Dutch Apaches to do duty outside Kabul

Radio Netherlands ^ | April 17 2004

[knighthawk]

The defence minister and the foreign affairs minister say six Apache helicopters which have been in Kabul since the beginning of the month will also be used outside the Afghan capital city in the future.

The Dutch helicopter unit is part of NATO's ISAF peacekeeping force. NATO is going to concentrate more and more on reconstruction work outside of Kabul, and the six Apaches are well suited to this duty. The Dutch chief-of-defence will evaluate each mission to see if participation of the Apaches is reasonable and responsible. In addition to the helicopters, the cabinet is also considering sending troops to help with provincial reconstruction teams in Afghanistan.

[knighthawk]

Ping

[Yo-Yo]

The Dutch chief-of-defence will evaluate each mission to see if participation of the Apaches is reasonable and responsible.

Don't want to scratch the paintjob or get the chain gun muzzle dirty?

[Spruce]

The Dutch have, very quietly, been one of our staunchest allies.

[PokeyJoe]

The Dutch chief-of-defence will evaluate each mission to see if participation of the Apaches is reasonable and responsible.

LBJ once said that the Air Force couldn't bomb an outhouse in North Vietnam without his knowing about it.

and THAT gentlemen is the reason we lost in Vietnam.

Politicians dictating to military commonders how to conduct their mission, without letting the military accomplish the mission.

Remember the Powell Doctrine?

To my President: Let the military win the battle. Take the gloves off.

[TalonDJ]

NATO is going to concentrate more and more on reconstruction work outside of Kabul, and the six Apaches are well suited to this duty.

I am confused. What exactly can an AH-64 'reconstruct'? Deconstruction seems to be more its cup of tea.