Afghanistan: Urinating Marines

[sdtennisgal]

Originally Posted by Xidelt

It's war. The Taliban is the enemy. Get over it. If you want political correctness, sensitivity, and kittens crapping rainbows, try the Disney channel or Chuck E Cheese.

I have to respectfully disagree. I can speak with a little personal perspective, as I have deployed twice since 9/11 as a Reserve Officer (though both deployments were to Iraq, not Afghanistan). I have seen that the locals over there are not supportive of our actions in the first place, and things like this will only make it worse (including the possibility of making it more dangerous for our other personnel in the combat zone due to reprisals).

This is not about "political correctness." Every Marine, Soldier, Sailor and Airman that deploys is given thorough training in the coverage of the Geneva Convention. That includes a prohibition against defiling dead bodies (even the bodies of enemy combatants). We are also subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice if we violate the Geneva Convention Protocols.

It is particularly frustrating that the Taliban can violate the Geneva Convention at will (as they have). However, if you look at the history of modern warfare, you will see how atrocities tend to escalate and perpetuate increased violence (example: the former Yugoslave Republics). The Taliban could every well use this to recruit new members, motivate their current members, or incite violence against the coalition forces by showing how the U.S. is committing atrocities. (The true irony is that the Taliban would ideally prevent people from watching television in the first place).

There is also the issue of unit discipline. Once discipline starts to break down in a unit, things can go to hell quickly. Enough said there.

I do respect your opinion (particularly if you have a loved one or friend over there), as it is frustrating to know about the sacrifices our troops have made and the things the Taliban (and their supporters) have gotten away with. However, we HAVE to be held to a higher standard.

I would be interested to hear from other posters who have also been deployed on this issue.

[als463]

Originally Posted by sdtennisgal

I have to respectfully disagree. I can speak with a little personal perspective, as I have deployed twice since 9/11 as a Reserve Officer (though both deployments were to Iraq, not Afghanistan). I have seen that the locals over there are not supportive of our actions in the first place, and things like this will only make it worse (including the possibility of making it more dangerous for our other personnel in the combat zone due to reprisals).

This is not about "political correctness." Every Marine, Soldier, Sailor and Airman that deploys is given thorough training in the coverage of the Geneva Convention. That includes a prohibition against defiling dead bodies (even the bodies of enemy combatants). We are also subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice if we violate the Geneva Convention Protocols.

It is particularly frustrating that the Taliban can violate the Geneva Convention at will (as they have). However, if you look at the history of modern warfare, you will see how atrocities tend to escalate and perpetuate increased violence (example: the former Yugoslave Republics). The Taliban could every well use this to recruit new members, motivate their current members, or incite violence against the coalition forces by showing how the U.S. is committing atrocities. (The true irony is that the Taliban would ideally prevent people from watching television in the first place).

There is also the issue of unit discipline. Once discipline starts to break down in a unit, things can go to hell quickly. Enough said there.

I do respect your opinion (particularly if you have a loved one or friend over there), as it is frustrating to know about the sacrifices our troops have made and the things the Taliban (and their supporters) have gotten away with. However, we HAVE to be held to a higher standard.

I would be interested to hear from other posters who have also been deployed on this issue.

sdtennisgal,
As an Iraq War Veteran, I want to take the time to thank you for your service. I didn't know you were deployed or even in the military. So, thank you.

[KillarneyRose]

Originally Posted by sdtennisgal

I have to respectfully disagree. I can speak with a little personal perspective, as I have deployed twice since 9/11 as a Reserve Officer (though both deployments were to Iraq, not Afghanistan). I have seen that the locals over there are not supportive of our actions in the first place, and things like this will only make it worse (including the possibility of making it more dangerous for our other personnel in the combat zone due to reprisals).

This is not about "political correctness." Every Marine, Soldier, Sailor and Airman that deploys is given thorough training in the coverage of the Geneva Convention. That includes a prohibition against defiling dead bodies (even the bodies of enemy combatants). We are also subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice if we violate the Geneva Convention Protocols.

It is particularly frustrating that the Taliban can violate the Geneva Convention at will (as they have). However, if you look at the history of modern warfare, you will see how atrocities tend to escalate and perpetuate increased violence (example: the former Yugoslave Republics). The Taliban could every well use this to recruit new members, motivate their current members, or incite violence against the coalition forces by showing how the U.S. is committing atrocities. (The true irony is that the Taliban would ideally prevent people from watching television in the first place).

There is also the issue of unit discipline. Once discipline starts to break down in a unit, things can go to hell quickly. Enough said there.

I do respect your opinion (particularly if you have a loved one or friend over there), as it is frustrating to know about the sacrifices our troops have made and the things the Taliban (and their supporters) have gotten away with. However, we HAVE to be held to a higher standard.

I would be interested to hear from other posters who have also been deployed on this issue.

Thank you for this post, sdtennisgirl. Very well written and it makes a lot of sense.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by sdtennisgal

I have to respectfully disagree. I can speak with a little personal perspective, as I have deployed twice since 9/11 as a Reserve Officer (though both deployments were to Iraq, not Afghanistan). I have seen that the locals over there are not supportive of our actions in the first place, and things like this will only make it worse (including the possibility of making it more dangerous for our other personnel in the combat zone due to reprisals).

This is not about "political correctness." Every Marine, Soldier, Sailor and Airman that deploys is given thorough training in the coverage of the Geneva Convention. That includes a prohibition against defiling dead bodies (even the bodies of enemy combatants). We are also subject to prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice if we violate the Geneva Convention Protocols.

It is particularly frustrating that the Taliban can violate the Geneva Convention at will (as they have). However, if you look at the history of modern warfare, you will see how atrocities tend to escalate and perpetuate increased violence (example: the former Yugoslave Republics). The Taliban could every well use this to recruit new members, motivate their current members, or incite violence against the coalition forces by showing how the U.S. is committing atrocities. (The true irony is that the Taliban would ideally prevent people from watching television in the first place).

There is also the issue of unit discipline. Once discipline starts to break down in a unit, things can go to hell quickly. Enough said there.

I do respect your opinion (particularly if you have a loved one or friend over there), as it is frustrating to know about the sacrifices our troops have made and the things the Taliban (and their supporters) have gotten away with. However, we HAVE to be held to a higher standard.

I would be interested to hear from other posters who have also been deployed on this issue.

Also, this. Amazing post.