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Thank you, US Army

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by jamesrl

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I won't deny I have been critical of the US Army (and on occasion the Canadian Armed Forces), but more often, critical of the Army's political masters.

Buts its only fair to share the other side.

As Canadians are well aware, a few years back 4 Canadians were victims of "friendly fire" when a US F16 flown by a US National Guardsman bombed the Canadian troops who were on a night training exercise, on a firing range set up by US forces. The pilot was charged, but given a severe reprimand and taken off of flying status. Canadians, especially the parents, have not felt closure.

In a very magnamous gesture, the US Army, specifically the 187th regiment of the 101st Airborne division, included those deaths in the names of their fallen in Afghanistan. It was a moving ceremony attended by members of the Princess Patricia's Light Infantry and the parents and relatives of the fallen Canadians. It did help bring closure for many.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/23/AR2005052301340.html

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1116623080120_33/?hub=Canada

Its only fair to share both praise and criticism.

James

4 replies

by mirrormirror

James,

It is nice to see that not all press of the US Army or US military in general is negative. I think that there is WAY too much bad press on everything. But, that is what sells. All the bad press just helps perpetuate the idea that the US military is bad.

My oldest son has recently joined the Army. He has just recently been assigned to the 101st Airborne. I am VERY proud of him. It is such a hard thing for a family member to hear of bad things going on in the organization where a loved ones life can hang in the balance.

I can say that the US Army is not a bad thing. It has helped my son focus on his life and has already taught him skills that can be used in the civillian world. I personally think that in general the US military deserves good press. My son will eventually be in harms way to protect citizens all over the world. He understands that he could lose his life in the process. He also understands and is saddened that there are people and organizations who wish harm on him just because he is part of the Army. But, he is still willing to defend the US and the world with his life regardless. Funny how people forget that the US military has more people with my son's attitude than not.

It's not that I do not want people to be critical of the US military but that I want fairness. I want the US military judged by the good people and deeds it does and not so heavily by the bad deeds. I know...Wishful thinking on my part.

Thanks, James for trying to be fair and showing the good side of the Army. Funny how there are no replys with more good comments. However, if anyone checks the threads about bad things, there is no lack of criticism.

by jamesrl

My father in law has the benefit of having worked directly with many NATO countries armies, including the US, Germany, Britain(he was an officer in the 50s during the Suez Crisis). He is highly critical of the US Army in many areas, but he has a brother in law who is US Army retired, and they get along great.

Its too bad we have people who misunderstand. If people are upset about the war, its not the soldier they should vent their anger on - a soldier does what is ordered. If a soldier exceeds their order, thats a discipline matter.

But soldiers don't make foreign policy decisions, even at the highest levels - they advise on what can and cannot be done.

James

by oz_media

thx for the links.

One thing that I liked;

"When soldiers fight beside other soldiers, it doesn't matter what nationality, it doesn't matter what race. Soldiers are soldiers. And as soon as they step onto that battlefield, they become family," said Col. Michael Steele,

Sure he's gotta say things like that to the press, but it is still nice to see there IS that relization that these are all just men and women trying very hard to do what they are told to do.

They will make mistakes and that can't be ignored if we want to learn from out mistakes.

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