[Justin Thyme]

Semper Fi to all the other Marines here.

I spent 11+ years as a Huey driver, participated in 2 MEU's, plus trips to places like Somalia. I don't think there is another standard operational unit on the planet that can go toe-to-toe with a well trained MEU.

That being said, I know from experience that with Defense budget cutbacks, the level of training today isn't what it could or should be. Additionally, a highly specialized unit such as Delta Force is better equiped and trained for certain specific tasks.

The biggest problem with the MEU's in light of our current areas of concern in the world is that they are amphibious...and Afghanistan is land-locked. Although MEU's do train for long distance, over the horizon missions, where temporary forward refueling and rearming stations are setup, they are geared for more in terms of a limited objective such as Embassy evacuation or hostage rescue, and not extended efforts like will be required in Afghanistan.

I'd also like to give a big Semper Fi to any Navy folk. I've worked with them a fair bit, and their level of dedication to their embarked Marines is admirable, especially in dealing with emergencies. Thanks! Members of the crew of the Grey Ghost pulled me out of the drink in the Persian Gulf back in '87.

[Illbay]

What do you think of the impact of the "politically correct" sexually integrated armed forces? I know that even the USMC hasn't been immune from that.

I am not speaking from experience, but from what I have seen it has nearly destroyed shipboard morale in the Navy, and "Army of One" was quickly becoming a caricature of itself by the time Togo West left.

Any opinions?