[Skybird]

Just to remember the many bruises I took when projecting years ago that as a consequence of a long Iraq campaign the army would find it increasingly difficult to find recruits, that experienced troops and officers would bail out and turn their back on a prolongued stay in the army, and that veterans and psychologically hurt soldiers would be the first to feel not being properly supported, like the army had not been properly prepared before the war... General laughter and mocking was the general tone in the forum back then. Seems that has changed.

But if there will be another war in 20 years or so - I fear the lectures of today again will be ignored, and will be forgotten in favour of waving flags and singing the anthem.

I find it disgusting to headlessly ruin one's own army like this.

Plus this: a year ago there was an essay published, calculating the costs for the technical maintenance and replacement of Iraq-used equipement. They said there is so much wear and tear that the costs for this will be felt for up to 15 years to come, and at the costs of financing other items on the military's list.