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This one theater strategy for our military preparedness, is NOT working. As much as I want to give Bush kudos for Iraq and in many ways do, we are having to hold our troops over too long, and are prevented from escalating this situation when circumstances necessitate it.

I fear for what kind of an object lesson this is sending to our enemies. All they have to do is mire us down in Iraq or some similar place, and we're tapped out.

You don't recall a 57 year old man, unless you're grasping at straws.

We need to beef up our forces to a two theater stance. We need to reduce our dependence on the national guard reserves.

We need to supply these people in the best possible way, and yes that means armour plating supports vehicles if we're going to participate in these types of engagements.

Our convoys should have accompanying mechanized protection.

Why don't we send drones in advance of convoys to see the coast is clear. Send one to view and several to attack the enemy in advance of our passing.

"Our convoys should have accompanying mechanized protection. "

and better air cover ....every convoy should have an OH-6 or OH-58 in close overhead support , they could refuel from the convoy itself if need be , and up above that rotate in 2-3 ship gunship flights for heavier responce.Cobras or Apaches.
In Vietnam they called this a Pink Team ,
they kicked ass and took names daily.

You don't recall a 57 year old man, unless you're grasping at straws.

I highly doubt they'll send this guy to Iraq once I read the list of health problems he's had this year. He's going to have to jump through the hoops, nonetheless. Also, 57 ain't that old, especially if you're talking about a professional relatively nonathletic job like this guy appears to have. My husband is active duty at 56 and spent January through April in Kuwait.

> You don't recall a 57 year old man, unless you're grasping at straws.

Or he has a very specific skill set unique to the present
situation.

I wouldn't be surprised to see retired Arabic-speakers
recalled either. We're rather short on them, too.

Has administrative error been ruled out here?

Anyway - in addition to some surprised retirees, there
are a lot of reservists who never thought they'd be in
combat. We are at war. This is going to distort many
personal plans, at least temporarily.

Agreed.
We need to reconstitute the 8 active divisions we disbanded at the end of the Cold War. We are no longer at peace.

So9

As much as I want to give Bush kudos for Iraq and in many ways do, we are having to hold our troops over too long,

How long did the troops who went ashore in North Africa in 1942 get "held over"?

Want volunteers? What about the Texas National Guard unit sent to Java in 1941 (36th ID) or the New Mexico Guardsmen sent to the Philippines.