Military Leaving Too Much to Civilian Contractors?

[Guest]

What has happened to the military and the concept that they can get it done? I was reading the paper this morning and saw that our troops are being stranded in Iraq. This after serving 12 months! Why? Because ATA Airlines went bankrupt. So, our young men and women will be sitting for days and weeks waiting to go home.

Unless I'm sadly mistaken, the U.S. Military has the Air Force, the Navy has planes, the Army has planes, heck, even the Seabees have planes. So, why aren't our kids coming home when their tour is over?

It has always seemed to me that the more civilians there are involved in the military, the more open the military is to corruption and fraud. Things aren't completed on schedule; cost overruns are astronomical; the actual cost of things are thousands of percent over the manufacturing costs.

I'm tired of civilians using the military as a way to get rich as the expense of our troops. Perhaps it is time for a draft of non-combatants that can be used to build roads and structures, make sure supplies get to those who need them, etc. Our men and women in the military deserve better than they're getting.

[Guest]

:agree: :agree: :agree:

[Guest]

I agree :agree: 100%. Unfortunately, when we spread ourself so thinly across the world, and no one wants a military draft, we have so few options.

Have you heard the latest plans the current administration has to replace the men and women over in Iraq. They're going expand the program of commuting of prison sentences for convicted felons if they fight this illegal and immoral war for us. Wonderful isn't it. Let's send a bunch of thugs and gang bangers over there. That will improve our image to the world!!!!

[Guest]

Personally, I like the idea of using some felons -- those not doing "hard" time so to speak. It gives them a chance for redemption so to speak, gives them a skill, might change their lives around (has been known to work in the past) and gives our troops a chance to do their jobs. Remember, many in prison are kids who made a mistake and just didn't know how to work the system to get away with it or never had the opportunity to learn anything but crime. Not all are really "bad guys" per se. I wouldn't want them fighting, but to do some of the needed construction work, driving, etc., why not?

I know that one of my father's best aide de camp's was a young man who had been given the choice -- Army or jail. He took the Army. Like my father, he was a mustang (for those who don't know -- an enlisted man who goes through the ranks to become an officer as opposed to having the education to get the rank). Dad swore by this lieutenant.

[Guest]

I agree :agree: 100%. Unfortunately, when we spread ourself so thinly across the world, and no one wants a military draft, we have so few options.

Have you heard the latest plans the current administration has to replace the men and women over in Iraq. They're going expand the program of commuting of prison sentences for convicted felons if they fight this illegal and immoral war for us. Wonderful isn't it. Let's send a bunch of thugs and gang bangers over there. That will improve our image to the world!!!!


OMG ... this is NOT what I want to hear! I'd like to think my son can count on the guy standing beside him, not worry if the guy beside him is going to blow his brains out for some stupid reason.

And as for our guys and gals counting on ATA to bring them home ... Seems we should have the resources, I agree, to get them home! Not only planes in just many branches, but ships as well ... GET OUR SOLDIERS HOME! This makes me want to cry. They must feel so abandoned. ** Wish I were just disgustingly wealthy--I'd start a convoy going! **

[Guest]

Personally, I like the idea of using some felons -- those not doing "hard" time so to speak. It gives them a chance for redemption so to speak, gives them a skill, might change their lives around (has been known to work in the past) and gives our troops a chance to do their jobs. Remember, many in prison are kids who made a mistake and just didn't know how to work the system to get away with it or never had the opportunity to learn anything but crime. Not all are really "bad guys" per se. I wouldn't want them fighting, but to do some of the needed construction work, driving, etc., why not?

I know that one of my father's best aide de camp's was a young man who had been given the choice -- Army or jail. He took the Army. Like my father, he was a mustang (for those who don't know -- an enlisted man who goes through the ranks to become an officer as opposed to having the education to get the rank). Dad swore by this lieutenant.


If this would be the case-- I am fine with it. I guess we shall see.