"It is proper to demand more from the man with exceptional advantages than from the man without them. A heavy moral obligation rests upon the man of means and upon the man of education to do their full duty by their country. On no class does this obligation rest more heavily than upon the men with a collegiate education, the men who are graduates of our universities. Their education gives them no right to feel the least superiority over any of their fellow-citizens..." - Theodore Roosevelt

I've got permission to go hot with this. This is typical of what I've been hearing.

It's a manifesto of sorts from a Staff Sergeant in the fight in Afghanistan. He had an experience recently while on mid-tour leave to see his wife and baby boy that was the last straw:

Things that I am tired of in this war:

I am tired of Democrats saying they are patriotic and then insulting my commander in chief and the way he goes about his job.

I am tired of Democrats who tell me they support me, the soldier on the ground, and then tell me the best plan to win this war is with a “phased redeployment” (liberal-speak for retreat) out of the combat zone to someplace like Okinawa.

I am tired of the Democrats whining for months on T.V., in the New York Times, and in the House and Senate that we need more troops to win the war in Iraq, and then when my Commander in Chief plans to do just that, they say that is the wrong plan, it won’t work, and we need a “new direction.”

I am tired of every Battalion Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major I see over here being more concerned about whether or not I am wearing my uniform in the “spot on,” most garrison-like manner; instead of asking me whether or not I am getting the equipment I need to win the fight, the support I need from my chain of command, or if the chow tastes good.

I am tired of junior and senior officers continually doubting the technical expertise of junior enlisted soldiers who are trained far better to do the jobs they are trained for than these officers believe.

I am tired of senior officers and commanders who fight this war with more of an eye on the media than on the enemy, who desperately needs killing.

I am tired of the decisions of Sergeants and Privates made in the heat of battle being scrutinized by lawyers who were not there and will never really know the state of mind of the young soldiers who were there and what is asked of them in order to survive.

I am tired of CNN claiming that they are showing “news,” with videotape sent to them by terrorists, of my comrades being shot at by snipers, but refusing to show what happens when we build a school, pave a road, hand out food and water to children, or open a water treatment plant.

I am tired of following the enemy with drones that have cameras, and then dropping bombs that sometimes kill civilians; because we could do a better job of killing the right people by sending a man with a high powered rifle instead.

I am tired of the thousands of people in the rear who claim that they are working hard to support me when I see them with their mochas and their PX Bags walking down the street, in the middle of the day, nowhere near their workspaces.

I am tired of Code Pink, Daily Kos, Al-Jazzera, CNN, Reuters, the Associated Press, ABC, NBC, CBS, the ACLU, and CAIR thinking that they somehow get to have a vote in how we blast, shoot and kill these animals who would seek to subdue us and destroy us.

I am tired of people like Meredith Vieria from NBC asking oxygen thieves like Senator Chuck Hagel questions like “Senator, at this point, do you think we are fighting and dying for nothing?” Meredith might not get it, but soldiers do know the difference between fighting and dying for something and fighting and dying for nothing.

I am tired of hearing multiple stories from both combat theaters about snipers begging to do their jobs while commanders worry about how the media might portray the possible casualties and what might happen to their career.

I am tired of hearing that the Battalion Tactical Operations Center got a new plasma screen monitor for daily briefings, but rifle scope rings for sniper rifles, extra magazines, and necessary field gear were disapproved by the unit supply system.

I am tired of out of touch general officers, senators, congressmen and defense officials who think that giving me some more heavy body armor to wear is helping me stay alive. Speed is life in combat and wearing 55 to 90 pounds of gear for 12 to 20 hours a day puts me at a great tactical disadvantage to the idiot, mindless terrorist who is wearing no armor at all and carrying an AK-47 and a pistol.

I am tired of soldiers who are stationed in places like Kuwait and who are well away from any actual combat getting Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay and the Combat Zone Tax Exclusion when they live on a base that has a McDonald’s, a Pizza Hut, a Subway, a Baskin Robbins, an internet café, 2 coffee shops and street lights.

I am tired of senior officers and commanders who take it out and "measure" every time they want to have a piece of the action with their helicopters or their artillery; instead of putting their egos aside and using their equipment to support the grunt on the ground.

I am tired of senior officers and commanders who are too afraid for their careers to tell the truth about what they need to win this war to their bosses so that the soldiers can get on with kicking the ass of these animals.

I am tired of Rules of Engagement being made by JAG lawyers and not Combat Commanders. We are not playing Hopscotch over here. There is no 2nd place trophy either. I think that if the enemy knew some rough treatment and some deprivation was at hand for them, instead of prayer rugs, special diets and free Korans; this might help get their terrorist minds “right.”

I am tired of seeing Active Duty Army and Marine units being extended past their original redeployment dates, when there are National Guard Units that have yet to deploy to a combat zone in the last 40 years.

I am tired of hearing soldiers who are stationed in safe places talk about how hard their life is.

I am tired of seeing Infantry Soldiers conducting what amounts to “SWAT” raids and performing the US Army’s version of “CSI Iraq” and doing things like filling out forms for evidence when they could be better used to hunt and kill the enemy.

