USING Jessica Lynch

Worldnet Daily | Aug. 26.2003 | David Hackworth

[jaykay]

All of the 507th POWs except for Lynch, who was still in the hospital at the time, gave a group interview to Dateline. It's the soldiers' story in their own words, at least as much as they're allowed to tell, and the best source of facts I've seen about them.

[proud2serve]

Thanks for the link!

[Voice in your head]

Hackworth is, as usual, right about this issue. Unfortunately, this is an Army-wide issue, not just an isolated injustice.

I just got back from Iraq about a week ago. Before we left, we had to go through the nutroll of writing, editing, submitting, and re-submitting awards. There was specific guidance given regarding what duty positions get what awards, when awards will be submitted by, who is responsible for writing awards for various soldiers. Everybody got an award. Whether the soldier deserved it or not, everybody got at least an ARCOM. Platoon Leaders and Platoon Sergeants got Bronze Stars. Company Commanders got Silver Stars. First Sergeants usually got Silver Stars. The only time merit ever reared it's head, if at all, was in the decision as to who got a "V" device.

How is it supposed to work? Anybody can recommend anybody for an award and there is a 2 year period in which it can be done, beginning at the time of the event meriting said award. Awards are supposed to be awarded on the basis of merit, not rank or duty position. Rank and duty position often carry with them greater responsibility, which often puts one in a situation where bravery can more likely be demonstrated, but rank and duty position are not inherently meritorious - especially if the person filling that position is not especially competent.

One other note - all soldiers in Iraq with an 11 series MOS got a Combat Infantryman's Badge, even those who did not arrive in country until, say, the period from early May through late July - even if they never went on a single mission outside of their compound and were in little, if any, danger whatsoever.

What does all of this mean? Awards are meaningless. Is this a big deal? No. The purpose of training for war and fighting wars is not to collect medals. If you want a chest full of medals, go become dictator of some backwards African nation. If you want to fight and win this nation's wars - join the US Army.