Guardsmen say they feel like prisoners

[eternalburn]

DONA ANA ARMY CAMP, N.M. - Members of a National Guard battalion preparing for deployment to Iraq said this week that they are under lockdown and being treated like prisoners rather than soldiers by Army commanders at the remote desert camp where they are training.

A number of the Guard troops also said that the training they have received is so poor and equipment shortages so prevalent they fear their cas-ualty rate will be needlessly high when they arrive in Iraq early next year.

They said they think that their treatment and training reflects bias against National Guard troops by commanders in the active-duty Army, an allegation Army commanders denied.

The 680 members of the 1st Battalion of the 184th Infantry Regiment were activated in August, and are preparing for deployment at Dona Ana, a former World War II prisoner-of-war camp 25 miles from its large parent base, Fort Bliss, Texas.



To read more follow link...

http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/news/nation/10268451.htm

[tk2kewl]

1. reminds me of Russian and Nazi tactics of WWII

[Fir]

4. Yes and mercenaries are in control of troops

The Abu Giarib troopers that were judged said that private military types were giving them orders to "soften up" detainees before interrogation.

I see the organization of official military and corporate mercenaries as a way to separate military operations from Congressional over sight (not that the Congress is doing much overseeing).

Some things are reminiscent of the SS and German military (cannon fodder for the motherland).

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. Athough I protested the war, I gave money to my local Guard unit

The poor saps were in Iraq without protective armor. I've donated a couple of times, making it clear I was against the war, but that didn't mean I wouldn't try and get gear that might save someone's life. You know what? None of the Guard families objected to me donating, or to my opinions. I think they were too scared and worried about their loved ones.

And yes, I cried when one local 48 year old medic was killed in action.

[gordianot]

3. That is awful.

Speculation in my sons paramedic classes is they will be among the first drafted. Their instructor says the same thing is convinced it is coming.

[Fir]

5. Our Guard and Reserves should not be a part of the permanent force

Since when has it been policy to use our Guard and Reserves as a permanent and active force when we go to war? I thought they were for use at home for emergencies. Now they are treated like regular troops, just paid less and less benefits(cheap labor).