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from Mack Monday, January 02, 2006 - 15:38 (Agree/Disagree?) I'm currently in Iraq and unfortunately working with the Army National Guard, and some active duty Army as well. There was a unit here from Germany when we first arrived, they were not too impressive to say the least. U.S. Army Europe is known by to be inept, particularly in the readiness of their soldiers and the maintenance of their equipment, poor unit TAMs etc. I can say this to the above article; the Army didn't necessarily tell you a "Were not a taxi service" an individual who is in the Army told you that. I spent 9 years in the Army (AIRBORNE) before becoming a Marine Officer so I know how some times you get a few inconsiderate people in the Army who are bad with public relations or even the way they treat their own soldiers, just as in civilian life there are some jerks and there are professionals, too bad you cant fire the jerks in the military as easily as you can in the civilian world. Also non-airborne, Ranger, or special operations units usually have more inept soldiers than the special operation capable units. Not only are these units inept but they are cocky as well, it used to piss me off when I worked with non-airborne units how undisciplined they often were. I too would like to let the public know what a waste of tax payers money some of these soldiers are. I'm not saying all soldiers but about 40% of the Army is a waste, and most of the National Guard is inept. Now that there is a war going on it appears to me that Commanders are less likely to get ride of soldiers they would have kicked out durring peace time, or never have allowed to come in to begin with. I came in the Army in 1994 after it had down sized and they had weeded out allot of undesirables. Some of the higher ups today think that numbers are important, but I'm sure that quality is far greater than quantity. The Army often does very little with so much. The Marines however do so much with so little. I hope I didn't offend too many Army dogs out there, but this I'm stating the facts. To get your specific problem fixed I would bring it up the chain of command like Nancy said. Remember to get names, rank and unit, then report unprofessional behavior to higher ups or the IG's office on that base. It's the individual you need to complain about not the organization, or the branch of service or the country they come from or the sex they are, or religion etc. Good luck. (reply to this comment)

From Nancy Monday, January 02, 2006, 17:12 (Agree/Disagree?) I see how it is! Uppity bitch. Too good for old friends?! Just because you're in say, IRAQ, doesn't mean you shouldn't leave a forwarding email for folks who care whether you're dead or alive. ;)(reply to this comment)

from Nancy Monday, January 02, 2006 - 09:18 (Agree/Disagree?) It doesn't seem so anti-war or political as it is a complaint with the way the Army treats its own. One can support the war and the military in general while not approving of the stuff the Army sometimes pulls. One can also support the troops while not supporting the war or the way particular branches of the military treat the troops. If I could add anything, it would be to take your complaint up the chain of command. Keep talking until someone listens. Here there is little that anyone can do. Or complain to your local democatic congressman, or republican for that matter. They can often make things happen for folks when government won't listen or help. Good luck and sorry for your loss! (reply to this comment)

from sarge Sunday, January 01, 2006 - 22:50 (Agree/Disagree?) I think you meant to post this on moveon.org. (reply to this comment)

From AndyH Monday, January 02, 2006, 01:55 (Agree/Disagree?) Maybe, but alot of people post antiwar shit here as well.(reply to this comment)