Posted on 06/05/2006 4:16:17 PM PDT by SandRat
Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of the Multinational Force, Over the last three years, your sacrifices and those of your comrades before you brought the Iraqi people freedom, a democratically elected government, and a chance for a new future. The Multinational Force is now at the point where we can move from the forefront of the effort to secure freedom to a position where we assist the Iraqis in securing and governing their own country. One important way for us to assist the Iraqis is to demonstrate the discipline and values that mark us as professional armed forces of free and democratic nations.
Discipline, accountability, and adherence to legal principles governing armed conflict are fundamental to every professional military organization. They underscore the primacy of law and exemplify ethical conduct in operations, both of which are central to our campaign against insurgents and terrorists in Iraq. Rules of engagement are concise guidance on lawful and proportionate use of force during all operations. These rules ensure that our forces can accomplish their assigned mission while safeguarding noncombatants, and while exercising the inherent right of self-defense.
Military leaders are required to make difficult decisions, often in dangerous and ambiguous situations. Our decisions must reflect our professional values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. Individually and collectively, our commitment to these values will ensure our conduct is above reproach in every respect.
As Iraq enters a new era of democratic government founded on adherence to the Rule of Law, we renew our commitment to uphold our professional military values. Guided by these principles, we will assist the Iraqis in prevailing over the terrorists and their allies that threaten their future unity, security and prosperity.
Hey! That's my new home for the next six months. Thanks for this one 'Rat.
You are welcome
I noticed that he used the Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage
Notice that that spells the acronym: LDRSHIP (leadership)
"These rules ensure that our forces can accomplish their assigned mission while safeguarding noncombatants, and while exercising their inherent right of self-defense."
That sentence really stuck out for me...because it is a TALL order..
It is darn near impossible to safeguard noncombatants...when you don't know who ARE the noncombatants in any given situation over there.
I read a link today about how/why the Iraqi people expect payment for the deaths of their loved ones...the EXPECT it...as a RIGHT...not like we do...sue someone if we feel they/it caused someone's death...
Damn, these troops just do NOT get the credit they are due.
Find Allegra and give them a hug for us!
When will you arrive?
It's been my home for the last two and a half years.
I keep getting confused about where I'm from now. When I'm on leave, I keep referring to this place as "home."
Probably mid-july, assuming 3-4 weeks of training at Ft. Jackson.
Ah, yes...the most delightful time of year to be here. ;-)
Thank you for your service. We'll have to get you into our "FR Iraq Chapter" loop. There are a handful of us here.
Welcome. This'll be my first July in Iraq. Today it's about 115. Makes body armor all the more fun, eh?
Excellent! Oh boy, this will be interesting at least. Hopefully I can run in to some of the FReepers there.
Are you civilian or military? Me -- verrrry civilian.
Ok, I've got the FT part but what's the J stand for?
Military, USN.
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