U.S. Military overdeployed ?

[sarettah]

http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jul/07062003/co...menta/72640.asp

U.S. military under great strain while serving hither and yon

By Michael O'Hanlon
Special to The Washington Post

After criticizing the Clinton administration for overdeploying and overusing the country's military in the 1990s, the Bush administration is now doing exactly the same thing -- on a much larger scale. Hordes of active-duty troops and reservists may soon leave the service rather than subject themselves to a life continually on the road. Much more than transforming the armed forces or relocating overseas bases, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld must solve this problem before the Bush administration breaks the American military.

The problem is most acute for the Army. While most Marines, sailors and Air Force personnel go home to a grateful nation, the Army still has more than 185,000 troops deployed in and around Iraq. Another 10,000 are in Afghanistan. More than 25,000 troops are in Korea; some 5,000 are in the Balkans; and dozens here and hundreds there are on temporary assignments around the world. Nearly all of these soldiers are away from their home bases and families.

[Mike AI]

There is no doubt in my mind out military is being stretched thin.

We need to get our military up in strength. Increase at least 50% of where we are now....

Especially more SF troops, and then troops trained to stabilzie/peace keep.

These are the new missions, and we have to be prepaired for them.

[Peaches]

One of the things I am finding out is that the military is being VERY strict with who and how many they let in.

For instance, my son who's very bright and in great shape may not make it in because 5 years ago he broke his arm and had a plate and 7 screws put in. He's been tested time and time again - it works fine - always has. And he even served in the ROTC with it, but we're still waiting to see if he gets a waiver.

Here are some of the things you need waivers for:

Losing your license due to traffic tickets
Any visits EVER to a mental health professional, even if it was a school counselor
Most medications unless you've been off them for at least 2 years, some as long as 5
ANY criminal record including misdemeanors

I've been reading some of the military message boards and it's astounding. 1 kid was put on anti-seizure medicine when he was 5. He's never had seizure since and 2 doctors have cleared him. He can't get in.

And right now, the AF has closed enlistment for the fiscal year and is only accepting Delayed Enlisting which won't start until at least October 1.

I don't see them increasing it AT ALL, let alone 50%.

[Almighty Colin]

[PornoDoggy]

Originally posted by Mike AI@Jul 6 2003, 10:11 AM
There is no doubt in my mind out military is being stretched thin.

We need to get our military up in strength. Increase at least 50% of where we are now....

Especially more SF troops, and then troops trained to stabilzie/peace keep.

These are the new missions, and we have to be prepaired for them.

Mike, I agree with you completely on this one BUT ... this buildup and emphasis on special forces and wizz-bang toys CANNOT come at the expense of conventional (so-called "Heavy") forces.

But I have to admit - I find it mildly amusing to read a Republican talking about training the U.S. military for peacekeeping duties. What a concept ...

[Timon]

I don't think that map is 100% accurate Colin....

[Almighty Colin]

Originally posted by Timon@Jul 6 2003, 10:18 PM
I don't think that map is 100% accurate Colin....

Because Hawaii is missing?! ;-)