My latest article, “Does Criticism of the War Undermine Troop Morale?” is up at Tech Central Station. The conclusion:
Soldiers ultimately decide for themselves whether their mission is “worth it.” To the extent that they are concerned with political debates in Washington, it is mostly about the small picture: ensuring they get the tools and equipment they need to survive and get the job done. While they may be interested in grand strategy, it seldom motivates them to risk life and limb. They may agree or disagree with establishing a foothold for democracy in the Middle East but they fight for their comrades-in-arms, out of genuine concern for locale villagers whose situations they empathize with, and for hundreds of other reasons unique to each soldier.
Read the rest at the link.
crosspost from OTB
Knowing you are putting your life on the line and knowing how the jane fondas back home feel is a good reason to despise and hate them forever and ever.
When the reasons people don’t want war are mindless it’s worse.
Look at the transcripts from saddams trial to see if the war was necessary.
Or the pictures the MSM’s don’t want to show.
then they say the casualties are too high,
If canada with 7 million people could lose 60,000
in WWI sureley the states can lose a mere 2,000 with a slightly larger population.
And make no mistake they are volunteers no one pressed them into the job.
The only thing really undermining moral in the Armed Forces today is the Bilingualism. How would you feel if you knew just because someone was from Quebec and spoke french they would be promoted ahead of you?
AsISeeIt: As a 21 year veteran of the Canadian Air Force, I can verify your observation. And it’s not just language – gender has a bearing on promotions and postings as well. It’s frustrating as hell because when you add the white anglo guilt I’m supposed to feel with pc of the day combined with military discipline I pretty much feel neutered. It’s become, Yes Sir, I’ll take that hill, as soon as I learn french and ensure all designated groups are represented.
I was in the Army in the mid-late 90-‘s, and served in Bosnia/Kosovo. I saw some horrific things. And I have to tell you, none of my friends or I paid attention to what America was saying. America was light years away. We had to protect each other. Now, as I recall, Republicans were lambasting Clinton for getting us into Bosnia. I never heard that stuff until I got back. What was a morale indicator? Good hot food, a shower, good books/magazines, a phone call to family and friends, and cigarettes. Throw in some USO stuff (I got Sinbad/Hillary Clinton, and SHeryl Crow), and that’s what makes up morale. What iditos/smart people jabber about in print or TV didn’t matter to us at all.
Will,
It’s a different world today. With the internet and readily available satellite, the troops see and hear everything from back home and you know it.
Do you recall any soldier-bloggers from the Bosnia theater? Didn’t think so.
And the critisism is on a much different scale. There’s a big, big difference. The Republicans didn’t have LSD induced dreams of Vietnam like the Dems do today.
Re: Moral vs Criticism at home!
Not many of the people directly involved will pay any attention.
But when they get home don’t be surprised if they will be just as badly abused by the Lefty Anti War harpies as the Vietnam vet were!
The inherent gravitas and authority carried by returning vets is a perceived threat to the pumped up and overblown self esteem the anti-war activists have created for themselves.
The turds will react like the petulant spoiled children they are!
Garry,
It’s not just an observation. These past several weeks I have been attempting to compile factual cases on the subject of bilingualism in the Forces. In almost 2 months of searching I have managed to come up with ONE. ONE. Why? Because those I talked to were scared, once I told them what I was doing the wall went up immediately. Any discussion became I don’t know, yes sir no sir, end of conversation. One told me as I was leaving, we have been told to shut up. When I asked where are all the french guys, are there any here, the answer was, don’t know Sir, again end of conversation. Sounds like real “unity” to me. If you know of anyone I could talk to here in Victoria please let me know.
I think James is right. As I understand it, a soldier’s first concern is for his fellow soldiers, himself, and his mission. The larger stuff generally falls under the phrase “above my pay grade” or civilian chatter.
It is perfectly reasonable to support troops in general and even particular missions while disagreeing with a larger foreign policy. It is just like domestic police. I may think a particular law is stupid, but I don’t take it out on the cops who enforce the law. I take it up with the folks who made the law.
With respect, I think you are asking the wrong question. Here’s my post on Captain’s Quarters on the same topic.
