with US serial numbers.\n\nAlso, during Desert Storm, Iraq launched SCUD missiles at Israel trying to get Israel to fight back.  Since many countries in the region don't like Israel, he was trying to get more allies.  Since they didn't fight back and we protected them with our patriot missiles, it didn't amount to much.\n\nBefore the war in 2003, America had put together quite a case for doing it and everyone believed Iraq had WMDs.  America encountered no resistance from countries other than Iraq.
1051221
Yes I did but when he joined the Army and went to Iraq I think he was disillusioned.
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.
793902
All I can tell you is my husband was working as a mechanic in Iraq last year. The money was very good, the company was not. All lies. He now works in Afghanistan for KBR. The money is ok..not as good as was in Iraq. The working conditions are fair according to him. And yes, he did have to go to Houston for nearly two weeks for training...etc...\nEveryone goes to Camp Anaconda whether they are coming in country or leaving country. It is sort of like a central processing place.
573887
Well, for me it was simple. I was young and needed discepline and guidence in my life. I felt like the Army would give that to me while at the same time, I was doing something that I could be proud of. I don't think people join just to fight. I think it is more about a sense of ownership in who you are and what you believe in with regerds to what this country was built on and stands for and what it really means to be and American. It's being a part of one of the largest "Teams" in the world with one goal in mind...hte protection of this great country and all who call it home.  \n\nWhile I was in the Army, my job was not to die for my country....it was to provide the enemy with the maximum opportunity to die for his. ;-)
676800
You want to be an Iraqi soldier? Please clarify your question...
693330
I have been thinking that way for a long time. there are some dodgy questions being asked. a couple i have seen, How Many Exactly US troops in Iraq.How do you get to a certain navel station. How many tanks has US got in Iraq. Do you know when a certain Division is about to be moved over to Iraq. these are just some of the ones i think are suspicious.
641467
buddy i am a vet, two tours in iraq. and i want to thank you for saying such a good american thing and having the courage to post it here. i finished my military sevice couple of weeks ago and people like you are the reason we can keep going. even though our wives leave us, we lose most of our money, never get to see our kids born and miss thier birthdays. it helps to know there are still people left that have a love for this nation we serve. its hard to put up with the things we do and most every morning we'd rather stay in bed. thanks for makeing getting up every morning worth something good. my name is sgt curtis wellman, 6 years usmc 3 years us army
119018
I feel we were right to go into Iraq... and also believe that we should stay until they are able to maintain their freedom on their own.  We are a free country and as such have received much help and support from other countries to stay that way.  We owe it to the world to help out.  As far as why... I'd rater be fighting this war in Iraq than here in the US... it could happen.  I hate to hear people talking like we are killing innocent people and the like... our soldiers are trained to protect life and freedome... not to go around killing people.  They will however fire upon those who are threatening their mission.. I wouldn't consider these people innocent.  Our soldiers may have been partially responsible for some civilian casualties... but if those civilians are assisting or hiding the people we are seeking... that's not very innocent either.  Plus let's remember that a good number of casualties are caused by terrorist bombs meant to kill our soldiers... many civilians have lost their lives to these as well.\n\nIf you ever get the opportunity... sit down and actually TALK to someone who's actually been there and ask their opinion (most believe we are doin the right thing and are proud of what we/they have accomplished over there... just make sure when your finished with the conversation... You THANK them for EVERYRTHING they have done and given up to keep us free and safe.
430334
I feel that in a given situation what started as good intent has turned bad.  Our soldiers went to Iraq on a mission for our leaders, a mission disguised as Democracy.  You cannot blame the soldiers.  When this mission did not turn in favor of our leaders bad things began to happen, soldiers in confusion, some of them young and very ignorant or unknowledgable of the Iraqi culture, or any respect of other cultures, some just the a-holes that we interact with on any given day back here in the USA, those who are high strung or have a superior than you attitude. Some, terrified young men and woman just out of high school who have yet to experience  anything of the world. Some very honorable and moral human beings-our soldiers are as diverse in humanity as any civilian on our streets-good and bad people. They are thrown into a seemingly hopeless and confusing situation.  Yes, it has turned bad, horrifically bad.  My cousin returned from his tour just 6 months ago and the heinous crimes he witnessed by his fellow soldiers against Iraqis was mentally trying and heartwrenching for him (I wish I could say more of his proof that he has, it is visual and graphically distburing)..but he feared for his own safety and feared to report some the callous acts of these soldiers as threats were made against him when he confronted them. One went as far as to make a comment of "Friendly Fire" and how dishonorable that it is to go home in a coffin from an "accident" instead of courageous battle.  There are bad people and yes some are our own, the best thing for us to do is leave Iraq.  I have said it before its not losing a war but admitting an error.  I have heard of the atrocities our soldiers are doing to civilians, and the lack of hesitation towards anyone as if they are all enemies from a soldier, an honorable person, my cousin. A man who beloves strongly in God and Faith and is terrified to speak out on what he has seen ...I hope he finds the courage to speak out and our government to admit the mistakes that they have made.\nHope this gives you insight to how some of us feel about what you mentioned.  I love and respect all cultures and all religions even if I do not understand them or agree with them, that is why the world is the world we live in the joy of diversity , the abiltiy to learn something new from someone, from ones culture.
