Troop morale is going to kill our conflict

[Cap]

No matter how much I like the current administration, this is going cause more problems than there already is.  Things like the West Point thread illustrate discontent.  I would argue that poor conditions, long tours and a lack of realization of what they were really in for are causing this and the first two can be readily fixed with bipartisan cooperation and PMC's.  The third further illustrates my PMC argument because these dudes want to be over there killing for money whereas these 18 year old Marines think it would be cool to shoot their M16 for a few months but like all people that age, they get bored.

[ieffinhatecardio]

No matter how much I like the current administration, this is going cause more problems than there already is.  Things like the West Point thread illustrate discontent.  I would argue that poor conditions, long tours and a lack of realization of what they were really in for are causing this and the first two can be readily fixed with bipartisan cooperation and PMC's.  The third further illustrates my PMC argument because these dudes want to be over there killing for money whereas these 18 year old Marines think it would be cool to shoot their M16 for a few months but like all people that age, they get bored.

That little ditty pretty much says it all. Yikes.

[youandme]

That little ditty pretty much says it all. Yikes.

haha yeah that killed the thread.

So what's being done to increase troop morale? Anything?

I know Extending troop tours an extra 3 months was a great solution

[240 is Back]

I hope people don't blame low troop morale on people not supporting Bush on the war.


It's very possible to support the troops, but disagree with the bullshit suicide mission they are on, in a place that should be managed by iraqi police, not our forces.

[militarymuscle69]

if morale is so bad how do you explain above average re-enlistment rates? It sure as fuck isn't the money


Recruiting, Retention Rates Remain High for 10th Straight Month
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 10, 2006 – Recruiting and retention rates released today demonstrate that young people see military service as a viable career option and, once they join, they want to continue serving, Defense Department officials said today.

Active-duty statistics for March reflect continued across-the-board success for the 10th consecutive month, Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke, a Pentagon spokesman, told American Forces Press Service.

The Army achieved 104 percent of its active-duty recruiting role for March, and the Marine Corps attained 102 percent, with almost 1,700 new members. The Navy and Air Force both met their monthly goals, recruiting more than 2,800 sailors and almost 3,200 airmen, respectively.

Reserve and National Guard recruiting remained strong too, particularly for the Army, which represents 80 percent of the entire reserve-component force. The Army National Guard exceeded its March goal by 2 percent, recruiting almost 6,700 members, and the Army Reserve attracted almost 2,300 soldiers, 89 percent of its goal.

The Marine Corps Reserve exceeded its March goal by 22 percent, signing on 457 new members. The Air Force Reserve achieved 117 percent of its goal for the second consecutive month, recruiting 722 airmen in March, and the Air National Guard met its goal, with 834 new recruits. The Navy Reserve recruited 757 sailors, 87 percent of its goal.

Re-enlistments in the active as well as reserve components ran higher during March than for the same period last year, Krenke reported.

The Army reported today that it's 15 percent ahead of its year-to-date active-duty re-enlistment goal of nearly 35,000. Almost 40,000 soldiers re-enlisted during the first six months of fiscal 2006.

.This trend is reflected in the Army's officer corps too, with the percentage of officers leaving the military at the end of their obligations continuing to remain lower than before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, said Army Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, an Army spokesman

http://www.army.com/articles/item/1665

[militarymuscle69]

I hope people don't blame low troop morale on people not supporting Bush on the war.


It's very possible to support the troops, but disagree with the bullshit suicide mission they are on, in a place that should be managed by iraqi police, not our forces.

I'll even play your game on this one 240...show me a (gasp) poll that shows low military morale

[240 is Back]

I'll even play your game on this one 240...show me a (gasp) poll that shows low military morale

You mean besides the WEst Point defection rate increase?

[youandme]

I hope people don't blame low troop morale on people not supporting Bush on the war.


It's very possible to support the troops, but disagree with the bullshit suicide mission they are on, in a place that should be managed by iraqi police, not our forces.

Very possible to support the troops and not support their commander in chief.