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I’d like to make two points. Firstly, it’s not the effect of the Democrats “we can’t win” mantra on U.S. troops which is of concern to me, it’s the effect of this talk on the enemy.
U.S. troops know we are winning because of what’s happening on the ground. The same facts on the ground tell the insurgents they are losing, however, as long as Democrats talk of withdrawal the insurgents can’t give up – no matter how hopeless the task may seem.
U.S. troops will needlessly die in the last stages of this war because Democrats prefer partisan politics over the national interest.
My second point is that the Democratic strategy is about a year late. Once Bush was re-elected, Fallujah liberated and the first election held in January 2005, it’s been obvious who would win this war.
For the past year the question has not been who will win but when.
_________________________________________________
For the past year the question has not been who will win but when.
Posted by: Terry Gain at December 9, 2005 04:19 PM
That depends on your definition of winning. It seems to change every few months. To some, being in and out in six months with Chalabi in charge giving us the hook up on Iraqi crude was victory. That didn’t happen. To others, getting rid of Saddam and confirming that WMDs wouldn’t get to Al-Queada was victory. By that standard we won back in 2003.
“I cannot support a failed foreign policy. History teaches us that it is often easier to make war than peace. This administration is just learning that lesson right now. The President began this mission with very vague objectives and lots of unanswered questions. A month later, these questions are still unanswered. There are no clarifiedrules of engagement. There is no timetable. There is no legitimate definition of victory. There is no contingency plan for mission creep. There is no clear funding program. There is no agenda to bolster our overextended military. There is no explanation defining what vital national interests are at stake. There was no strategic plan for war when the President started this thing, and there still is no plan today”
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-Representative Tom Delay (R-TX)
Funny, I don’t remember anyone worried about troop moral back in ’98 and ’99. They were under fire. There were hostiles. Maybe it’s the size of the war that counts… But really, how demoralizing Delay’s words were. He should have been ashamed of himself, right???
We’re defending freedom, and democracy, sir! Questioning authority undermines freedom and democracy, sir! Obey dear leader. Support the troops. Be free! Sir, yes sir!
“Explain to the mothers and fathers of American servicemen that may come home in body bags why their son or daughter have to give up their life?”
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-Sean Hannity, Fox News, 4/6/99
Why does Sean Hannity hate America?
“Victory means exit strategy, and it’s important for the President to explain to us what the exit strategy is.”
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-Governor George W. Bush (R-TX)
Wouldn’t that just be giving the enemy a “timetable?” Why was Bush undermining the Commander in Chief?
I love these arguments about whether or not Democrats criticizing policy is undermining the troops or our war in Iraq. They bring back memories.
“These international war criminals were led by Gen. Wesley Clark …who clicked his shiny heels for the commander-in-grief, Bill Clinton.”
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-Michael Savage
Why does Michael Savage hate America?
We’ve got to support the President, right? To not support the president during wartime is tantamount to treason, right?
“This is President Clinton’s war, and when he falls flat on his face, that’s his problem.”
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-Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN)
Why does Richard Lugar hate America?
OK, I get it. When confronted with the stunning hypocracy and duplicity of your current republican leaders, you just don’t want to discuss it. Something to think about, though, righties. Have a nice weekend!
What fails to amaze me is how canadians attach their identities to American actions.
Supporting a president? During a war?
Do you honestly see yourselves as canadians being Americans by Proxiy, without a vote in the Presidential Election?
Which is more important to Canada – the next Canadian election, or the next Ameican election?
Victory for freedom and democracy in Iraq.
Saddam is the only & first Islamist leader/dictator in the 1,400 year history of Islam to be brought to trial by Muslims.
Election in Iraq will be on 15, December, 2005 .
God Bless America.
God Bless George Bush.
Long live freedom and democracy. >>>
Baghdad’s Highway Of Death ‘Now Safe’
Posted by blam
On 12/09/2005 6:04:16 PM PST � 1 reply � 53+ views
The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 12-10-2005 | Oliver Poole
Baghdad’s Highway of Death ‘now safe’ By Oliver Poole in Baghdad (Filed: 10/12/2005) The US military says it has secured the road linking Baghdad airport to the city – two and a half years after American troops first entered the capital. Attacks on the five-mile route have dropped from 142 between April and June to fewer than a dozen last month. The road had been a glaring symbol of the US failure to control Iraq. It became known as the Highway of Death since the journey meant risking shootings, suicide car bombs and booby traps. In April, 13 people were… via
freerepublic.com
Rubert,
Not sure where you’re from, but Canada very closely identifies with America. We share a large part of their/our culture and history.
