U.S. Military overdeployed ?

sarettah · 07-06-2003

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 · 07-06-2003

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 · 07-06-2003

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 · 07-06-2003

PornoDoggy · 07-06-2003

Quote:

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 · 07-06-2003

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

Almighty Colin · 07-07-2003

Quote:

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

Because Hawaii is missing?! ;-)

07-06-2003	#1
sarettah Stay Out Of The Box Want to see your own Advertising Here! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Lost in the ozone Posts: 10,318	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. __________________ Free Adult Webcams

07-06-2003	#2
Mike AI Administrator Want to see your own Advertising Here! Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 11,618	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. __________________ Make big money on your Domains! Why wait 40 days to get paid with the other guys? Parked.com pays the most for your traffic, and cuts checks twice a month!

07-06-2003	#3
Peaches Members Want to see your own Advertising Here! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Hills of N. GA Posts: 10,823	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%. __________________ Peaches@onlinebeach.com ICQ# 36734533

07-06-2003	#4
Almighty Colin Members Want to see your own Advertising Here! Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 8,059	__________________ Almighty Content. Your one stop for live content. Secret Friends, LATINA Secret Friends , My Cam Friends

07-06-2003	#6
Timon Hospitality Supervisor Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 2,338	I don't think that map is 100% accurate Colin....