949551
Before I answer this question, I'd like to bring up something that really bothers me deeply concerning Iraq, would we be so regretful if we had successfully converted Iraq to a democracy with complete peace? \n\nThe question I have been screaming BEFORE the war started has been, "Does the means justfiy the end?" What if this end had been a success? Would most be sitting around feeling good about America?... feeling good about themselves? ... even though current civilian Iraqi body count is over 600k?... even though we never had a valid nor justiable reason to occupy Iraq?...\n\nOf course you know my feelings on this... immoral means never justfiy an end even if that end is successful. What about all those ppl that have died? What about the loyal, committed soldiers that followed their country's orders... not just American soldiers btw. \n\nSo once again, we should not take any pride in any way, shape or manner for our leader's invasion of Iraq. \n\nIs there ever a time to take pride in participating in a war? I think so. I did an Army tour in the mid-80s then when Saddam invaded Kuwait, one of our allies, I volunteered to come out of inactive status to participate. Why? Because I truly thought we, as a WORLD, had progressed past the days of barbaric occupations of invading just because you are stronger than the other guy. I took pride in that war because I compared it to a bully beating up a little child... that we were fighting the bully. Now, we are the bully.\n\nI can't begin to describe in words the disappointment I have in my country due to our actions. And what gets me now is the length of time it took ppl to come to this realization. I was a voice from the beginning saying it was wrong... most of these ppl against it were the ones in 2003 with those ribbons on the back of their mini-vans, American flags outside their homes... telling me I was anti-American or unpatriotic for not supporting my president. \n\nI'm serious. How many of you out there reading this either didn't have an opinion or was pro-Iraqi war because you thought it was going to be a cake walk? You were so sure we would just walk over the Iraqis and be the WINNERS. You never stopped to ask about our reasons... were they justified. America is going to war and we are going to kick some *** then come home like nothing winning.. showing the world 'who we are'.\n\nFor example, that Cindy Shehan (spelling) that camped outside of Bush's home in Texas in protest of the war AFTER her son died in Iraq. Where was her protest before her son died? I'd be willing to bet that up to that point, she was one of those ppl driving those mini-vans proudly with the ribbons on the back before that. \n\nSome ppl compare Iraq to Vietnam. While I see some comparisons, believe it or not, Vietnam at least had a reason. Vietnam was about containment. Containment is a word used to describe the stopping of the spreading of communism of that era. While I never saw how the spread of communism threatens us, at least they gave us a real,honest reason. \n\nNow to get the core of your question... what should we do now, knowing what we know now about the lies?\n\nUp to a week ago, I was on the fence about this. I literally could not decide. On one hand, I don'f feel good about making a mess of their country, the 100,000s that have died then leaving them to somehow find a way. On the other hand, I was thinking we couldn't win... win in terms of ever helping those ppl to 'get along' in a civil manner.\n\nI have since, just in the past few days, come to a realization... we need to get out. Why and what caused my choice, decision? \n\nIt all came together for me a few days ago when I read about some Shiites that had kidnapped 25 sunnis, took them into the streets and then burned them alive. Not only did they do this, Iraqi troops stood by and watched and an American helicopter patrolling took no action.\n\nThis action was not the r
129700
Since I am already a vet, all it would take is for me to be called back up for some reason. Though I am past the age for rejoining currently, if we were under attack again and the rules would change, I would proudly serve and fight again.\n\n*******\n\nThe violations from the cease fire ending the hostilities from "Desert Storm" were not "lies".... This was the primary reason for the continued war action in Iraq now...
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.
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.
405356
Feel better now that you've got that out of your system, you asshole? I hope so. \n\nMy brother-in-law served two tours in Iraq. He told me about what he saw over there, and it sounded to me like we HAVE done some good in removing Saddam. I can't regret removing a monster like that from power.\n\nAs for who's ashamed of what - there's plenty of shame to go around in this world. Looks to me like your dose is due at least in part to self-righteous, self-serving bullshit. \n\nNobody WANTS war. War means death and destruction and terror. Hindsight is 20/20, my friend, at worst, the American people were led around by the nose. Verbally abusing and belittling the people who had the balls to get up and do something about what they had good reason to believe was a dangerous situation is simply reprehensible. \n\nWhy don't you use your ball-busting verbosity to DO something to make the situation better rather than preaching distain and attempting to spread blame? Go overseas and hand out aid. Send people money to rebuild infrastructure or start an organization to sponsor business overseas. But don't sit around Monday morning quarterbacking - it's useless and only breeds distrust and discontent. Learn from the mistakes of history and do better than those who came before you.
801451
No.  My nephew decided to join to go there and signed up and he wanted to because he believes in the cause, so it is not like he was forced to go there.  When someone signs up for the military, they know they are going to go fight, and they choose to serve.   My other nephew his brother went ROTC and so he went through college, graduated, got his commission and is training troops now so he will be going over but he is still in the states.  ( my nephews, sister and whole family are all Republican )\n\nWhy would their family or friends want to change to a party that does not support what they are doing???  The whole "we support the troops but not the war" thing that democrats say is only being is fake and we all know it and so do the troops.  \n\nI do not agree with the way the war has been carried out, but that is tactics, and a tactical disagreement, not a philosophical or moral one.   I believe that Rumsfeld should have listened to the generals and gone in with a MUCH greater force from the get go and we would have been done by now, like we were in Desert Storm.   That does not mean I disagree with the war or think we should pull out, I do not in either case.