We depend upon them for our own economic and ‘physical’ security. Almost every action they take has some sort of impact upon us.
Softwood lumber, war on terror, border restrictions, etc., etc.
So yeah, our identities are fairly closely interwoven, even if they remain unique in many other respects.
But I agree with you that Canadians should take a greater interest in their own policies and politics. I know many, many Canadians who are steadfast in their opposition to the Iraq war, and speak out against America’s intervention their with passion. And yet know nothing at all about what Canada is doing down in Haiti right now. So I think your point is a valid one, despite my feeling that there is a great deal of justification for Canadians having and interest, and indeed, a stake in the American political process.
Best,
Ted.
“Two different worlds; we live in two different worlds” 365.com
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IAEA, El Baradei receive Nobel Peace Prize
Posted by Valin
On 12/10/2005 8:14:49 AM PST � 15 replies � 116+ views
afp ^
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its director general Mohamed El Baradei received the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo on Saturday for their efforts to halt the spread of nuclear weapons. Just over 60 years after the world’s first atomic attack, Mr El Baradei and the United Nations nuclear watchdog agency, represented by the chairman of its board of governors, Yukiya Amano, were honoured for “their efforts to prevent nuclear energy from being used for military purposes”. They received the prestigious prize, consisting of a Nobel diploma, a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor… >>>
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National Guard unit gets prestigious award
Posted by Valin
On 12/10/2005 8:12:06 AM PST � 1 reply � 9+ views
AP ^ | 12/9/05
MADISON, Wis. – A Wisconsin National Guard unit has won a prestigious award for its performance in Iraq. The Milwaukee-based 32nd Military Police Company has become the first Wisconsin National Guard unit to win a Valorous Unit Award, which is handed out for “extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy,” according to a statement issued by the state National Guard on Friday. An order from Army Secretary Francis Harvey praised the 32nd for working tirelessly to set up security after Saddam Hussein’s government fell. The award is the equivalent of a Silver Star, the Army’s third highest award for… >>>
freerepublic.com
U.S. troops will needlessly die in the last stages of this war because Democrats prefer partisan politics over the national interest-
Posted by Terry Gain
This is the most inane comment ever posted. Stupididy needlessly exists with those who claim to be able to predict the future. What else do you see in your crystal ballhead Terry?
I do not know what to do about Iraq. Like 2/3rds of the people most of whom supported the war at first, many who voted for Bush, I see many causes for concern.
Things are certainly different than promised 2 1/2 years ago. And it seems many situations would be nmuch better is problems were admitted and experts many of them miltary were listened to.
I hold the alleged war supporters responsible. They have worked to keep the comments of people like General Zinni and General Odom from public debate, stereotyping all criticism as coming from Fonda types.
At times this was utterly shameful. When it was pointed out that vehicle armor was lacking, the right did not verify this claim (which was true) or discover that the plants which made such armor had unused capacity. They focused on the claim hat the question had been planted. This was a secondary issue.
Fortunatky patriots from all parts of the spectrum just as they pushed VA funding fr Iraqi veterans that the administration and Republican congress wanted to leave out, but there has been a pattern of indifference to real problems.
Yes, criticism hurts our troops’ morale. Next question…
Just for your info: 10% of war deaths of US soldiers in Iraq are suicides? I bet you didn’t know that. It’s another pipe dream of Lord Bush……….god told him to invade Irag! It’s another Vietnam for those of us who remember Vietnam. Over 140,000 Vietnam war vets commited suicide. I’ll bet that any of the small dead animals on this site would not volunteer to fight in Iraq. We have people who like to spout off about war that no nothing about it. Armies are popular when there are no other jobs. It’s a government make work project. Any vets out there who agree or disagree? I mean someone who’s actually been or is in the armed forces. Not the small dead conservatives on this site.