Armed Forces Overstretch

[Labarum]

The US military has become dangerously overstretched because of the scale of its operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, two reports have warned.

Full story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4649066.stm

The British Forces are in no better shape.

[Piasabird]

Re: Armed Forces Overstretch

The first study, commissioned by Democratic members of Congress, listed former Defence Secretary William Perry and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright among its authors.

Well, first of all, I wouldn't believe the first study.

I'd more believe the second study, conducted for the Pentagon. It just seems common sense that the troops would be tired and that recruitment would be down since there's a war going on. Rumsfeld will blow off both studies though. I think he's in a peeing contest with the Pentagon. Rumsfeld needs to retire and go away, imo.

I hear that Prince Harry may be going to Iraq or Afghanistan. I don't see Jenna or Barbara joining up.

[Labarum]

Re: Armed Forces Overstretch

I hear that Prince Harry may be going to Iraq or Afghanistan. I don't see Jenna or Barbara joining up.

I would be surpised if he is allowed to go anywhere dangerous, even though Prince Andrew was in the Falklands War.

[Labarum]

Re: Armed Forces Overstretch

British Troop levels are to rise significantly in Afghanistan.

The British media is making a big fuss about this today, but it is not news. The plans have been known for months, but the formal ministerial announcement was only made today.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4650372.stm

[Piasabird]

Re: Armed Forces Overstretch

I would be surpised if he is allowed to go anywhere dangerous, even though Prince Andrew was in the Falklands War.

Well, that's the way they do most of the privileged people.

[Labarum]

Re: Armed Forces Overstretch

Well, that's the way they do most of the privileged people.

My very personal view is that the Royal Family would be content to live with the risks, but the politicians would not.

Such a high profile junior officer would be a prize worth taking, so the risks for the (Royal or First) Family would be higher than for any other family (is that fair?); and the political fallout from the death or capture of a such very a junior officer would be so disproportionate that both senior politicians and senior military commanders might easily take the view that the risks so far outstrip the benefits, that they cannot reasonably be taken.

It is so easy to snipe and howl about privilige.

Let me say again, I express only a very personal view.

[Piasabird]

Re: Armed Forces Overstretch

I do see what you're saying. The prince and our president's daughters would make very high profile captures. I didn't think of it that way. It's so obvious though.

Thanks for the bringing that to my attention.