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Should a medal be awarded to U.S. troops showing restraint in hostile situations in Afghanistan?

 

 

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Since at least WWII, soldiers and marines have had to use "restraint" in civilian situations. We have never been allowed to just spray an area known to have civilians with gunfire. It is called Rules of Engagement. If you follow those rules and don't die, you are just an ordinary soldier. If you die because of those rules, you come home with a CMH award and are buried as a hero. If you kill civilians by violating those rules you are court martialed. How on earth do you get a medal for following rules? Shall we get medals for marching in line correctly? How about a medal for properly wearing our uniform? How about maintaining your individual weapon in proper working order? How about not killing your superiors for giving illegal orders? The weasels in the White House need to grow a pair, maybe spend a week with an infantry squad in Afghanistan. Besides, being offended by this "medal" it makes me feel sad for our current brave soldiers that know this is bogus.

Submitted by bluebirdinc : May 13, 2010 4:36pm

I assume the ribbon will be yellow.

This is of course from the same military that brought you "waaaaaaa this will screw up our diversity program" following the Fort Hood massacre.

This is the same military that following Congressman Murtha's lead court martial a Marine platoon.

Again, this is the same military that court martialed three Seals for "punching" a "prisoner".

I realize our military is at the very end of the WDC food chain. But this kind of slobbering adherence to the world of PC is disgusting.

Submitted by Lee Hazel : May 13, 2010 6:44pm

What will our so called "leaders" dream up next for our hard pressed soldiers ? We are not allowed to fight a winning fight as it is . Why shouldn't we just throw down our weapons and walk away ? That way , the only one getting hurt will be us , because God Forbid , we are certainly not allowed to inflict even a hard stare in the enemies direction .
Lets allow our politicians to trade in their designer clothes for some combat gear and spend a few days and nights on patrol before they can qualify to make such stupid decisions .

Submitted by jim weiner : May 13, 2010 6:57pm

I agree that the awarding of medals for merely conducting oneself in a military manner would diminish the significance of exceptional performance. What I CANNOT understand is why the American Legion has consistently opposed any movement to recognize those who stood in HARM'S WAY during the early stages of nuclear testing; i.e., the "Atomic Vets". I am one such.
Lawrence A Scrivener
AF14296153

Submitted by Lawrence A Scrivener : May 13, 2010 8:25pm

The object in fighting a war is to destroy military targets and in the process there will be civilians that are killed or wounded, but that is part of being the enemy.Unfortunately we have people in leadership rolls in Wash.DC, starting at the top - who have no idea of what's it's like on the front lines and have handcuffed our fighting men to the point of becoming targets them-selves by an enemy and people that don't want us there in the first place.Most of the leaders forget about WWII,Korea and Vietnam and the tactics used by innocent looking civilians to kill our soldiers. A lot weren't even born yet and evidently didn't pay attention in History class or read accounts of those that were there.

Submitted by John J. Bradley : May 13, 2010 9:12pm

If this keeps up the next thing will be a medal for using less toilet paper.

Submitted by mwader : May 14, 2010 12:00am

How do you know which is the enemy and which is the civilian? they dont wear uniforms.

Submitted by oldtimer : May 14, 2010 8:41am

I've got a daughter that's a medic.

The last thing I want to hear is someone getting a medal for showing restraint instead of covering her A$$

Submitted by rpugliese : May 14, 2010 9:45am

Should a medal be awarded for Pentagon officials or politicians who come up with the stupidest ideas?

Submitted by Daniel New : May 14, 2010 2:06pm

We don't need more medals just a little respect and better political leadership from the top or as the Queen of Hearts said " Off with their heads" as in Nam how the he-- do you know who is the person ambushing you and your friends, say" wait until we get proper recognition orders before we can return fire"

Submitted by Chester L. Avery : May 14, 2010 8:42pm

This is the most lame brain idea i have heard of since the days of Adm. Zumwalt's lax disciplinary standards.

This medal, if ever approved, will be awarded posthumously 90% of the time and for photo ops the remaining 10% of the time!

Submitted by 06bob : May 14, 2010 10:10pm

Tyoical of everything Obama does this is yet another attempt to tear down the fabri of this country. From holder to napoitano to hgealth care this mulim president is a disaster.

This assinine medal proposal by his liberal euopean buudies is another attempt to belottle everyting we have fought and died for. Kick the basrard back yo the projects of chicago.

Submitted by sailorjim : May 17, 2010 8:45pm

During my 15 plus years of service in 3 branches of military, the amzing thing was that I never worried about getting medals. I just figured if that was what was meant to be it would happen, wouldn't go looking to be a hero. For 3 years in the Army, 12 years in the Corps, I stood my watch, was part of the military apparatus that responded to the bordser in Germany. Our mission then was to delay the Russians from advancing and taking over Europe. This was accomplished with training, training, training, and deployment. Every time the alarm went off, is this a drill or the real thing this time? Never knew, back then didn't care that much, just wanted to do what I was trained to, prevent the spread of communism. I think it worked. If the big head in DC are itching to give out a medal for sacrifice & devotion to duty, then why the Cold War veterans. How many men and women served for how many years to that goal? For restaint, humph? I say Mr Obama, give me back my flag.

Submitted by fudakk : May 18, 2010 12:58am