Here is one Marine's opinion:
Re: Military Views on Iraq (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by Hawairish on Jan 02, 2006 -- 08:58:09 PM EST
Please allow me to give some insight. I am a career Marine, recently back from Iraq.
As far as senior troops versus first termers, first termers are begging to fill quotos for duty in Iraq...at least in the Marine Corps...at the very least in my unit; if fact I had to hold a board the last time Marines were requested...too few billets...too many young Marines wanting to serve?? Just the facts...those of us who have had the courage to serve in Iraq have seen the truth. Good things are really happening...and among the best of things?? Young Americans are displaying courage and honor commensurate with the "Greatest Generation." You would not beleive it...unless you could see it...brave young men and women doing very great things in Iraq.
As far as Iraqis taking the helm? Well, that is a challenge. Not because there isn't thousands who want too; it's because of the generations of cultural tendencies to handle things in ways our culture does not accept, coupled with intense hatered, revenge, and retribution...similar to that which plagued Ireland for many years. To many Iraqis (Kurds and Shiites), Saddam is 1000 times worse than Hitler...(ironic how there are references being thrown around about George Bush and Hitler)...I'm no George Bush fan...but that is crazy thinking.
As far as leadership, things are not perfect...things could probably be better...but I'm humble enough to know that I don't know everything...perhaps our leadership knows something I don't...perhaps I know some things you all don't??? Perhaps it is important to keep some things to ourselves...for the greater good.
Things won't go perfectly, and there will be mistakes and losses. Unfortunate. I know more than most that sacrifice is necessary to make things better and safer for us...and others.
Many of you have feelings that don't match the truth. That is OK with me and my Marines. We will be here for you regardless.
Semper Fidelis