I am tired of senior officers and commanders who look first in their planning for how many casualties we might take, instead of how many enemy casualties we might inflict.

I am tired of begging to be turned loose so that this war can be over.

Those of us who fight this war want to win it and go home to their families. Prolonging it with attempts to do things like collect “evidence” or present whiz bang briefings on a new plasma screen TV is wasteful and ultimately, dulls the edge of our Infantry soldiers who are trained to kill people and break things, not necessarily in that order.

We are not in Iraq and Afghanistan to build nations. We are there to kill our enemies. We make the work of the State Department easier by the results we achieve.

It is only possible to defeat an enemy who kills indiscriminately by utterly destroying him. He cannot be made to yield or surrender. He will fight to the death by the hundreds to kill only one or two of us.

And so far, all of our “games” have been “away games,” and I don’t know about the ignorant, treasonous Democrats and the completely insane radical leftists and their thoughts on the matter, but I would like to keep our road game schedule.

So let’s get it done. Until the fight is won and there is no more fight left.

-D

January 30, 2007 • Permalink
Categories and Tags: Military • Technorati Links
Technorati Tags:

Subscribe to this feed • Email this • Add to del.icio.us • Digg This! (41 Diggs, 10 comments)
Comments

That says it all. His letter should be sent/forwarded to any and all in the gvo't and military chain of command. Most of them (who had the balls to respond)would probably say something inane like,"Well, it's more complicated than that", or "He doesn't have the complete picture like we do." I hope to God someone in authority will listen to this soldier and other vets like him.

Posted by: D. Smith | January 30, 2007 at 12:23 PM

F*** YEAH! Fix the ROE and let loose the dawgs! -cp

Posted by: cold pizza | January 30, 2007 at 12:24 PM

Crying about coming home? hey, you can't complain about being extended then talk about how no one is allowed to critique the POTUS. It's his damn policy that has your ass there in the first place.

And if you're only there to kill people, and not build nations or provide more hope for people, plan on being there the rest of your life because there will always be enemies. Especially when squatting on foreign lands.

Posted by: tom | January 30, 2007 at 12:25 PM

Spot on. Let our Joe's do what they do best, fight and win. Our senior commanders need to get there heads out of their fourth point of contact and talk to our Team Leaders, Squad leaders, Platoon Sergeants, Platoon Leaders, 1st Sergeants, and Company Commanders. The clarity at that level is breath taking.

Desert Storm 91, OEF 2002, OIF 2006

Posted by: MAJ J.R. Saunders (RET) | January 30, 2007 at 12:25 PM

God Bless you whoever you are.

Posted by: Eric Shirley | January 30, 2007 at 12:40 PM

Sounded like Chesty.

Posted by: Lands’nGrooves (aka tim) | January 30, 2007 at 12:41 PM

OMG! THAT was a thing of beauty!! ...Sadly, one could easily look at letters sent home from the jungles of Vietnam and hear the exact same things said. I am going to beat this into the ground but it is worth saying over and over and over again .... We are making the same mistakes all over again.

Probably the most poignant statement from this Sgt. is the idea that we want to keep the War on Terror as an "away game". I just can't figure out why the average American can't see that.

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results."

~Mary Ann

Posted by: Mary Ann | January 30, 2007 at 12:42 PM

tom - "Crying about coming home? hey, you can't complain about being extended then talk about how no one is allowed to critique the POTUS."

First, he wasn't crying about not being able to come home. That's a misquote on your part. And if you re-read the post, he is actually saying the opposite.

Then, interpretting that he's been extended is the second mistake in your analysis. He hasn't been extended (just finished his mid-tour leave). He just thinks that there are units that could be rotated that are not being rotated.

I am tired of seeing Active Duty Army and Marine units being extended past their original redeployment dates, when there are National Guard Units that have yet to deploy to a combat zone in the last 40 years.

Next time, you might want to actually read what you are criticizing.

Posted by: Blackfive | January 30, 2007 at 12:42 PM

Please tell "D" that there are many of us that got his message loud and clear and are, the best we can, watching his back on the home front. This message does need to get out and maybe we can start with Senators John Warner, Hagel, Collins etc who want to push through their own non-binding resolution that would achieve nothing but helping the morale of the enemy. Their perfidy is disgusting; each of these senators is up for re-election in 2008 and thus is a good example of what "D" is talking about. Let our troops do their job - killing the enemy.

Posted by: gordo | January 30, 2007 at 12:43 PM

Sure tom, critize the soldier in the field instead of "listening" to his letter. Rich, you did not learn anything from the pointy high heel shoe.

I agree, send it to the politicans. But like someone said, they will just dismiss it. This is typical, the higher ups need to listen to the troops in the field. And the politicans need to STFU already and let them do their jobs. The troops on the ground, and the commanders on the ground know what is to be done. It is like my job, I have to send mounds of paperwork, and emails just to get one thing accomplished. It's a waste of time, and is unproductive. I am sure the military over there is frustrated.

Go get them Sergeant!

Posted by: Rita | January 30, 2007 at 12:50 PM

HOO Freakin AHHH! Gen Petraus, here is your plan. 'Fix' these, and guess what, you HAVE a new direction to work with.

