***Operation Iraqi Freedom - Situation Room - Day 14 - LIVE THREAD***

[TomGuy]

Maybe on a technicality, we can term the WH, CENTCOM and Pentagon press corps utterings as editorial comments, instead of questions.

True. I cringe every time I hear a mediatalkinghead "ask" one of those "editorial questions".

[Ecclesiasticus]

Am I the only one nauseated by the endless narcissism of the press? You'd think these released reporters were some kind of heroes. Don't get me wrong, I think combat photographers, etc., can be quite heroic, but these Sadaam sycophants--GASP!--a reporter just asked if they (captured reporters) were more afraid of "the bombs above or their Iraqi captors!!! That says it all. Gotta go throw up. . .

[Carolina]

The thing that really had me steamed last night after the briefing was the Sky Guy Andrew Wilson at Washington saying cynically that Washington timed this so that the main story in papers across the country would be about Jessica and not about the flap at Pentagon with Rummy and the generals. He said that with that sneer of his.

[militarypolicetom]

We Get Fox but Household6 is watching her shows :-)

[An.American.Expatriate]

Lucky guy!

Only get the radio where I am (ex-army now!).

Local Cable only carries CNNi (GAG) but it is at least better than the "local" media.

[TomGuy]

Speaking of the press, where's Geraldo?

ssshhhhhhh....he's on a secret mission...Saddam should be very worried....shhhhh don't tell anyone.....

[Cboldt]

. . . what the 101st Airborne Division does.

16,000 soldiers, Fort Cambell. 270 helicopters.

[Catspaw]

They are lower than pond scum.

Well, yes, yes they are--but that's a given.

[Northern Yankee]

Hi All!

First time I've been to this thread.

Great!

Came home last night from work to see the latest Newsweek.

If you believe the garbage that they are spewing out, we are in confusion in military operations, and inflicting casualties at random, on civilians. (Who writes this garbage, and what reality are they dealing in?!!!)

They give Bush a thumbs down as the reckless cowboy, and thumbs up to Blair as being Churchillian. I really like what Blair is doing, but am certain that if Bush weren't so strong in his convictions, I am not so sure how effective Blair would have been in leading the charge.

We've gotta have Spec. Ops. in Baghdad to be able to get Jessica Lynch out!

Thank you all for your devotion to this Country!

Semper Fi

[An.American.Expatriate]

Grim clues to police station's past ^

Beeb article about a police station near Basra.

[Timeout]

So is the 101st mainly an attack helo unit? Does the division also have heavy armor ground forces? I'm trying to understand how they differ from the 3rd ID and what each contributes to the battle. Thanks.

[Trust but Verify]

BUFFs taking off. And what does Sky Guy at the desk say? It's carrying bombs. We don't know if they'll be dropped on civilians or the RG.

Please clarify this post. Please tell me they did not say the last sentence!

[TomGuy]

They are lower than pond scum.

Those "reporters" rank right down there with lawyers, used car salesmen, and mudsucking catfish.

[Norman Arbuthnot]

Sorry if this is a stoopid question, but I don't understand what the 101st Airborne Division does. Is it chopper air support? Or is it paratroopers?

The 101st is really Airborne in name only. The 101st traded in their parachutes for helicopters in 1960's, officially they are now called the 101st Airborne (Air Assault). The division is essentially a light infantry division that has enhanced helicopter assets. The division has about 300 helicopters (far more than any other division in the Army) , which enables it to move the entire division by air. All members of the division must attend the Air Assault school at Ft. Campbell, where the soldiers learn how to repel from helicopters, rig cargo to helicopters and learn about the specifications of the choppers in the division. When a soldier completes the AA school he/she is awarded Air Assault wings.

[Cboldt]

The thing that really had me steamed last night after the briefing was the Sky Guy Andrew Wilson . . . .

Never heard of 'im. I avoid people that are that low. Learned a long time ago, the press is NEVER a friend. Never. Not even if you have a "good" story. As bad as vampires. Worse actually, because vampires aren't real.

[Sacajaweau]

Stay away from any rivers for a few days. Think of easter bunnies laying eggs in the yard instead. :-)

[Jackie-O]

I've been out of touch for 2 days...Question, is Geraldo booted? Or is he still with 101st?

[Timeout]

Thanks so much. That clears up a lot.

[Cboldt]

So is the 101st mainly an attack helo unit? Does the division also have heavy armor ground forces?

Norman's answer above gave you better info than I could have. There is no armor in the 101st Airborne.

[ninenot]

Certainly among the most useful posts EVERY day are the ones you transcribe from news conferences. Eternal gratitude.