NATO’s proposed ‘Courageous Restraint’ medal – another victory for our enemies
The military’s rules of engagement (ROE) in Afghanistan have become so emasculated that commanders are now considering the creation of a medal awarded for not using lethal force during war.
NATO Commander General Stanley McChrystal is currently reviewing the “Courageous Restraint” medal, which was suggested by British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter following an incident where U.S. soldiers fired on a bus carrying Afghan civilians.
“The idea is being reviewed at Headquarters [International Security Force Afghanistan],” said Lt. Col. Edward Sholtis, the spokesman for Gen. McChrystal. “The idea is consistent with our approach. Our young men and women display remarkable courage every day, including situations where they refrain from using lethal force, even at risk to themselves, in order to prevent possible harm to civilians. … That restraint is an act of discipline and courage not much different than those seen in combat actions.”
However, restraint hasn’t translated into progress on the battlefield. A recent report from the Pentagon revealed that violence in Afghanistan is increasing – up 87% from last year – and that more districts support the Taliban than did six months ago (none of the 92 districts surveyed actively support the Karzai government while 42 are sympathetic to the Taliban).
While our forces build infrastructure, provide medical care, and show restraint on the battlefield, the Taliban acts like barbarians – intimidating, raping, and murdering. Yet when our troops act in self-defense, Afghans gather in protest, chanting “Death to America.”
In April, a bus approached a convoy of engineers in Kandahar City at a high rate of speed, ignoring multiple attempts to get the driver to slow down. Due to poor visibility conditions, and the high threat of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices in the district, the soldiers opened fire, killing four passengers and wounding 18.
In: Articles, Military · Tagged with: Afghanistan, NATO, Rules of Engagement, Stanley McChrystal
Carrots for Taliban, Sticks for U.S. troops
ISAF commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal has ordered the closure of morale, welfare, and recreation facilities to pay for the Obama administration’s troop increase – which if you will remember was far less than what the military said would be necessary for “victory” (a word which Obama will not use).
“This is a war zone — not an amusement park,” stated Command Sgt. Maj. Michael T. Hall on the decision to close fast food restaurants and other amenities on Afghanistan bases.
“One of the ways we’re going to do that — in order to accommodate the troop increase and get re-focused on the mission at hand — is to cut back on some of the non-essentials. That includes some of the morale, welfare and recreation facilities throughout Afghanistan.” said Hall. “In the coming weeks and months, concessions such as Orange Julius, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen and Military Car Sales will close their doors.”
Perhaps the Commander-in-Chief forgot who is fighting on our side: While the Obama administration is considering a stimulus package for the Taliban, McChrystal is forced to cut funding for our troops. And let’s not forget the trillions of dollars of new government spending.
Fewer first-run movies. Fewer canned and bottled goods. Fail.
But the bright news is that Canadian troops get to keep their Tim Hortons coffee shop in Kandahar. And the profits pay for health and welfare services for the Canadian forces.
Maybe the famous American quote should now read “Trillions for entitlements, but not a penny for defense!”
In: Military · Tagged with: Afghanistan, Barack Obama, Stanley McChrystal, US military