Well here is this evidence to show troop morale low

http://www.notinourname.net/troops/poll-16oct03.htm

A broad survey of U.S. troops in Iraq by a Pentagon-funded newspaper found that half of those questioned described their unit's morale as low and their training as insufficient, and said they do not plan to reenlist.

[militarymuscle69]

This trend is reflected in the Army's officer corps too, with the percentage of officers leaving the military at the end of their obligations continuing to remain lower than before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, said Army Lt. Col. Bryan Hilferty, an Army spokesman

[militarymuscle69]

Very possible to support the troops and not support their commander in chief.

Well here is this evidence to show troop morale low

http://www.notinourname.net/troops/poll-16oct03.htm

A broad survey of U.S. troops in Iraq by a Pentagon-funded newspaper found that half of those questioned described their unit's morale as low and their training as insufficient, and said they do not plan to reenlist.

guess what, I would describe my unit's morale as low...actually the most recent UCA survey showed a 33% approval rating...you know how many brought up concerns with the war? zero...it was low because of the extra PT, the performance report system etc... also, the military doesn't expect everyone to re-enlist, and whether those people said they planned to or not..re-enlistment rates are up and that you can't argue with. If you had asked me after 3 years if I planned to re-enlist I would have said no....now in my third enlistment....

[ieffinhatecardio]

MM, are you in Vegas? What are you doing posting on here with the rest of us schlubs, get your ass out and have some fun. See a show, blow some money at the Blackjack table. Enjoy the debauchery.

[militarymuscle69]

MM, are you in Vegas? What are you doing posting on here with the rest of us schlubs, get your ass out and have some fun. See a show, blow some money at the Blackjack table. Enjoy the debauchery.

I did dude, tried Pai Gow poker tonight, the dealer had trip aces 5 hands in a row....I have to save some money for the weekend. I don't stay out to late so that my wife can sleep easy at night, I don't want her worrying. I am hoping to find like a $1/$2 blind poker game this weekend

[ieffinhatecardio]

I did dude, tried Pai Gow poker tonight, the dealer had trip aces 5 hands in a row....I have to save some money for the weekend. I don't stay out to late so that my wife can sleep easy at night, I don't want her worrying. I am hoping to find like a $1/$2 blind poker game this weekend

LOL, I don't picture you being the dutiful husband. You must have some kind of willpower if you can force yourself to come back to the room early in Vegas. I'm a little jealous, have fun and good luck finding the game this weekend.

We're going in October, I hate giving Casino's too much of my money so I'm blowing most it on shows and food. An hour or so at the Blackjack table and my gambling fix is complete.

[militarymuscle69]

LOL, I don't picture you being the dutiful husband. You must have some kind of willpower if you can force yourself to come back to the room early in Vegas. I'm a little jealous, have fun and good luck finding the game this weekend.

We're going in October, I hate giving Casino's too much of my money so I'm blowing most it on shows and food. An hour or so at the Blackjack table and my gambling fix is complete.

if you don't do anythng else, go to Bellagio and see "O" by cirqu de soleil...if it doesn't blow your mind I will refund your ticket...we went 2 years ago and I am still in awe....it is pricy ($150 a ticket) but guaranteed worth it. This is my second marriage and I have an amazing wife that puts up with alot, especially me spending 5-6 months a year gone from home. So out of respect I stay in while here. I am going to go see 300 on the IMAX screen at the palms this weekend. Believe me MM69 and the real me are very different peeps

[240 is Back]

This is my second marriage

So you're as capable in the bedroom as you are on the battlefield, eh?


Based upon your hatred for people of color, I'm guessing the reason you two divorced was a darkskinned fill-in when you were off fighting for our freedom to purchase from Citgo.

[militarymuscle69]

So you're as capable in the bedroom as you are on the battlefield, eh?


