[walden]

I know about the outsourcing, but it is entirely possible to outsource without truly eliminating stupid positions within the original organization. I'll be convinced that the army needs more people when they no longer send cooks into a war zone. In fact, wasn't that why Rumsfield brought in that special forces guy, Schoomaker or something, to straighten them out? When he says he needs more people, and Rumsfield agrees, I'll fully support them.

Before increasing the force, the army needs to rationalize it. My understanding of the Marine Corps is that they're already there, so I would support right now an increase in their allotted strength. But the army has some work to do.

[rbmillerjr]

"Before increasing the force, the army needs to rationalize it. My understanding of the Marine Corps is that they're already there, so I would support right now an increase in their allotted strength. But the army has some work to do."

What are you smoking? The Marines don't have cooks?? Obviously you've never been in the military.

This is the way it works - if battlefield commanders request troops they get them. Period. They don't have to rationalize the request to civillian pundits and idiots.

You may be interested in this Marince Corps website:
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/C7D87CA8061F6BB485256B480038A5F8