[xkaydet65]

Technology is a wonderful force multiplier, but it does not take place of boots on the ground. Rumsfeld is a believer in technology and he was a fighter jock, but this kind of war against an enemy of some strength defending its capital and backed by numerous irregulars requires more than precision guided munitions. We are about to engage six mechaninzed divisions in fortified positions with one heavy division, one light division and one air mobile division. The Brits have been left to deal with Basra because their equipment was not designed for grand prix warfare.

Unlike '91 we are not catching them in the open, far from their base of supply, having endured 35 days of aerial attack. Are we going to lose? No! But McAffery IMHO is right. We stand to suffer casualties because Rumsfeld did not provide enough troops and equipment. The issue will be decided before 4ID and 1st Cav arrive. I hope your confidence in technology is proven correct, but I fear McCaffery is correct.

[Arkinsaw]

We stand to suffer casualties because Rumsfeld did not provide enough troops and equipment.

That is not Rumsfelds fault, that was sabotage in the State Department. Rumsfeld's intention was to have 4ID coming down from the north. HUGE difference. You can bet that Rumsfeld had every intention of 4ID being there. Lets not turn on Rumsfeld for a State Dept. blunder/sabotage.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Casualities are inevitable. Soldiers will die, I have no doubt about it. I am not afraid of that, and I thank God for the men and women who are fighting for my country.

I am just saying that it is frustrating to hear an American openly criticize the war plan... doesn't this embolden the enemy? Doesn't the Arab world love to hear our press wail over the casualites and POW's on Sunday?

The truth of this march into Baghdad, as well as the WOT, is that if we are not careful, America can be easily divided, too fearful to face evil, and run home with our tails between our legs. I pray that we are strong enough today,when our generation is tested... than to leave it to my children and grandchildren to face, later.

Best wishes.

[dtom]

If the 4th ID can come up the north east finger of the red sea and unload in Jordan, and haul ass to the east they could make it just in time?

[WOSG]

how much of 6 mechanized divisions will be left after the air power is done with them? that's the Q.

Rumsfeld seems to have been proven quite right in Afghanistan. He disproved sekptics.

And over 100,000 troops is not a 'light' force.

We have less numerical disadvantage than Alexander the Great had in his great victory in the same general vicinity against Darius.

Lastly, it is quite clear we are going about this in a way to minimize casualties.