Quote Originally Posted by drone
Editorial in the Washington Post written by a Marine major getting ready to go back for his third tour:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...121301502.html
The open divergence from the original topic; and this response, inclines me to respond in kind. First off, just because someone is dumb enough to take 4 tours of duty in an unwinnable situation doesnot make them a spokesman for others that are being forced to do the same - like it is impossible to leave the military now 'til you have served 6 years.

Two: Just because someone is an officer does not grant them wisdom ... of a military or hearts and minds nature. That someone says "60% of military officers" think we can win is nat a new deal - the same proportion thought the same in 'nam, Lebanon - name a lost cause (the Rebs during our Civil War thought they'ld win in a year - including Lee).

Three: At any time one sees or hears the use of "officers" as a source for winning an unwinnable situation - they must reffer back to WWI for a reality check on who they are listening to (men that need a war for promotion).

Four: Back to the cutesy "retired USMC General" that started this entire tirade. Go look him up. Check out his record. Find out how many men were ever under his command - and if any? How many gave their all - and how many letters of condolence did he actually write (versus "your son was a good marine that died well in the service of his country").

The occupation in Iraq may very well be a noble and necessary "thing". But, proposing the idea that the men dying there are doing it for anything but the ego of lesser men is bogus. If we pull out tomorrow or in 10 years, it will all be the same - except for the number of Americans on the newly planned "Wall".