Support the troops?

[Kaj]

Claim: For all the bluster on all sides, the US has failed to support the troops and continues to do so, even in the most easily implemented manners (and by the "US" I mean the leadership of the military, administration, Congress, and throw in the media for that matter, as well as population at large who is ultimately responsible for the state of affairs).

Whether it is body armor or vehicles which can withstand blasts, leaders in this country have failed to make them a priority while at the same time constantly waving the "support the troops" banner to promote themselves. It is a flat-out disgrace that 4 years after invading Iraq, and going on 6th year in Afghanistan, the Army still does not have an urban combat vehicle fit for this fight. The administration repeatedly claims that this war is so important -- along with all the bobbleheads on the air and elsewhere -- well then how can you continue to neglect properly outfitting those charged with winning it? I'm not talking about revolutionary technologies -- just the simplest innovations to build a vehicle designed for urban combat, and the like.

I hope this doesn't become a debate on why the US should have started or continued this war. My opinions on this matter are not relevant to this thread. Instead, I just want to say how tired I am with those who support either party in power and sport the support your troops banners, but don't hold leadership in this country accountable for their woeful neglect.

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SEATTLE, Washington (AP) -- A group of soldiers has been busy testing a series of high-tech military concept vehicles outfitted with remote weapons systems, night-vision capabilities and enough strength to sustain the concussion of a roadside bomb.

The vehicles, while only in the concept stage, are part of the Army's $60 million program to modernize its aging tactical fleet for the challenges of today's military missions.

"What we're running with now has become antiquated," said Tim Connor, a Defense Department contractor who is overseeing the project. [They were antiquated for this type of warfare long before the war even began...]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/03/29/a...rss_topstories