Base Infiltration Won't Prompt Big Changes

Associated Press ^ | December 28, 2004 | Nick Wadhams

[jeremiah]

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq-

American commanders are fully aware that Iraq's insurgents exploit their policy of employing locals on the U.S. military bases, but insist the practice will not stop, though some security measures may be tightened.

The vulnerability of the American stance was exposed on Dec. 21, when an Iraqi suicide bomber dresed in a military uniform, detonated his explosives at a mess hall at Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, killing 22 people, including 14 U.S. servicmembers.

[jeremiah]

While Iraqis who work on bases are vetted, Americans acknowledge that they don't do security checks on Iraqi forces on base, instead leaving that task to their Iraqi counterparts. Nice that the brass allow the enemy access to the soldiers at rest, without so much as a security check

American troops on the bases express widespread distrust about the Iraqis that work there, and have remarked that they all believe contractors are relaying intelligence back to insurgents on the outside.

"But that won't lead to a change in policy", said Marine spokesman Lt. Lyle Gilbert.

"Contracting locals helps the economy. That's something we want to do,"So we put soldiers lives in danger, so as to not offend the sensibilites of the Iraqi forces, and to boost the local economy. Nice to know, that mens lives are being risked so someone can look classy.

This story should be read with a vomit bag in hand that is for sure.

[arrythmia]

If this is true it's outrageous

[GoldenOrchid]

I agree. It to me is very disturbing the Total appearance of sensible Security measures on our Bases in Iraq. From what we know this suicide bomber somehow came onto this base with the explosives underneath his clothing. Why wasn't he checked somewhere along the line. And to make matters worse is that this Base has been previously attacked on several occasions. Soldiers at the base had made numerous complaints and statements about being attacked while eating in the mess hall. While I understand that we can-not stop every suicide attack, I am so alarmed at how our soldiers are being killed in NON-Combat situations. To me if there was a KNOWN effort to attack this base why was the Security not on a HIGH-Alert. Every Iraqi Should have had a Pat-Down search before they entered the base, and at Every Building they entered they again should have been searched. I am getting concerned that the situation is Not improving in Iraq. I will always support our president and our troops, however we can do better. We must do better...did anyone see the Israeli Security Person from El-Al the other night on Fox News, he made some excellent points. And I would think he would know what he is talking about. Our Intelligence in Iraq is not very good.....

[mabelkitty]

Clintonistas, of course.

[jeremiah]

Welcome to Free Republic. It is disturbing to me, that there have been very few replies to this post. It should have peoples blood boiling. Alas, that is one of the problems with bearing bad news, it upsets those that prefer to rely on faith in public servants.

[D-fendr]

When tragedy strikes again whoever made this decision will have blood on their hands.

This is a military decision that cries out for a civilian/political over-ride. Hope Rummy, Cheney or W are listening...

[IGOTMINE]

We can not allow our military to operate with an enclave mentality. We must be seen as partners with the Iraqi people, and this includes providing them with the economic opportunity of working on our bases. (I wonder how many of those workers have been murdered in their homes by the Jihadis?) This leaves us vulnerable to the sort of attack we witnessed at Mosul, but it is a price that has to be paid.

[jeremiah]

So you agree with the policy of allowing the Iraqis to screen those working and moving amongst our troops? It takes all kinds I guess, but I wonder if this was your command and your entire family were there, would you feel the same? I think the Iraqis could continue to work alongside us, but make them go through a background check from hell, and live with those results.

[IGOTMINE]

At some point we're going to have to trust Iraqi nationals. We are not equipped to conduct background checks of Iraqis. We should have the final say, but I don't see how US personnel can conduct the background checks.

If this were my command I would have dogs sniffing every contractor that comes aboard the base. That is the only way I can think of to prevent bomb vest wearers from access to those facilities.

[D-fendr]

Can we at least do our own level of vetting and security?

[GoldenOrchid]

Exactly, you are so right on the mark. SECURITY first and foremost. if the task falls behind so be it, but to me the Security of our troops should be paramount. And "we can't do background checks on Iraqis" this is a defeatist attitude. I saw this program about an El Al security person that made excellent points about Background checks. The Israelis were able to do it, and with 30+ years of experience this guy knows what he is talking about. And El Al has had NO compromises. It can be done and it Must be done. 1 soldier not killed in combat is a total waste of a human being. Our soldiers complained rigorously about being attack while eating, obviously no one was listening. this should be investigated and the base commander should be held accountable for this lax in security. I may be way off base here, but IMHO it is better to err on caution, and the heck with PC-security-ie; takes too much time, shows Iraqis we don't trust them, etc...

[jeremiah]

It seems to me that Kerry's promise to conduct a more sensitive war, has been implemented by Bush.

[cyn]

'"But that won't lead to a change in policy", said Marine spokesman Lt. Lyle Gilbert.'

Hi, jeremiah -- thanks for posting this. The above statement is what leaped out at me. I don't understand that at all.

And ... is that a true statement, even if people here kick and fuss and call our congressmen?

Do we have a Marine PING list? Ya'll gotta see this.

[jeremiah]

It is a sad day in America, when something so important as base security, is handled by those that are easily intimidated and are prone to hate the USA.