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.

[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.

[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.

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by bradclark1

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.

Ditto - utter BS. They seem to get standing applause everytime they even appear anywhere.

Also, Washington DC has a higher murder rate per 100,000 people at about 8.5 per 100K vs 160K US troops in Iraq at a per capita rate of 6.1 per 100K. They are safer over there.

The US should pull out of Washington DC based on those #'s.

-S

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

Ditto - utter BS. They seem to get standing applause everytime they even appear anywhere.

Also, Washington DC has a higher murder rate per 100,000 people at about 8.5 per 100K vs 160K US troops in Iraq at a per capita rate of 6.1 per 100K. They are safer over there.

The US should pull out of Washington DC based on those #'s.

-S

yeah, no kidding. I think Baltimore is worse than that!

[Tchocky]

Originally Posted by SUBMAN1

Also, Washington DC has a higher murder rate per 100,000 people at about 8.5 per 100K vs 160K US troops in Iraq at a per capita rate of 6.1 per 100K. They are safer over there.

The US should pull out of Washington DC based on those #'s.

-S

Do Iraqi citizens come into this at all? I'm sure the murder rate of foreigners in Wasington D.C. is lower than the death rate among US troops in Iraq.

Dont make comparisions that dont stand up.

[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 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.

[Iceman]

Originally Posted by 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?

Back to the "Original" topic...We or I think of my brothers in arms every single day as do many many Many people I meet and see in a day here in my little part of the world....Many are hurt and divided over the reasons but All... All I know always support the guy on the ground...or air.I see something in the news here Every Single day about the casulities military And civilian....guess you just have to be paying attention.Over here---> in Mesa Arizona it is not 4th page news....Mesa AZ is "Home" of the Apache Helicopter...Home of the best damn soldiers in the entire world....how can you forget that ???

http://www.fallenheroesmemorial.com/

This is a post from one of my online buddies from gaming days a few months back...

"For those of you who don't know, I am in the military and serving in Afghanistan at this time. This past Friday, you probably read or heard about in the news about the VBIED that exploded outsied the American Embassy in Kabul. I was literally standing roughly 200 meters away at the time. I am fine and safe, but that was a rather hectic time. Good to see that all is well back home though. "


My Brother Santee...

[Enigma]

The causualty rate doesn't change the fact that D.C. has just as bad a reputation as Baghdad

I'll comment on this when I stop holding my belly and laughing....