I have a feeling that the soldiers who applauded were actually journalists in disguise, who were planted by the liberal media to make it seem as though some people in the military really care about their protection.
You've got to be kidding? The military has been awful about issuing troops proper equipment...as well as reinbursing their expenses (another question asked).
The troops have been there for 2+ years. They can get the appropriate armour to them? We turned out entire Liberty ships in a matter of days during WWII. I hardly believe the "we're doing everything we can" line.