It didnt sound horrid to me. Most of the time I was on submarines, I had to hotbunk with three people to 2 bunks. They were alot smaller than these, and often had high pressure hydraulic/air/oxygen valves inside them that could burst and kill you. I never saw trees, we had no windows, and it stunk to high heaven. The diesels would suck the snot out your nose when the head valve shut while we were snorkeling. I handled that, so I can handle this part with no problem. You are right there, bunks are part of the military experience.
Why? Most people who get crutches (in my experience) have sprained ligaments in the ankle or knee. Even me with torn ligaments- I didn't have open wounds. This is pure speculation on your part
You base your experience on torn ligaments and you ahve stressed that point several times. I base my point on trauma injuries, which I suffered, which did have to be drained and cleaned. I guess we both use our own experiences to translate the article.
Fair enough. But the information provided in the article lends weight to neither view. I would reserve judgement until I knew more. And one thing about Drudge- he's into yellow journalism- but now that he's put this on his site, it will get some more play. I guarantee it. Some democrat is on his way to investigate this as we speak.