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Originally Posted by SpiritWarrior
As opposed to how many in Iraq? A place that had nothing to do with 9/11. Now, 8 years later the new guy makes it one of his priorities to up the number where we're supposed to be. I mean, isn't that him jusy saying "enough BS, let's do what we should have done on day one".
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Actually this increase has been planned, the military said we cannot accommodate ATM, let us prepare for a Spring 09 accession. Just so happens the new guy is getting credit from you already? LOL! Furthermore, Iraq is on the down swing, a people voted in government is in place, Gw's time-line for planned withdrawal is nearing, events are at or about where they need to be, and to our distress, there is no immediate plan for long term billeting of US forces there. However, the funding to complete the training and stagging facility was issued and there is a spot where up-to a few modern I or S BCTs can be rapidly placed into action if need be.
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Yes he was on air force one, sorry - I did see the widely publicized photo. Helicopter, plane - he didn't land. It wasn't about safety, he was asked recently why he didn't even get down and be with his people, and said because he thought it would be a distraction. Not that he felt threatened.
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Safety vs distraction. Safety was not an issue, impossible was the issue. Distraction? As a leader I groomed my subordinate leaders to replace me. If I had to get in their business, who was handling my business? If the senior commander wanted to conduct a spot check on one of my teams, I saw no reason for me to be there. I would more than likely present a distraction to the event. GW got a birds eye view, and went back to DC to handle business, with the intent of returning soon to do the publicity stunt.
But here again I say, once he gave the orders, stuff should have happened like well oiled clock works. Here it is possible that the system could be evaluated and revised. My personal thought is, move the hell out. This was *NOT* the first time it happened. Problem is, that area receives an extremely large share of federal aid on a yearly basis (slum)...