It's sure a touching letter and I agree with it, but it makes me wonder something that the guy who wrote it didn't even mention: why America attacked Iraq? And more importantly, what can be done to avoid it happening again?
It's sure a touching letter and I agree with it, but it makes me wonder something that the guy who wrote it didn't even mention: why America attacked Iraq? And more importantly, what can be done to avoid it happening again?
Its just one guy's apology who was a soldeirjust following orders without knowing reason.
How can you agree with something which you cannot possibly begin to comprehend?
it makes me wonder something that the guy who wrote it didn't even mention: why America attacked Iraq?
The last person who knows, or really even cares, about the "why" questions are the soldiers. There is an old Marine motto, which has been cited by all members of the infantry (and paratroopers especially) "Ours is not to wonder why. Ours is but to Do, or die."
After reading this letter, and researching the unit this soldier was from, I find it interesting that he expresses such regret, and especially in such a manner as to be directed toward the enemy. This is in direct opposition of everything the US soldier is trained to think and feel, but seems to be in opposition to the ideals of the two fallen Marines which he so eloquently expresses affection for.
Having had similar experiences as this soldier I can say that we all cope differently. We run through such a gamut of emotion that it's often difficult to comprehend what is going on. I do not discount this letter as genuine, nor do I think that this soldier is expressing something which he doesn't truly feel. I do, however, think that this is typical of the process of recovering from grief and shock and have had similar feelings myself.
Of course the two fallen marines didn't think this way, they acted as their survival instincts, emotions and commanders ordered and they didn't have the time to think about whet they did. I was not trying to blame any of those marines for what they have done, their acts were not much different from the Iraqi people that fought when they saw their life, their family and their city in danger, as they fought to save their own life. I think that the responsibility is of those that organized the war in the first place far from any danger. Which is why I wondered about what might have been their intentions.
How can you agree with something which you cannot possibly begin to comprehend?
I can, and fair play to the chap. He wants to get it out, release what is inside. Who are we to judge how he deals with it?
The last person who knows, or really even cares, about the "why" questions are the soldiers. There is an old Marine motto, which has been cited by all members of the infantry (and paratroopers especially) "Ours is not to wonder why. Ours is but to Do, or die."
Ah, so we're taught a motto, we stick to the motto? Is that mandatory or do some manage to get through hell week and beyond without really believing it?
After reading this letter, and researching the unit this soldier was from, I find it interesting that he expresses such regret, and especially in such a manner as to be directed toward the enemy. This is in direct opposition of everything the US soldier is trained to think and feel, but seems to be in opposition to the ideals of the two fallen Marines which he so eloquently expresses affection for.
Training is 80% of the soldier, but the other 20% has to be left as a human being so you can make those decisions that can save lives. Is it so hard to believe that the 20% generated his heart-felt regret?
Having had similar experiences as this soldier I can say that we all cope differently.
So how can you answer for him or tell us what soldier's are taught? Why is it unusual for a soldier to express regret? Plenty did it after Korea, plenty after Vietnam, why is Iraq so different?
What would be strange is if he was expressing regret about friendly fire on Allied forces. I mean, come on, what is a troop carrier between nations? Let us concentrate on the troops that express regret for their part in an assault on a force that was so poorly equipped, their divy pack was a biscuit! A biscuit! And we're shooting them while they hold the ****ing thing up in the air! Unbelievable.
