Afghanistan
 

Sigh… I know I haven’t posted in a while, but I’ve been on vacation and visiting friends in some of the more remote areas of Ontario…

But here I am in Petawawa when news of more casualties come in – another 4 Canadians were killed in combat today, including WO Richard Nolan (I knew him as a MCpl.). At times the fact that the Canadian military is such a small and tight-night community can be a hindrance, in that almost ever loss is felt so…

The problem is that now these latest deaths have provoked a renewed call from the NDP for the withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan, and the negotiation with the Taliban for a peaceful Afghanistan. This is complete jackass political thinking, that demonstrates a disconnect with the realities of the world. At one time I whole-heartedly agreed with the NDP’s call for a debate on the role of Canadian forces and efforts in Afghanistan – to clearly define our role as it were… not this bizarre call by Jack Layton that is beyond my understanding.

Most of the soldiers I know are extremely proud of the work they have done in Afghanistan, particularly the work of the PRTs (Provincial Reconstruction Teams) in trying to repair the damage the NATO bombardment, Taliban rulership, and Soviet invasion did. Others felt very strongly that they had/have to be there, not necessarily solely to combat to the Taliban, but to mainly to “reign in overly gung-ho Americans” or to provide a voice or reason in dealing with the Afghanis. Personally I feel the advisory, reconstruction, combat, and “reigning in” roles are all vital roles that the Canadians must play in Afghanistan (and on the world-stage for that matter).

Anyways back to the main thrust of the post – let us remember those brave soles that have consistently volunteered to place themselves in harms way, and to even die in the cause of peace and freedom. The cost now stands at 32, including Canada’s first female combat soldier killed in action, a very senior diplomat, and 3 of my friends… :(

Hey, sorry about your friends, RACooper.

Rob, I'm very sorry about your personal loss, but that comment is uncalled for in this situation.

You know that I'm an admirer of your country and it's defense forces, but under the present circumstances, I'd say that the US Military has a lot more on the line and more exposure in that part of the world than Canada does and your comments aren't appreciated in the same post with the loss of brave Canadians.

We've lost some brave people there, too, and I'm personally offended by the characterization of anyone of our troops as "overly gung-ho."

Think what you want personally, but your gratutious shot at our country cheapens your comments on your country's loss.

I'm sorry DA but I didn't mean it as a shot, but simply a statement/belief that is common in the military... a repeating of a common statement one here's when shooting the sh*t in the Mess or bar.

Soldiers being soldiers its common to complain about or bemoan the tactics of allies, just as I'm sure many US troops lament Canada's "soft-touch" when it comes to military operations in Afghanistan... such as the warning the populace of a region a week ahead of time, that they are going to use full military force against the Taliban in a particular province (like in the current operation).

It's almost a tradition in the Canadian military to lament or worry about a "shoot first ask questions later" that is seen as the primary approach of the US military - while not really a right view, nor is it untruthful given the doctrinal reliance on overwhelming firepower.

*** and this just in another Canadian has been killed by a friendly fire incident involving a US A-10 strafing NATO forces ***

Okay that's completely uncalled for - the actions of a extreme criminal minority should not be a reflection on the US military.:mad:

The US military follows strict rules of engagement, which does not include "shoot first, ask questions later".

Rob, I am so sorry to hear about your friends. It's not something one ever gets used to :(

:eek:

Have you ever been in a war or a battle in you home country?

Outrages comment.

Brother Cooper, what many forget is that there are many Countrys and many Men and Women who are in foreign Countrys fighting for Freedom.

I /We have Brothers and friends over there. They are there for one reason only, to try and protect Us from having this going on In our own Countrys.

Ask the French and Germans who were trying to work with them. So, what do these morons care? They kill period!!!

It is time some think of them and what they are doing to really try to make it better for the people who are getting killed as civilians who are just there trying to live.

Where did that happen again? Iraq? This thread is about Aghanistan? So you make no sense? Maybe? That's probably not just me.

-Rudey

Thanks, but even the worst stories that are coming out do not paint the entire US military force as "overly gung-ho."

Hopefully it's not just me that sees this as another huge generalization. This sounds a whole lot like the insults thrown at Vietnam vets when they returned home.

Rob, I'm sorry about your friends, my condolences on your losses.

Sorry about your loss man. :(

Rob,

Thanks for the PM.

As for the comment by ariesrising about rape, the actions of one, or even a small group of people, does not paint an entire military organization with the same brush.

That comment is also uncalled for.

I would think one isolated incident involving one or maybe a couple people wouldn't characterize the entire US Military.

...but thats just me.

With all due respect, that's just dumb. Are you suggesting this conduct is common or tolerated in the U.S. military?

What are you suggesting? 4 Canadians died in Afghanistan, I'm thankful for their sacrifice, but do you want to compare? Negotiating with a terrorist regime that brought us the World Trade Center bombing for "peace" has got to be the most idiotic thing I've ever heard of.

Should I therefore draw the conclusion that all Canadians are cowards just beacuse some of your political leadership seem to be?