[blam]

I'll see if I can find the article I recently posted about how the British troops are afraid they'll be prosecuted if they defend themselves.

[null and void]

Gen Chiarelli? Nahhhhhhh, kill 'em all. God will know his own.

[blam]

British Troops In Iraq Are Afraid To Open Fire, Secret MoD Report Confirms

[SandRat]

hmmmmm.... let's see Gung-Ho or not Gung-Ho????? Gung-Ho is why Patton beat Monty - DUH!!!

[llevrok]

Sure. Marines to drink tea and pronounce tissue as tissssss-you

Bloody hell.

[D-Chivas]

I read the news today, oh boy
The English Army had just won the war...

[usmcobra]

I hate to say this but does this general know his own troops?

[Sabatier]

"...spurn sunglasses, which prevent eye contact"

Anyone working outside in a desert landscape must wear sunglasses to protect their vision. To suggest otherwise is absolute nonsense.

[Lancey Howard]

Lt Gen Peter Chiarelli, who commands operations for the 132,000 American soldiers in the country, told his men to display more sensitivity and reach for their guns less often.

Fire this clown NOW.

[Lancey Howard]

If I was the parent of one of this clown's soldiers I would be very, very afraid.

[river rat]

God forbid....
If this is the mentality of our Generals, pull out the troops now and let whatever happens - happen..

Give this General the Salvation Army to command.....
Not warriors.

Who the hell wants to die in order to avoid insulting or inflaming and armed opponent?

Semper Fi

[ruiner]

"Gung-ho US troops urged to be more British"

Good-day Mate!

[Lost Humanist]

Its a tough one I know, but the man has a point.

Will it create more risk for the US troops: Yes
Will it help on the ground in 'winning the hearts and minds': Yes
Is it worth the trade? Thats up to everyone to decide for themselves.

Having waged a counter-insurgency war for decades in Northern Ireland and Oman, the UK military have developed good tactics when it comes to this kind of scenario. Obviously, in a full-blown war, it doesn't pay to ask questions first, but in a policing, counter-insurgency role it is the best course of action.
Yes its more risky for the troops, but you always have to trade off safety in order to gain the trust of the locals. Thats how you win the hearts and minds, and makes the people 'on the fence', fall on our side and not the enemies.
Also, as for the shades, it is indeed part of Arabic culture to see a mans eyes. To 'hide' ones eyes is a sign that the individual isn't trustworthy, and is unwilling to look a man face to face. Lessons learned through troopers who lost their lives in Northern Ireland and Oman are lessons worth learning.

[Karl Rand]

Maybe they should learn to speak Arabic too.

[captain_dave]

I just wrote a letter to my Congressman conplaining about this guy. We'll see how long this guy stays in the Army.

[Thombo2]

"Gen Chiarelli sent articles(to subordinates)from British newspapers criticising the sometimes tough tactics used by American soldiers..."Generals like Chiarelli get American soldiers killed.This guy needs to get the boot.

[liliesgrandpa]

I see the "don't ask, don't tell" policy has made it up the chain of command.

The politically correct people are in charge now, thanks Bush.

[processing please hold]

If that's going to be their orders...then bring them home. Their job is finished.

[lowbridge]

Gung-ho US troops urged to be more British

I say, Zarqawi old chap, how about a spot of tea?

[managusta]

British tactics have enabled Muqtar Sadr to set up a massive militia financed by Iran in the Basra area.

The same British tactics the author espouses were wasted on 30 yrs of warfare against the IRA, despite having a spy in every meeting of the IRA general council.One missile could have saved hundreds of lives.

The British military way, I am sad to say,has turned into the way of the pussy....I know I served for 24yrs in the organization.

Most folks do not know that British NCO's carry upto 18 colored cards. Which they have to refer too when confronted by an incident.

Each card lays out the details of :- use of armed response(yellow card), use of non lethal weapons (pink card),use of CS gas(white card),powers of arrest(blue card),vehicle control(green card),use of an ATGW(red and white card),use of a SAW,etc, etc.

Remember folks, the 20 yr old kid in charge of a "Brick" (four man patrol) who is taking incoming fire HAS to respond within the constraints imposed on him/her by the attorneys and set in stone on those cards.

Thomas Atkins deserves far better leadership than the current sad generalship.

Thank God American Generals are not falling for this crap.

[Stormcrow]

Note to Donald Rumsfeld -

Relieve this PC drone of his command immediately.