US military casualties in Iraq/Afghanistan

[KevinB]

To our cousins across the pond, what are your thoughts on the casualty rate amongst the military in Iraq and Afghansistan.

Why I ask is, we rarely ever hear or see anything in the media about US casualties anymore unless it's a say helicopter coming down. Nowadays if we seen anything reported it's usually in the third or fourth page of the newspaper
The Brit casualities are a minority to what the US is suffering. I think we have something like 120 killed since the end of the Iraq war and the US is creeping up to the 3000 mark.

What is the feeling back in the US regarding this?

PS Any of you guys ever been there?

[Enigma]

Im sure we all feel that its a tragedy, and very sad. Personally, I feel that way, and I also couldnt look anyone in the eye and tell them why these kids have to die, or what thier deaths accomplish for us in this campaign. so, I woul dcall it needless. I dont think 3000 American kids had to die, yet they continue to do so every day. Its heart breaking, frankly.

Never been, but have friends serving, and have lost neighbors to the war.

[AVGWarhawk]

It is a big mess. Iraq is this generations Vietnam. We were big losers there and we will be in Iraq. Furthermore, these guys and gals in the service will not get a hero's welcome when they return to the states because it is an unpopular war just as Vietnam was. I guess it is unpopular because we are getting our arses kicked and making no headway at all.

If it were me, pull out all troops, build a wall around Iraq about 10 feet tall and fill it with water

Unfortunate we started it and we have to finish it. Another bad mistake by the folks in Washington DC.

[KevinB]

If it were me, pull out all troops, build a wall around Iraq about 10 feet tall and fill it with water


I agree AVG, but this is degenerating into an out of control civil war.
What I want to know is, who the hell are arming these people, where do they get all those rpgs, aks and IDF from? Surely after Gulf War 2 was over the enemy surrendered all their weapons?

I've also read somewhere that there are a high number of people deserting.

[bradclark1]

these guys and gals in the service will not get a hero's welcome when they return to the states because it is an unpopular war just as Vietnam was.

Utter B.S.
Where do you get that assumption from? Yes the war is unpopular but the troop's are fully supported by the public and are treated as heroes. I have yet to hear one negative comment in regards to our troops.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by KevinB

If it were me, pull out all troops, build a wall around Iraq about 10 feet tall and fill it with water


I agree AVG, but this is degenerating into an out of control civil war.
What I want to know is, who the hell are arming these people, where do they get all those rpgs, aks and IDF from? Surely after Gulf War 2 was over the enemy surrendered all their weapons?

I've also read somewhere that there are a high number of people deserting.

The Soviets have been selling their hardware to them. It already is an out of control civil war. There will be a cleric running the place pretty soon. There will be no democracy there in my lifetime or yours. Not that democracy is the best way to go but that is what US is shooting for....plus all the fat oil fields!

[Enigma]

We left the Iraqis armed after the 1st Gulf war, hence the slaughter that ensued when we left. Also, noone needs to arm an insurgent militia over there. You can buy weapons in Iraq and its neighboring countries like you can but Pepsi in the U.S.

Also, I have to agree with whoever above said the troops will be well recieved when they come home. While the comparisons to Vietnam are fair, the reaction of the public is quite different. Yes, its an unpopular war, but by and large Americans just want their kids home safe, not fighting a pointless battle with no objective and being killed every day. There will be no spitting on soldiers this time around.

[Enigma]

Oh, and by the way, to the original poster who started the thread, the news of Americans being killed over there has become commonplace enough that it is reported here much in the same way as you describe it being reported in the UK. Its usually something like "The dow is up 12 points, jennifer Aniston breaks off her relationship with Vince Vaughn, and 3 troops died in Basra today. Next, weather and traffic.".
The killing of American soldiers isnt even front page news on websites such as msnbc or CNN anymore. Sad but true.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by Enigma

We left the Iraqis armed after the 1st Gulf war, hence the slaughter that ensued when we left. Also, noone needs to arm an insurgent militia over there. You can buy weapons in Iraq and its neighboring countries like you can but Pepsi in the U.S.

Also, I have to agree with whoever above said the troops will be well recieved when they come home. While the comparisons to Vietnam are fair, the reaction of the public is quite different. Yes, its an unpopular war, but by and large Americans just want their kids home safe, not fighting a pointless battle with no objective and being killed every day. There will be no spitting on soldiers this time around.

There is no spitting on soldiers, agreed but they sure are not striking up the bands now are they? One group was boycotting the funerals of the soldiers coming home. This group was a baptist church for crying out loud.

[Enigma]

boycotting funerals?

Perhaps you mean the group that was protesting at funerals? If so, I wouldnt take the views of 30-40 mentaly retarded religious extremists and use that as a barometer of the nation....

[fredbass]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

Furthermore, these guys and gals in the service will not get a hero's welcome when they return to the states

Based on what I've heard and seen, that statement is completely opposite of the truth. People have actually learned from Vietnam how to properly treat our troops, which has been very respectful and appreciative.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by Enigma

boycotting funerals?

Perhaps you mean the group that was protesting at funerals? If so, I wouldnt take the views of 30-40 mentaly retarded religious extremists and use that as a barometer of the nation....

Correct, protesting. Damn tasteless. Agreed on the extremists!

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by fredbass

Based on what I've heard and seen, that statement is completely opposite of the truth. People have actually learned from Vietnam how to properly treat our troops, which has been very respectful and appreciative.

It is not quite as bad as Vietnam, different time and mindset. Everyone thought the Vietnam Vets were all baby killers. Anyway, it is not as bad but there is not enough in my view. Any that are returning home should be top news, not what the NFL is doing. There is no fanfare at all. As far as treatment for our troops. The US Gov't still does not pay them enough. The military families at Fort Meade MD are below the standard for lower income families. They are in their own group of lower income families. It is triffling.

[Enigma]

Well, guys coming home now are just rotating out. They will probably go back. (My friend is in Iraq now, his 3rd combat tour in as many years.)

Im sure when (if?) we ever get to actually leave Iraq as a military, and not a unit, for a homecoming that isnt temporary, but a long term solution, you will see the fanfare you desire. Trust me on that.

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by Enigma

Well, guys coming home now are just rotating out. They will probably go back. (My friend is in Iraq now, his 3rd combat tour in as many years.)

Im sure when (if?) we ever get to actually leave Iraq as a military, and not a unit, for a homecoming that isnt temporary, but a long term solution, you will see the fanfare you desire. Trust me on that.

There needs to be fanfare....win, lose or draw.