Opinion

Why isn't Iraqi army ready to take over?

Posted June 23, 2009 11:00 pm

More than 50 years ago I entered the U.S. Armed Forces and was sent to basic training to prepare me for any conflict that would engage my country. On my first day of training I was told that I would be taught with sufficient knowledge, equipped with sufficient armament, and supported by the legacy of the greatest military force in history to defend America against any enemy, foreign or domestic.

We were to memorize articles in The Uniform Code of Military Justice in which we pledged our lives in this defense.

Even while we still were at the pinnacle of our youth we knew this would be the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of our duty.

Why is it that after five years that we're told by our government, then Bush, now Obama, that we'll stand down when the Iraqi military stands up?

If this country can prepare 17 year-olds to take part in any potentially tragic engagement in 11 weeks, why does it take 260 weeks (and counting) for mature adults to do the same?

James D. Cook

Streamwood

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