NCO's like this are what makes our backbone work. Git 'er done, get outta my way, get results. That's what SOLDIERS are for- I've always said that far too many oxygen-thieving officers exist in the zone, that have spent their careers shoving reg's across their desk and little else.

Just like Marines, EVERY uniformed Soldier is just that- Soldier first, tech-rat 2d. Not only should all of US support troops, but hey guys, SUPPORT YOURSELVES and each other!

JAG officers should be taking a tour or two out on the line as well- they might get a better idea. Marine JAGs I know do.

Keep the faith, Segeant!!!

Wolf

Posted by: Mr. Wolf | January 30, 2007 at 12:52 PM

Just copied and pasted and sent of to Sen. Reed and Whitehouse from my home state (RI)

Posted by: CPT(P)HAM | January 30, 2007 at 12:54 PM

D, may all your wishes come true so we can do this and get it right.

Posted by: Mommynator | January 30, 2007 at 12:59 PM

my bad. it was alot to digest. Didnt mean to make it sound like he had been extended. I was trying to refer to his reference of others..

I do agree with some of it though. Especially the drones and rear eschelon (sp) soldiers.

Posted by: tom | January 30, 2007 at 12:59 PM

Dear Tom,
I'm glad you read this letter from someone in the fray. I'm sorry you missed the point.

Sgt D didn't say no one can critique the CINC, he said he's tired of people INSULTING the president. At risk of putting words in the mouth of the Good Sgt, he wants the uninformed nay-sayers to STFU so a united home base will support the necessary battlefield policy to win.

Did you miss the part where he talks about helping the populace? "...we build a school, pave a road, hand out food and water to children, or open a water treatment plant." Kill the bad guys, help the good guys; sounds like a good policy to me. But thanks to the Dems we wont let him do part 1 and the MSM wont tell us about part 2, we're not getting anywhere.

I'm a REMF (so far in the rear we don't even see the gear) and I was stung by this letter. By the measure of the Chickenhawk Argument, even though I've been in the military for 20 years I haven't seen combat, so my perspective is useless. But now we have the view of someone directly involved, but it looks like you will use the Kerry Parry: 'he's a soldier, ergo he's too stupid to have a valuable opinion'.

And I didn't hear any crying about coming home. I don't think he's happy to be over there, but if we're going to send a fighting man to a fight... let him fight to win!

Thank you Sgt D for your service and speaking up.

Posted by: At Sea | January 30, 2007 at 12:59 PM

I am sending this to my senators and representatives and to Pelosi, Hagel, Feingold, Kennedy, and others. It takes so much time, but it is worth it. Please join me and do so too!

To D,

I've been saying essentially the same thing to my guv'mint for YEARS now, over and over and over again. They are not listening to me, and more importantly, they are not listening to you. As I expected, the Dhimmi Dems actually think that their win means the People like their ideas.

I honor you and I am grateful for your service. I pray that you be blessed with immunity from our enemies efforts, that your superiors' minds are awakened to your needs and they are hardened against the politics of our whiners. I pray that you and your buddies return whole and greeted with nothing but joy and treated as triumphant.

We must prevail and we can do that if we get out of Our Soldiers' way. Under no circumstances are we to allow the Justice System to corrupt Our Military Decisions. They will only screw it up. No one should be allowed to sue a soldier or charge him with a crime for killing the bad guys. That is unconscienable. Again, the likes of ACLU wish to take themselves out of context and insert their will in all sorts of places where they don't belong. We must repel them, with prejudice.

When the Iraqi citizens see that we will not leave without securing them, more of them will help, if only out of sheer sucking up to the side they think is winning. So let's win!

Posted by: alexa kim | January 30, 2007 at 01:24 PM

Great piece of writing!

He's not crying about anything, but if there are major NG formations that haven't gone over yet, there's plenty left for them to do once they get there.

I've linked to you here: http://consul-at-arms.blogspot.com/2007/01/re-sergeant-...tan-stop-bs-and.html

Posted by: Consul-At-Arms | January 30, 2007 at 01:26 PM

Blackfive,

You are extremely patient and that you decide to help educate the, shall we say, critics, speaks more highly of you than them.

Thank you.

Posted by: alexa kim | January 30, 2007 at 01:35 PM

I don't what to take away in the least what the good Sgt. is saying. He is on the tip of the spear, and that in my mind give his perspective poignancy. It would seem that a lot of what he is tired of as regards him not being able to perform his mission filters all the way back to MOS schools.
The military seems to suffer the same miasmic bureaucratic nightmare as corporations. They have access to all of the incredible technology that is supposed to streamline, make things more efficient and do away with paper, but no, it just doesn’t work that way. Bureaucracy’s primary objective is self justification as opposed to getting anything done. It is not about solving problems, it about completing evals.
My Marine voices some of the same complaints. She was prepared to go and do her job over 14 months ago. And she sits and waits, and waits, and waits because apparently not enough paper has been pushed over enough desks.
The 9 to 5 war back here at home has to end. The, “I will get to this tomorrow when I come back to ‘work’” mentality needs to be stomped out. The entire force structure, top to bottom, needs to be on war footing.

