[MattinNJ]

Actually, nearly 1 million Armed Forces personnel have rotated through Iraq and are somewhat combat hardened. While every loss is tragic, there are quite a few non-coms that have seen battle first hand. They form the spine of our military and this experience should prove invaluable if we face a tougher adversary.

[ryan71]

I couldn't be more proud of our US Army.

Perhaps recruitment is down. Not everybody is cutout to go to Iraq. That's fine.

For those battle hardened brave men in war or who have served in war and reenlist, I salute you. You are America's best.

Our armed forces have never been better equipped, trained, motivated, and experienced.

No paper tigers here!