Posted on 12/17/2013 6:25:20 PM PST by Nachum
I seem to recall something going on 1950-54...
Yes, a “police action” (HAH!) with troops from all around the world. Technically, that little kerfuffle is still ongoing, and now lil kim has nukes.
Excuse me gentlemen if I have offended ....I detect that you are possibly former JAG and have deep understanding and owe strong allegiance to that Corps . Correct me if I am wrong , and I get this from many combat vets who I know or have met . The JAGs in the AO act as the enforcers and monitors for all ROE’s , down to the most minute details . They insist on all the action reports to 100% reflect current political policies , as set forth in the ever changing ROEs. Are they not the field advisers that offer up suggestions to the political types as to what ROE might fit the COIN objects presently in effect in the AO ? Are they not the ones that start the process of issuing charges if any single , minor or major , part of these politically originating ROE directives are infracted ? Do they not start the process that ends careers for many a good combat Soldier , Sailor or Marine who runs a foul of the ROE directives ? I have been told “ These ROE’s are getting us killed “ I blame the JAGs as a major part of that process . I believe in winning the war against our mortal enemies , not trying to protect the hearts and minds of our mortal enemies ,while placing our people at needless deadly risk . For political objectives .This my contempt . Again , my apologies if I err . I would be interested in being educated by any good JAG ( or ex) if I err . I will have that conversation with the next bunch of combat vets I end up chatting with . See what they think . They tell me ; “ it’s easy to come up with these ROEs , from the safety of a secure office deep in the heart of Baghram “ .....
I appreciate your response and understand that that’s the combat troops’ perspective. JAGs, except those at the very highest political levels, don’t have anything to do with establishing the ROE and I’ll go out on a limb and say the vast majority of us disagree with them. Commanders, not JAGs, initiate the mitary justice process (courts martial). Also, every Air Force JAG is a line officer, not a member of a separate corps, even though we’re called a corps. My allegiance is first to my nation, and I deplore the cowardly attitude that results in the ridiculous ROE with which warriors are constrained.
Colonel, USAFR
First , thank you for your good service to our country . I wish you the best for the completion of your career . Thanks for this illumination of the JAG matter I rather abruptly brought up . You are accurate about ‘the combat troops perspective’ . I get it from them that they blame the JAGs . Not being a combat vet myself , I can only attempt to give voice to those who I know which cannot speak up , and that is what they tell me . I appreciate your comments that many of the ROEs are ridiculous and constrain our warriors . They are also causing them to get killed and even when some of their number are killed the remainder often cannot even fight back and fully prosecute the enemy ( who have put down their weapons and are fading away ,posing as civilians) This sir in unconscionable. I condemn the COIN processes and the ROEs that make this the case . We send our warriors to war , with the supposed assurances of the nation and our people that they will have all that they need to fight the good fight and dominate the field of battle and come home to their loved ones , safe and sound . Then they get there and find out that they have their hands tied and seemingly more concern is paid to what Afghan villagers may think , or complain about , than the safety and success of our troops . Perhaps I have it wrong ( or they do ) that JAGs reading AARs often initiate UCMJ actions that OICs then act upon , to the great detriment of the careers and morale of those under their command . Finally , enough grumbling ; How can this all be changed , affected , or challenged ? Describe a process in which we the troops supporting people , can effectively push back ? On behalf of those who cannot . This would be a great service you could share with us all .
Thanks for your time (n and patience) in reading my concerns ( and perspectives )
I would then say that you have absolutely no knowledge of the military, zero, nada.
Many planned to make the Army a career, now they are being forced out with no concern for the experience we are losing.
Eh, it’s ok. More will be free to join our side when the time comes.
In 1940 we were coming out of a depression, paid most troops poorly and were one third the size we are now. We paid a price in deaths & injuries as a result of antiquated equipment and poor readiness.
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