Posted by: Esoterik | January 30, 2007 at 01:47 PM

Just fired a cut and paste job off to the White House and one of my senators, Chris Dodd (or Dudd). My other senator, Lieberman, "gets it"!

Also forwarded it to a couple of other "high profile" individuals who might get it some more public attention.

...and an awful lot of it does sound like the complaints during Vietnam when I was in the Army. "The more things change, the more they stay the same"....or maybe they just appear to change.

Posted by: Jim | January 30, 2007 at 01:55 PM

Just sent this off to my overpaid underworked congressional jerks. I also included the President. If he sees more of this kind of feedback from the "field" it might help him keep his resolve in doing the right thing. And hey, he might even start fighting back against the domestic enemies we seem to be neck deep in these days.

Thank you Sgt D for your service. You represent me and mine, not the freak show we witnessed this past weekend in D.C. They are beneath contempt. Praying for you and your family and all our brave troops. Stay safe.

Posted by: Theresa, MSgt (ret), USAF | January 30, 2007 at 02:08 PM

Jim,

"The more things change, the more they stay the same".

Ain't that the truth. In Gulf 1 I remember getting my desert BDU's about a week before going home while the REMF's had theirs the whole time they were there......the perks of being further up the supply chain.....

Good on the SSG, a first rate smack down

Posted by: Old Tanker | January 30, 2007 at 02:16 PM

What about Sec. Gates? Think he needs to see this?

Posted by: Miss Ladybug | January 30, 2007 at 02:19 PM

Sorry the poor guy's so tired, but it looks like the only thing he isn't tired about, and the one thing he should be tired about before all else, is his CINC. As far as Afghanistan is concerned, I absolutely agree, "Let's get it done." Only the most pacificist didn't support the action in Afghanistan. Damn shame his CINC pulled the plug before it was DONE.

Posted by: sdemetri | January 30, 2007 at 02:28 PM

If the CINC "pulled the plug before it was DONE", why is he (and thousands more) still there?

Posted by: Blackfive | January 30, 2007 at 02:40 PM

And why are you guys still at it?

Posted by: sdemetri | January 30, 2007 at 02:42 PM

"Done," as in no more insurgency. Done, as in, not take troops, money, materiel, focus elsewhere. That's what I mean by Done. Why are you still there?

Posted by: sdemetri | January 30, 2007 at 02:47 PM

Sorry, Blackfive. My criticism of Bush does none of you any good. A bit of a catch 22. Best to all of you in the war zones.

Posted by: sdemetri | January 30, 2007 at 02:59 PM

http://www.hooah.com/

Strapping young warrior son is enroute north from Kuwait with able and ready battle buddies of the 5/7 CAV. Relief and assets are arriving. Let the bodies hit the floor!

"W" needs to stand for "William Wallace", a la Mel Gibson in "Braveheart", and pick a fight with Iran and Syria while he has time and assets to "establish the ground rules" for the future dealings with American administrations, interests, and citizens. A "good spanking" now might save Syria and Iran, along with some of their neighbors, the need for "an execution" later. Though Sadaam didn't learn from his "spanking" by W's dad and the UN Coalition. Perhaps W's "chastisement" will have a more extended and extensive behavoural change in the region toward the United State of America, especially when it comes to any act of violence directed toward us.

I believe in savagely disproportionate response to acts of war against our nation. Get these dogs of war off the porch and in the hunt.

Posted by: twolaneflash | January 30, 2007 at 03:15 PM

“Get these dogs of war off the porch and in the hunt.”

Exactly right. Unleash the hounds of hell!

“I believe in savagely disproportionate response to acts of war against our nation.”

Amen.


Thanks for you son’s service.

Posted by: Lands’nGrooves (aka tim) | January 30, 2007 at 03:25 PM

The more things change the more the remain the same. My mom died a year or so ago and I ended up reading my letters from Vietnam to her which of course she kept. One in particular was a carbon copy of this one.

Posted by: bman | January 30, 2007 at 03:43 PM

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else." - Theodore Roosevelt

Posted by: bodemillerjokes | January 30, 2007 at 04:46 PM

Hey Sub, get ready to blow a liver. Somebody just said he was against war mongers and then quoted Teddy.

Posted by: Ymarsakar | January 30, 2007 at 05:18 PM

Guess we now know who is joining whose side, eh.

Posted by: Ymarsakar | January 30, 2007 at 05:19 PM

OH. MY. GOD.

D is my new hero. I hope he reads this, and I, too, am sending his manifesto to a bunch of politicans who need to see it, starting with my two IDIOT senators here in NY!! I'm sending it to some IQ-impaired senators (redundancy alert) and representatives on the right as well.

Has anyone noticed that all these Dems who despise the military go over to Iraq and Afghanistan for image purposes and are undoubtedly protected by our troops the whole time they are there? Could the irony be any starker? Do you think they get it? Ha.

Posted by: Peg C. | January 30, 2007 at 05:22 PM

Ymar,

I'm definitely not on your side.

