Apologies to Firesign Theatre, big time...but yet another one from the TV Newspaper...could not find the link, but it's on page 6A of the Print Edition.
Sad but true, the soldiers in Iraq are getting the short end of the stick again, seems that they can't get enough US-made weapons. Can they all come home now, Auntie Donnie? Not so fast...
US troops in a armor battalion around Baquoba are using captured Kalashinkov AK-47 assault rifles because the soldiers there are short of American-made rifles. The shortage arises from the nature of the fighting. A four-person tank crew is issued two M-4 assault rifles and four 9mm pistols.
...
They are hunting insurgents on foot and in small vehicles, so everyone must have a rifle.
...
AK-47s, developed by the Russians, are the preferred weapon of many troops around the world, because they are light, durable and powerful, and they jam infrequently.
Lt. Col. Mark Young, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division, says soldiers must demonstrate proficiency with the AK-47 before being allowed to carry one.
So how long before President Banana-Clip's defense contractor bed-partners start screaming about this? And which Pentagram genius could not do the math on issuing weapons to soldiers in a combat zone?
Still amazed at the putzes in the Pentagram. Daily.
posted by Jo Fish on 08.25.03 at 05:05 PM
Comments:
I had to do a double-take when I read this article myself. Saw it late last night. Nonetheless, if you need a link, here's one to the AP story c/o the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Pretty unbelievable alright. Playing devils advocate for a moment, the M16 isn't that horrible a weapon. I mean they fixed that jamming problem towards the end of Vietnam didn't they? I humped a 60 for four years so I didn't deal with them that much.
I am pretty sure if these units COs requested 16s they'd get them, but why bother when you have a slightly superior weapon already available??
posted by: TrophiesofWar on 08.25.03 at 06:52 PM [permalink]
... soldiers must demonstrate proficiency with the AK-47 before being allowed to carry one.
American troops are qualifying on the AK-47. Unbelievable.
posted by: Thlayli on 08.25.03 at 08:44 PM [permalink]
This. Can't. Be. Happening.
Soldiers without enough individual weapons to protect themselves/guard the locals. Just Great.
Somebody should have seen this coming when they decided to send the 1st AD (instead of the 1st ID) to Iraq. The arms room in the average straight armor unit is primarily stocked with crew - served weapons/stuff that goes on tanks, not individual weapons. You would have thought that someone in DoD/DA would have at least looked at the TO&E of a light infantry unit before having the 1st AD impersonate one.
It's all of a piece.
Apparently the thinkging was: Why do anything right? That would screw up 43's track record in Iraq (among other places).
posted by: fbg46 on 08.25.03 at 08:55 PM [permalink]
I'm sure there were one or two Infantry and Armor Branch Colonels and Brigadiers who said "But....but...."
I'm also sure Herr Rumsfeld said "It'll work out just fine, won't it, General Abizaid?"
I further sure General Abizaid said "Yes, sir, no sir, three bags full sir," and sat up to beg for his Milk-Bone.
The AK47 light? Nope, with full stock it is heavier than the American Colt. I've shot both (20 year retired military) and own an AK; a sweeter, more reliable weapon than the M-16. But then, the Shrub wouldn't know that 'cause he was too busy going AWOL to be military before he was selected President.
For weapons and equipment shortages, thank the 8 years of Mr. "I didn't inhale" Clinton. The body armor used today was approved four years ago, not ordered in sufficient quantity. Check the rest.
It would have taken up to ten years to repair Clinton's eight. The same can be seen after the Democratic Congress' Rule in the mid-70's followed by the "Peanut" for 4 years.
By the way, I normally don't insult the Presidents with demeaning nicknames, but considering your insulting behavior, I decided to answer in your style.
posted by: Sparticus on 11.08.03 at 10:05 AM [permalink]
Don't worry that other people don't know you; worry that you don't know other people.
