Military cremation would alter tradition

CNN ^ | 020603 | CNN

[Archangelsk]

Military cremation would alter tradition

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Pentagon is considering cremating remains of troops who may die in a chemical or biological attack in a possible war with Iraq, officials said Thursday.

Use of field cremation would alter a longtime U.S. military tradition of making every effort to return each person's body home in a flag-draped coffin.

It is not yet clear if the military would operate a crematorium in the Middle East or how the ashes would be sorted and returned to families.

The Pentagon also would have to address cultural and religious objections by some service members.

The reason for the high-level policy review is the prospect of mass casualties, especially from smallpox or anthrax, that would require the quick disposal of bodies to protect the living.

If adopted, the policy would be used by commanders only as a last resort if regular decontamination procedures are overwhelmed, Pentagon officials said.

Cremation has never been an authorized means of dealing with remains on the battlefield. A final decision on the policy review is expected within weeks.

[Archangelsk]

Within a stone's throw of Israel and Yad Vashem, I am chilled by this prospect. The gassing of American soldiers and their cremation should give everyone pause for thought.

[Thane_Banquo]

Understandable, though. Presumably, the body would be contaminated by nerve agent or biological agent. Don't want that stuff in the US.

[Archangelsk]

And I don't think the American people are prepared for this. I don't think anyone is.

[evolved_rage]

How about we cremate those ba$tards first, and none of our boys get hurt???

[where's_the_Outrage?]

911 made all the difference. If the military dies by NBC, so be it, that's the risk we accept to keep the USA free.

Better the Military in the field, then civilians in this county.

Ready, willing, and able to go again, just personally wishing I'm not called. However, better me than my kid.

[Arkinsaw]

We are just going to have to suck it up.

[Poohbah]

Within a stone's throw of Israel and Yad Vashem, I am chilled by this prospect. The gassing of American soldiers and their cremation should give everyone pause for thought.

The US should adopt a 1,000,000:1 ratio: for each American soldier we have to cremate, we'll cremate 1,000,000 Iraqis...and you'd better f***ing believe that we can do it.

[Centurion2000]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Pentagon is considering cremating remains of troops who may die in a chemical or biological attack in a possible war with Iraq, officials said Thursday

I'm ok with this on one condition ... Iraq goes in the oven FIRST.

[Michael Barnes]

ANY use of bio/chem, pull all troops back immediatley. Then raise the temperature 3000 degrees.

[RLJVet]

It seems particularly whore-like for CNN to run this story at this time.

[AF68]

If Saddam and his henchmen use WMD against Americans, no quarter will be given to the enemy. The American people will demand the harshest retribution.

[Poohbah]

There's an old joke from the folks at Site R (the Alternate National Military Command Center) at Fort Ritchie, Maryland.

Q: "How do you make Nuclear Chicken Maryland?"

A: "First, preheat the State of Maryland to 2,000 degrees."

[Miss Marple]

It is their disinformation and demoralization campaiigin, which they are now running 24/7. That is why Clinton got a solid hour on Larry King Live tonight.

[RLJVet]

It is their disinformation and demoralization campaiigin, which they are now running 24/7. That is why Clinton got a solid hour on Larry King Live tonight.

I know and it is nauseating.

[PokeyJoe]

It's par for the course for CNN.

BTW, did CNN happen to mention the American Cemetaries near the coast of Normandy, or in Belgium?

I wonder if they have this story on their website? I refuse to watch CNN without access to a bag.

[Bogey78O]

Bush I believe has authorized a like for like exchange order. They use WMD, we respond with a bigger WMD.

[RCW2001]

I saw this story earlier today with even a more 'graphic' title.

Don't remember if it was CNN's, but...even I wouldn't post it.

[RLJVet]

I can hardly watch CNN at all. I don't know whether they mentioned these, but I was thinking along the same lines. I do know about the cemetary in Aachen from helping my aunt go through her books last week and finding a brochure on it. Her brother, my uncle, is buried there. It doesn't seem to be a huge problem.

[AF68]

Ted Kopel and Nightline are doing their best to sow fear among Americans back home of chemical and biological attacks on US forces and meatgrinder fighting in Iraqi cities.

[Miss Marple]

Just like the Gulf War. I remember that "body bag" litany very well.