Posted by: bodemillerjokes | January 30, 2007 at 05:30 PM

Ah, the last vestage of those that cannont think of witty things themselves. Perhaps BMJ is right, we should be like Teddy. I am all for sailing a carrier task force right up the Strait of Hormuz and say "No ship carrying Iranian crude shall pass without being stopped and confiscated." Maybe, taking a turn for the Jacksonian, allow for prize money.

I won't send this to the NY Senators, they'll twist it into "This is why we should stop the war!"

Posted by: Geo | January 30, 2007 at 07:07 PM

Ymar,

I'm definitely not on your side.

Thank God.


As for the letter... Sheer brilliance. I wrote similar things while I was there. It's very frustrating to be in his position. I know well enough.

I still say... Unleash the hounds! I'll go back!

Posted by: Smith | January 30, 2007 at 07:09 PM

It's your choice!

Posted by: bodemillerjokes | January 30, 2007 at 07:34 PM

Exactly bod and the choice of each of the brave men and women who raise their hand and take the oath. I guess you wouldn't know about that though.

Posted by: Terri | January 30, 2007 at 07:42 PM

HooooooAH!

I hope that the Black Five readership includes many of those that this sergeant is "tired of." Their reaction *should* be self-examination, a consideration of whether the complaints might apply to them. Too many will start with a protest of "he doesn't know what we have to deal with, here," and then go on to a laundry list of self-justification. The Army is full of warriors and bureaucrats. Good command climate means much more of one than the other.

Posted by: Peyton | January 30, 2007 at 07:59 PM

Sgt. D~

You brought tears to my eyes. Not only for you and everyone else there, but for those of us on our way to help out. I heard these same complaints from my father about how Vietnam was handled. I hoped and prayed that the powers that be had learned their collective lessons...guess not.

I agree with your plan (and have all along). However, you and I both know that what we see, hear and feel will mean nothing. When this is all over, we will come home (hopefully) and try to forget. I will copy your letter to everyone I know. Maybe just the shear volume of it hitting the DC area in the face, will make SOMEONE take notice.

My prayers are with you...help is on the way.


Posted by: lauren | January 30, 2007 at 07:59 PM

I love it SSG D. We(meaning two veterans in this house)are behind you. Maybe we should send this to the "great" (a little humor there)freshman senator from Virginia Jim Webb. He was in Vietnam, he should know what not to do, but continue to push his hatred for PRESIDENT Bush. His son gets it, why don't he get it?

Posted by: foxman | January 30, 2007 at 08:23 PM

Great column. I do disagree, though, with his comment on commanders being too concerned about the media. The unfortunate truth is that, ultimately, this part of the war on terror/Islamists will be won or lost in the media. And so far we haven't done well on that front. So commanders do need to take into consideration how the media is going to portray the actions they take, and weigh the pros and cons.

Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 30, 2007 at 09:02 PM

As a Specialist in an MOS that is VERY misunderstood and under utilized, I COMPLETELY AGREE!

D has said what I have been feeling since my third month in Baghdad. PLEASE, everyone copy paste this to your representatives in Congress. There are MANY more soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who feel EXACTLY the same way.

You liberal hippy scum who are "checking on the enemy", (IE - us) pay attention. You have no other plans on getting this done with, it's right here in black and white.

And another thing, "We support the troops but not the CINC,"? You think you're gonna defund the war? Where do you think that leaves us soldiers? That you "support"? No ammo, armor, gas, water, or even funds to assist in the rebuilding.

Remember that when you start spewing your leftist crap and dogging the only man who has the balls to do what NEEDS to be done right now.

On a side note: I'm sorry for going off like this. My comments from the other day seem to have unleashed the beast within.

ROCK ON B5 & UNCLE JIMBO!

Posted by: JawBreaker 2 Delta | January 30, 2007 at 09:28 PM

My time in Marine green was a hell of a long time ago and I didn't end up getting shot at,(I was after Korea and before Viet Nam) but I want to volunteer to watch his back and the backs of his compadres. I agree with his views completely. For those that identify with the SSG and his comments regarding the military types that have been riding a desk the whole time, perhaps you should scroll down and read the article Matt posted on Marine Commandant Conway's remarks. Read all the way to the end, including the directive that he sent out directing that ALL Marines WILL see combat in this conflict. I think Gen. Conway "gets it."

Semper fi

Posted by: Caleb | January 30, 2007 at 09:37 PM

Frickin' beautiful.

Posted by: T1G | January 30, 2007 at 10:38 PM

"And if you're only there to kill people, and not build nations or provide more hope for people,..."

It is the good soldiers/marines etc. doing the hard job of eliminating the bad guys who make it possible to build and maintain nations under the rule of decent and just laws.

What do you have against common sense?

Do you think human freedoms and liberty just happen spontaneously in an environment of tyranny?

Posted by: Charles | January 30, 2007 at 10:53 PM

I woke up this morning and was wandering on the web to see if what I said really would matter.

Thanks to all for reading and seeing what I mean. All of your comments are welcome, even the bad ones, because that is the freedom we protect here. Thanks a million to to B5 for posting it and getting the news out there.

Most of all, thanks to everyone here for shouting this from the rooftops at all of the Senators, Congressman, public servants and the White House. Let this message be heard by all.