Based upon your hatred for people of color, I'm guessing the reason you two divorced was a darkskinned fill-in when you were off fighting for our freedom to purchase from Citgo.

actually it was a tan skinned woman, several of them, lets see...Guatemala, Korea, Philipines..oh and the 2 white women in Louisiana.....oh well, I was young

[240 is Back]

actually it was a tan skinned woman, several of them, lets see...Guatemala, Korea, Philipines..oh and the 2 white women in Louisiana.....oh well, I was young

yeah, those hookers are legendary, aren't they?

[militarymuscle69]

yeah, those hookers are legendary, aren't they?

proud to say I have never paid for sex, it is to easy in other countries. If you pay you are foolish, it takes the same thing in any language..."I love you", "te amo" etc...

[ieffinhatecardio]

if you don't do anythng else, go to Bellagio and see "O" by cirqu de soleil...if it doesn't blow your mind I will refund your ticket...we went 2 years ago and I am still in awe....it is pricy ($150 a ticket) but guaranteed worth it. This is my second marriage and I have an amazing wife that puts up with alot, especially me spending 5-6 months a year gone from home. So out of respect I stay in while here. I am going to go see 300 on the IMAX screen at the palms this weekend. Believe me MM69 and the real me are very different peeps

The Cirque du Soleil was the first show I thought of when we planned the trip, although aren't there 10 or 12 different shows? I don't know if you're the type of person that likes good restaurants but if you are Vegas has quite a few.

It takes a special kind of woman to be married to a military man, many women couldn't do it. I know mine couldn't. I'd say your cost of coming home early a few nights is well worth the benefits of a good wife.

The whole online character thing seems to be popular here, especially on the G&O and alphabet boards. There are quite a few dudes playing roles on those boards.

[militarymuscle69]

The Cirque du Soleil was the first show I thought of when we planned the trip, although aren't there 10 or 12 different shows? I don't know if you're the type of person that likes good restaurants but if you are Vegas has quite a few.

It takes a special kind of woman to be married to a military man, many women couldn't do it. I know mine couldn't. I'd say your cost of coming home early a few nights is well worth the benefits of a good wife.

The whole online character thing seems to be popular here, especially on the G&O and alphabet boards. There are quite a few dudes playing roles on those boards.

I think they have 7 shows...anyone will tell you that "O" is tops, it is the hardest ticket in Vegas to come by so try to plan early. I hear Mystere is really good and Zumanity is also pretty good, but has alot of homosexuality in it...

I went to a great restaurant tonight, it is away from the strip called the Brew House. It is a german inspired bar with it's own microbrewery and some awesome bratwurst!! The strip temds to charge to much for stuff you can get other places.....If you want romance..take a gondola ride at the venetian..very cool.

I know there are other boards, but I only care about ruffling the feathers of the peeps in here, it is to easy..

[The Enigma]

I did dude, tried Pai Gow poker tonight, the dealer had trip aces 5 hands in a row....I have to save some money for the weekend. I don't stay out to late so that my wife can sleep easy at night, I don't want her worrying. I am hoping to find like a $1/$2 blind poker game this weekend

MM......while your in Vegas, get away from the fun and head over to TBI (traumatic brain injury) seminar being held at the Hilton, hosted by the V.A.

Now that is fun. 



 

[headhuntersix]

Back to the post.....Guys feel a sense of duty....but that can only be pushed so far. Its easier if your single. The last deployment cost me a marriage but I'd go back and continue to go back, I signed up and we're at war. I feel I don't have to like it, I just have to do it. As long as I can bitch now and then I'm ok.

[Tre]

if morale is so bad how do you explain above average re-enlistment rates? It sure as fuck isn't the money

"Enlisted guys are staying in, while the officers are leaving."

Interesting.

[240 is Back]

"Enlisted guys are staying in, while the officers are leaving."

Interesting.

This is very interesting.  I wonder why...

[youandme]

proud to say I have never paid for sex, it is to easy in other countries. If you pay you are foolish, it takes the same thing in any language..."I love you", "te amo" etc...

I gotta call bullshit on this one. I can't believe you'd stiff a prostitute like that, how did you get out of paying? crawled out the back window? Told her your a cop?