[Prodigal Son]

One thing about Hack is- he gets paid to be a pessimist. And what I mean by that is- nobody's going to pay him for an article that says "Things are Hunky Dory with Our Military!" Sure, there's much room for improvement but the American military is the most lethal thing on the face of the planet (outside of God and natural catastrophe). Our guys are getting the job done and they are faced with a task that Hack (Viet Nam or no) never had to face. When they fail let me know, but I think our guys are doing great and I send every last one of 'em a heartfelt Hoo-Ah! Keep up the good work!

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

When I was in, everyone's second MOS was Rifleman. At the Battle of the Bulge, the band, cooks, everyone had to pick up a rifle. Of course not everyone is Ranger, Airborne or Delta material but basic is basic.

[CIBvet]

Thanks for your positive reply. I too know more than a few active grunts, and I have been in almost daily contact around Fort Rich (AK Inf Post) for over a year, paying close attention to how they train and handle themselves. I feel good about their professionalism, but on the other hand, I work around today's public school kids alot, and I sure recognize societal attitudes, physical conditioning, and education have changed big-time in 40yrs.

And we're all aware of the Homo-feminization/PC of our entire society, to include military.

[WhiskeyPapa]

I think Hack is probably right on target. The Army is not in very good shape at all. The Marine Corps seems to resisting this sort of nonsense somewhat. One can only hope. But nothing is more ephemeral that military competence.

Now someone will post to defend the Marine Corps. It's a great outfit, but it's not perfect. If you doubt that, just think of one incident: Beirut, Lebanon, October 23, 1983.

Walt

[old school]

If I was to take anyone's word for it, I'd take Hack's! I don't think training for combat can be any less severe from one generation to the next; because the struggle for life over death (which combat is)doesn't change. It's immutable. It's very basic and it's very savage. Half-stepping in training doesn't prepare you for that. It sounds like some of today's recruit's have never been in a street fight or even been punched in the nose!