But, I gotta get back to the business at hand. Thanks all and I promise to be as safe as I can.

Posted by: SGT D | January 30, 2007 at 11:27 PM

Well said, D. Beer's on me when ya get home.

Posted by: SFC D | January 30, 2007 at 11:41 PM

What am I tired of? My husband posted this letter and I just felt I needed to add a few comments that he did not.

My husband is a veteran of over 16 years in the military. He has been to more overseas combat than the average person will ever dream. I myself am also a vet though I did not see any combat time while I was in.

I get so tired of hearing how the soldiers only sign on the dotted line because they are poor, stupid or that they were "tricked" into it. These men and women give it their all and their blood, sweat and tears make this country what it is. GREAT.

These men and women are patriots and if you haven't been there what the hell do you know about giving to your country. You can't support the troops yet not support the cause.

Posted by: Lynn | January 30, 2007 at 11:45 PM

Bravo Zulu!

Posted by: Travis Bickle | January 30, 2007 at 11:51 PM

Tired? boo hoo. Sounds like baby needs a nap.

Posted by: geor | January 30, 2007 at 11:52 PM

JawBreaker 2 Delta,

GFY.

Posted by: bodemillerjokes | January 31, 2007 at 12:06 AM

"We are not in Iraq and Afghanistan to build nations. We are there to kill our enemies. We make the work of the State Department easier by the results we achieve."

I sympathize, but since the State Department is nearly worthless, it's on the military's shoulders to do the tearing up, and the rebuilding (as usual).

God Bless, Sargeant

Posted by: douglas | January 31, 2007 at 01:48 AM

Sounds like someone would rather sit around complaining that do something constructive geor. I'd like to hear something more constructive from you than boo hoo.

Posted by: lynn | January 31, 2007 at 03:25 AM

Matt and the Sgt in Afghanistan, who says, "Stop the BS and 'Let's get it Done'"! Who are you saying that to? I can only give you one dumb ass vet's view, mine. As I read your quote from Theodore Roosevelt, this same question arises. Roosevelt was talking to all of us. This would include the American Citizenry in their own dinner table conversation. Part of the question comes down to this, "Concerning the GWOT, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), is this war winnable? My answer is, "You bet your ass!" But it will not come cheaply. I mean both in blood and cash. Sgt, I wish I could simply say, "Take the the BS, put it into a box and throw it away!" Sgt, you take that BS and put it into a box and put on a shelf. You may even want to duplicate it many times. Why? After all of this nonsense is done, we or those coming after us, will want that information. When they study it, they will have one mandate, "The truth and the sunshine shall be our only guides." It has been often said, "If we don't learn from history, we're condemned to repeat it." (Again and again)

The real beauty in your quote from Theodore Roosevelt, he is challenging both the Congress AND The Office of the President of the United States/ Commander in Chief to a higher standard with consequences.

You both have are doing a GREAT service to a GREAT NATION, I wish you both the best.

Respectfully,
"Grumpy"

Posted by: Grumpy | January 31, 2007 at 03:25 AM

This crybaby is wrong if he thinks killing more people is a way to win a war. He should ask the South how that Confederacy is working out (they lost far fewer soldiers than the USA did).

Posted by: bodemillerjokes | January 31, 2007 at 03:57 AM

To CPT(P), I also am sending a copy of this to Reed and Whitehouse but nothing will happen. They have leaned so far left they topple over every time they get out of a chair.A couple of zero's just like Chaffee before them, the son not the father! From BI.

Posted by: Everett R Littlefield | January 31, 2007 at 04:33 AM

I will send the Sergeant's advice to my congressional widgets, the white house and my local dead-tree editors.

I will add my 2 cents to your message as I send it along in that I will add a recommendation to read and consider not only the Sergeants remarks but also About Face by David Hackworth… Hackworth describes essentially the same problems that you do Sergeant, the difference being that he talks about the police action we were involved in 40 years ago. Love him or hate him because for his political positions, he was a warrior and he wanted to shine a light on the problems of leadership (at all levels) from his time at war hoping that we could avoid the repetition of the mistakes made at that time.

I think that the Sergeant's remarks and About Face should be required reading for all our political widgets on the left side of the aisle, on the right sides of the aisle, and for all of our citizens.

As always, NCO's rock! Good on ya Sgt. –D! You will be in my prayers along with all our men and women in harms way and those who support them.

Stay strong, stay safe and know that you have this old mans undying respect.

Posted by: bthun | January 31, 2007 at 06:16 AM

I'm not eloquent, when it comes to speaking, since I was enlisted, so I will ad my approval of what the Sarge has said with an affirmative: F***ing "A" right!

Posted by: Mike | January 31, 2007 at 06:32 AM

Oh, for cripes sake, bode jokey, if anything real ever happened to you, you'd be crying so hard for the Marines to come rescue you, even the enemy would be rolling their eyes.

Posted by: jordan | January 31, 2007 at 06:36 AM

While I agree with a lot of the comments (particularly the field troops vs. FOB), the overall tone is an oversimplification. I've been there, I've seen it. Here's the real problem with this point:

"It is only possible to defeat an enemy who kills indiscriminately by utterly destroying him. He cannot be made to yield or surrender. He will fight to the death by the hundreds to kill only one or two of us."

