Posted on 02/18/2009 3:59:14 PM PST by pissant
Everyone who has been in the military, especially to Iraq or Afghanistan, within the last few years needs to watch the first part of this video. Look at the "military equipment" CBS is pushing as recently stolen or "looted" from US Forces. You will notice that it's equipment we aren't even issued. Also, they blatantly lie when attempting to show night vision equipment, which isn't night vision equipment at all.
(see video at link)
Right off I see many inconsistencies with the equipment they say is stolen from US forces.
00:02 the video shows some a series of boots. Out of the three pair, two are black leather boots. When is the last time any of us deployed with black leather boots? Hell in the Marine Corps they aren't even issued; you can't wear them. The military isn't shipping black boots to Afghanistan. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. Also, the tan boots are brand new, and are not even US issued for either the Marines or the US Army. Finally, in the frame you will see the tri-color camouflage shirt, brand new. The Marine Corps and most Army units don't issue this camouflage print any longer. Digital print is the standard. There are a few units that still have them but most don't'. CBS hasn't done their homework.
00:04 shows a picture of a tri-color chest rig, used to carry magazines. These aren't issued to US Forces, nor would I have ever allowed my Marines to use this.
00:05 the narrator states "even high power binoculars," as footage of some man in a hadji dress picks up a pair of cheap looking binos. I can't believe CBS fell for this, or just ignored the reality. The various assortment of military issued binoculars don't look like this. Someone, please correct me if I'm wrong.
00:07 the narrator continues, "...and sophisticated night vision gear." Can someone please tell me what the camera is looking at. It looks like a couple rifle magazines at the bottom, and various black and grey bags, possibly protective containers for Oakley or other issued eye wear. I don't see any night vision equipment or anything that remotely resembles night vision equipment. I'm not saying it wasn't there, NVGs and NODs can be found all over, but the video is supposedly, according to the narrator, showing night vision devices.
00:09 does show US Army knee pads and hydration pack. At least that is what the camouflage pattern looks like. When you look at the video angle this footage does not show a market place setting typical to what is found in Pakistan or Afghanistan.
00:11 shows knives, none of which are us issued to US forces.
00:18 shows a distance shot of some camouflage shirts, none are US military print.
00:20 Does show a case that says "Property of US government." If someone knows what kinda case this is please let me know.
00:21 shows the old olive drab canteen and canteen cover. This is an older issued item, although to be fair it could still be issued to some units. However, the carrying case for the canteen would most likely have been changed. For example, the Marine Corps issues the old canteen but the covers are newer camo print, not the old olive drab.
00:24 the narrator says that "we are told there are US weapons for sale here to." Of course she shows none.
This video is suspect to say the least. I'm not saying it's fake, but CBS didn't show what they said they were showing. At best they were fooled and at worst they were disingenuous. It was a complete scam with regards to the American equipment footage. The only thing she showed was a knee pad, hydration system and an old canteen. The rest was just equipment you find find anywhere.
You might forward a link to Bill O'Reilly. He likes to expose the other networks for the liars they are.
CBS isn’t too careful with the facts when it comes to the military. They hate them. Anything that makes the military look bad is glossed over.
bump
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