re: #430 BishopX

It was a facetious response…

I get that there are certain things civilians are going to do better than the army can. But when you’re operating in a combat zone, everyone is a potential combat soldier. If providing military logistical support in those areas compromises combat operations because it diverts troops, then it’s pretty clear you don’t have enough troops.

Many of the problems we’ve encountered in AFPAK and Iraq are due to lack of sufficient forces on the ground. The concept of an agile, highly mobile army based around light combat units supported by extensive air and artillery deployments just doesn’t work in the situations we’re encountering. We are relying on contractors to fill some of the gaps left by doctrine and that is causing problems.

Actually, the medium brigade concept is working well and the Talibs are getting hammered. And precision guided munitions mean that our air and arty is more effective than ever before. So I disagree with your argument, intensely (though respectfully).