Who, exactly, are the enemies that "desperately need" killing? If it was just as easy as he says - let the politicians, press, and officers off our back and let us kill the enemy, then we would already be done with Iraq and Afghanistan, and if everyone listened to Jack Bauer "24" would be called "12."

The fundamental problem with this war (and, with most guerilla wars) is indentifying the enemy.

To the other side, we are the ones who kill indiscrimintely, and it binds the populations support our enemies. As their fundamental society (yes, even a totalitarian regime is a society) breaks down, they withdraw to tribal and sectarian allegiences. Neither we, or the governments in Iraq or Afganistan have yet been able to provide the essential services people need, and the tribal and sect based factions will now be very difficult to displace, without a harsh regime, mirroring the ones we replaced.

The American military is certainly capable of defeating our enemies, but in an environment where we don't speak the language and the enemy looks just like the civilian, it's not as simple as saying "let us go kill the bad guys"

Posted by: Mike | January 31, 2007 at 07:29 AM

Send it to every congressman, every senator, and every major media outlet.

Posted by: Avidbuff | January 31, 2007 at 07:36 AM

Guys,

If you want a positive response to your outrage, you need to see to it that your Senators and Congressmen know about it. Bookmark the contact pages for those from your district. And, do not neglect any of them because they are Democrats or because they have already taken a position opposed to yours. Take your time, be polite. This http://cardin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=267972&& is what you are up against. I believe this press release genuinely reflects the opinion of the majority of this Senator's constituents. Are you in possession of facts that would undercut the analysis reflected in this press release? If so, you should point them out to your Senators and Representatives.

I'm not sold on the President's plan to the extent that it has been described in the press. As far as I can tell, neither is anybody else. On the other hand, I don't see publication of all the juicy details to be in the best interest of either our country or our soldiers. I'd just as soon keep Al-Qaeda and Iran guessing. What bothers me intensely about the Senate resolution, and indeed most of the language coming from the Democratic National leadership, is that the topic of discussion seems to be "How can we get a defeat for George Bush out of this?" instead of "How can we improve the effort?"

To the extent that throwing a scare into the Iraqi leadership is the objective, that's been done. Now it is time for something far more positive, in order to discourage Iraq's neighbors from continuing to sponsor terrorism within that country.

Posted by: valerie | January 31, 2007 at 08:26 AM

This is one of many reasons America is a great country. A powerful statement by an NCO that is a plan to solve problems... Just like the NCOs on the beaches and the hedgerows of France.

Let's make sure we listen this time!

Thanks for the service, the sweat, and honor of your beliefs.

Posted by: Michael McAlpin | January 31, 2007 at 08:41 AM

"I am tired of seeing Active Duty Army and Marine units being extended past their original redeployment dates, when there are National Guard Units that have yet to deploy to a combat zone in the last 40 years."

Yep and when they told me I was going to Kosovo for a year my question was "Why?" There is a war in Iraq and Afghanistan, why the hell are we still in Kosovo doing State Dept/Peace Corps bullshit work. That was 4500 soldiers doing nothing for a year. And now there are 4500 MORE soldiers there, still doing nothing for the GWOT

Posted by: Stacy | January 31, 2007 at 09:10 AM

The President can fix virtually all of this by simple order; he's the CinC. As a supporter of the President, both financial and moral, I am having more and more difficulty understanding why a clear message like the one above doesn't seem to be getting through.

Americans love winners, Mr. President. Please allow our troops to kill the enemy.

Posted by: Elias Israel | January 31, 2007 at 09:37 AM

Sarge,

First thank you for being a great American and serving your country. I too have emailed a letter to several COngress members who really need to take their heads out of their a**es and start serving their soldiers the right way. This isn't about getting a win againt George Bush its about saving our country from extremists like those on Sept.11th and Iran, a country that has basically come out and said they want to wipe us and Israel of the planet. Give the soldiers the tools and resources they need now to win the war the right way and then we won't have to worry about this and more in the future.

Posted by: Don | January 31, 2007 at 10:08 AM

This dude's a joker and has no freaking concept of what the real situation is on the ground in Iraq. This is a blinders-on culture-stupid rant of someone who doesn't understand what's going on here.

Sorry but "kill 'em all" isn't a viable tactic here. The fact is, we've already lost the war. I wish that weren't the case but it is. The fighting is LOST. The enemy holds all initiative, we are surrounded on all sides, and they hold a massive strategic reserve of troops. Not to mention all the diplomatic leverage.

I am IN Iraq, I deal with Iraqis every day. I am not a defeatist nor a "blame America first"-er. I'm just here and I understand what the tactical and strategic picture looks like. I also see how tenuous Iraq's grip on the edge of chaos really is. All it will take is a call up from Sistani or al Sadr to have hundreds of thousands of "insurgents" ready to come at us with Iran supplying them all the tools they need. We are in a very bad strategic and tactical situation.

This Army dog's letter may be great for pumping up a crowd but it is sorely lacking in any real understanding of exactly where we stand.

Posted by: Matt | January 31, 2007 at 11:12 AM

Matt: he is in Afghanistan, not Iraq.


