Posted on 03/31/2002 2:59:25 PM PST by HockeyPop
Response to call-up 'almost 100 percent'
By Amos Harel
The emergency call-up of reservists proceeded smoothly yesterday, army officials said, noting that almost 100 percent of those called reported for duty. However, reservists complained that they have had to cope with malfunctioning equipment, logistical problems, inadequate food and make-shift accommodation.
Chief reserve officer, Brigadier General Ariel Heiman, told Ha'aretz that the number of refuseniks was insignificant, adding that even "gray refusal" - in the form of trying to get out of service by calling in sick or using other excuses - was extremely low. Response "was almost 100 percent," he said.
Senior army officers visited reserve units yesterday to get a feel of the situation on the ground and learn of any problems first-hand. Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz issued a message to the reservists and conscripts as Operation Defensive Wall got underway. "We have no choice but to act to fulfill the basic responsibility of a country to its people - to assure their right to live in peace and security," the message said. He called on the men to be careful to preserve a "human face" and desist from harming the innocent. "The spirit of voluntarism and the rate of reporting for duty [in reserve units] are praiseworthy, and add honor and security and testify to our the endurance and unity of Israeli society." He ended his message by saying, "We are embarking on this operation in order to defend our homes, our right and that of our parents, our brothers and our children to live in peace and security."
The first two days of the call-up, over the weekend, were marked by severe logistical problems. Reservists told Ha'aretz that they were given malfunctioning equipment, lacked food and had to make do with make-shift beds and vehicles that didn't work in a general atmosphere of chaos. They added that the situation had improved by yesterday.
Reservists who were sent to the West Bank said they received very old equipment, including old-style combat vests which were taken out of use years ago, and outdated helmets. Reservists also complained of places where there were insufficient weapons for snipers and a lack of sufficient night-vision equipment.
Others complained that they had been forced to make do with combat rations for three straight days, and even these rations were at times in short supply.
In one elite unit, a reservist complained about the condition of army vehicles, saying he had found jeeps missing tires, radiators and communication equipment.
But another senior military officer said he was not aware of any problems involving vehicles, saying his men had been rolling out hundreds of armored vehicles and had found them to be well maintained and in working order. "We are in the process this evening of replacing old personal equipment which the reservists received," he said.
As for food, he said that the army had been forced to come up with supplies in very short order and expressed confidence food supplies would improve shortly.
Did any free nation ever enter a war in any other way?
Forget the food and outdated equipment, boys and girls. Focus on the bad guys; you know...........the ones down the street that want you, your family, your friends, your neighborhood, your entire nation dead.
Then, you won't give a s**t what you're eating for dinner.
Reservists are now setting up supplies and maintenance to get the equipment in shape and get edible food to the army. They will do what needs to be done and take care of the business at hand.
Damn straight! Yasser could have grabbed a rifle and fought when the IDF came to his doorstep. He didn't. He ran and hid. So much for that fight-to-the-death stuff that he preaches.
Yasser knows that being martyred in battle gets a good turnout at your funeral, but it isn't good for you political career.
Exactly right. I think that the only course of action left is for Israel to totally secure it's borders and announce that all Arabs in Israel have 72 hours to leave Israel. All Arabs remaining in Israel, upon being found, will be forcefully taken to the border and heaved off the bus - and these folks can head to wherever they choose. Those Arabs who prefer to stay/hide out and fight till the end...order your coffins in advance.
At this point, there is no other course to take. After this twelve hour period is over and Israel having not let slimebag Arafat leave his compound (and rightfully so)- the different Arab groups have vowed renewed/multible/continuous bombings - hence, for their survival now - the Israeli Govt. must, finally - give all Arabs this 72 hour notice - and all Arabs should be quickly evicted. All out war is the name of the game now. This is what is coming down.
Time to hunker down Jews of Israel/defend your country - or die trying.
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