Why is the MSM not reporting the FLIP FLOP on the larger military.

[xultar]

I thought that the whole gig was to make the military smaller more nimble...not a big behemoth monster enterprise?

WTF?

I just wanted to ask cuz maybe I heard it wrong. Did I hear it wrong?

[Kelly Rupert]

1. When Rumsfeld left the DoD, it's fair to assume

he'd take his policy goals with him. Pity, too, because the streamlining of the bureaucracy and the shrinking of the military into a rapid-reaction force suitable for Kosovo/Somalia/Darfur-type peacekeeping and surgical strikes (say, against Iran or North Korea) was actually a really good idea. We needed to bring the military into the 21st century.

Unfortunately, he decided that the best way to try out his "lighter, faster, better" theory was to simply invade a country with half an army and get his rapid-reaction blitzkrieg team stuck in an occupation with primarily political--and not military--benchmarks. It's like building a supercomputer and using it as a load-bearing pillar--it's not what it's designed for, it's expensive, and you'll probably break it.

Idiot.

[xultar]

4. But if it was a good idea to do when he was there why not when he's gone?

I know what you're saying. It just doesn't make sense. But then nothing those bastards do make sense.

[Kelly Rupert]

6. Because right now the situation is different.

In 2000, we were not in a protracted occupation, and every military operation we had been engaged in since Vietnam was small and surgical. Now current US policy calls for a near-indefinite deployment in Iraq, which (in order to have the remotest chance of working) requires us to flood Iraq with so many troops that we more or less can kill anyone who picks up a gun and walks outside.

However, that plan is impractical, and in all likelihood the situation is so far gone that even that drastic measure would only further inflame the situation. I (and this is the only time you will ever hear me say this) wish we would stick with Rumsfeld's original plan--and pull out of Iraq. I like a small, light military capable of intervening anywhere in the world within 36 hours of first notice and capable of bringing overwhelming force within 72. That is the type of army that America needs--the type that is obviously geared towards peacekeeping missions under UN mandates with NATO support. The type that the world welcomes, not fears. The direction that Clinton took the military. The direction that Rumsfeld originally wanted to take us.

Instead, with Gates at the helm, we're finally acknowledging that Rumsfeld's plans, while perfect for the "post-9/11" world, are useless for the Iraq war. And we're moving our army towards one obviously geared towards indefinite occupation of hostile countries. The type that is slow, inertia-laden, and inflexible. The type that leads to anti-US hostility and resentment. It's too bad, really. Gates may be a smart man, but it would be better for the military if we were to leave and spend the next five years reforming the army and foreign policy with an eye towards never again repeating the disastrous Iraq project.

[chelsea0011]

2. Flip flop is only a term used by the media against Dems

[xultar]

3. Ahh so it doesn't apply when they change their minds. Got it. That's why I love DU.

I learn shit EVERY PHUCKIN day.

Thanks.

Whodda thunk it only refers to Dems?

[nolabels]

5. It's sort of like the compulsive gambler who thinks they are in control...........

of their own destiny. Funny thing is when they eventually loose their whole wad after reality sets in.
As for the innocent bystanders having to pay for the foolishness, one thought, be prepared for the fallout.

Amy Goodman is precise in the statement that largest and MOST EXPENSIVE war going is the one of Corporate Media and them deceiving the general public in their need to know. Just think how much money they engrossed in telling the rest of the people how, why and what to think

[NewJeffCT]

7. You've got that right

Since it's Bush, it is a strategic re-evaluation of the situation on the ground in Iraq based on new intelligence and a strategy for the long-term in the war on terror.