Thanks for your service, and keep safe out there.

Posted by: charron | January 31, 2007 at 11:35 AM

It appears that things haven't changed much. I spent over 30 years in the Army and made it up to CSM in spite of belief that there is more to an "NCOER" than "maxing" a PT Test and my hatred of spit and polish over functionality and comfort. There isn't a thing this Sergeant said that hadn't gone through my mind uncountable times over 30 years. I also know that most of those Soldiers could care less about the volatile geopolitical situation and the ramifications thereof. It's about your buddies, your mail, your unit, and whatever small creature comforts help you make it through another day. First post here, looks like I'm running out of room. I am also in complete agreement with what the Sergeant says about the home front. I think things may have been quite different when I was in Vietnam if I would have had instant access from the states. It would have still been "mission first", but it would have been satisfying to shift targets.

Posted by: CSM H | January 31, 2007 at 11:38 AM

I'm tired of whiny little idiots like the author of this rant.

Posted by: bodemillerjokes | January 31, 2007 at 11:45 AM

Amen sir, amen.

Posted by: Copperh3ad | January 31, 2007 at 12:03 PM

so now what is needed is for a higher up with some cajones to come out and point by point answer the questions. Yes it IS more complicated than that, but that doesn't make the questions untrue. Unfortunately the nationbuilding has to take place, or you will simply leave a vacuum for someone to fill, killing them all isn't going to work. On the other hand, tying the hands of the guy on the ground doesn't help the effort. Like most things there has to be a mix of both, in theatre.

Back here at home an explanation of why these battles need to continue is the only sure way to win with the home crowd, because history shows that after 3 years or so they aren't in it anymore, but they can be brought back.

Finally for everyone, someone with the credentials needs to stand up and describe what winning looks like, and what losing looks like, because all the yammering on all fronts talks about that, even though Average Joe isn't speaking the same definition as everyone else...

This isn't like liberating Paris, and there isn't a such thing as an exit schedule. You can't show metrics on this. But you have to TELL everyone that.

Ladies and Gentlemen, keep the faith, and fly safe.
another D

Posted by: another D | January 31, 2007 at 12:03 PM

"I'm tired of whiny little idiots like the author of this rant."

Then leave.

Posted by: Mike | January 31, 2007 at 12:05 PM

"Aw quit whining Soldier and soldier".
REMFs are what keeps you fed, led and supplied.
You do remember the 25 (+/-) REMFs killed in a SCUD attack during Gulf war I don't you?
There are no rear areas in this war from the streets of Manhattan to your Pos in Iraq.

Posted by: Barry 0351 | January 31, 2007 at 12:22 PM

"The fact is, we've already lost the war. I wish that weren't the case but it is. The fighting is LOST."
Matt, That is total bullshit. We are where we are because we "appear" weak. They "think" we will not do what is necessary. We "catch and release" insurgents (wonder if that signed pledge to play nice will really stop them from rejoining the fight?). We treat them way too good. We provide them 3 meals a day (with snack) and most of them gain tons of weight (while those in Iraqi prisons don't get to eat unless their families bring them food). Have we ignored culture... YES. They are way below us on Maslow's hierarchy of needs and operate on a short sighted, survival mindset. We have forgotten (or more likely never bothered to learn) that they respect strength and that they support those that they think are going to prevail. I ask you, with your defeatist attitude and the democrats "hugs and korans for terrorists", why should they support us? They know the insurgents are more dedicated, more brutal, and have more patience than we do. Bush/Rummy ****ed a lot of things up, I agree... but the main problem is that we are not feared enough. Winning "Hearts and minds" is not about a popularity contest and combat is not Prom... it's about PROVING to them that cooperation is mutually beneficial and that not cooperating is bad for your health. Even though I'm Army, I prefer the old marine motto "No better friend, no worse enemy". Right now we are too much carrot and not enough stick. Carrots need to be tied "Quid Pro Quo" to actual actions that benefit society. You have to raise a child, teach him how to interact with the world around them by rewarding good behavior and punishing bad behavior... not by throwing him out on the street when it gets tough (like at age 2) saying "Later little buddy... You have to want to grow up and earn your own freedom."

"I'm just here and I understand what the tactical and strategic picture looks like."

Really? Son, I have been there twice and what you see is called politics. Bullshit politics is what shaped that strategic "picture" your looking at... which in turn shapes your tactical "Picture".

I bet you were against the war before you went over there. Very few people seem to come home with different views than they went over with. Imagine the Iraqis you deal with just bubbling over with trust for you when you display this attitude.

If you really understood the tactical and stategic "picture" you'd have a better idea of the mistkes we have made and what it would take for us to fix them and win. I will agree that it looks hopeless from your point of view. Many are saying "Why am I here if we can't be allowed to do what we need to do to prevail?" I agree with that totally. So lets change things and win or tuck our tails, run and hope f

Coachman

I actually think that the war is won, and won a long time ago too. The good effects of America are in every country. Even those that declare us an enemy eventually end up drinking, driving or wearing something we invented. There is no escape and even a straight left line will eventually curve. For good or bad the effects have affected all aspects.