ChiefsPlanet - I Need Military Advice..... No GM Shit In Here.

This is a portion of an email that I received as a part of a group
forum.
The writer is a pilot serving in Iraq.

In response to some of the questions I have received from you; I did
want
to briefly elaborate on my opinions of some things currently going on
in
Iraq. I am able to catch some of the Iraq highlights on the news and
realize that the media tends to put a negative twist on a large amount
of
what goes on over here. I can honestly say (based on spending my third
consecutive winter here) that the situation is improving, regardless of
what the media continues to report. Yes, there are challenges that
still
lie ahead but we are all proud to be helping the citizens of this
nation
work towards a peaceful outcome. It seems as though the religious
radical
and violent insurgent activities are the only highlights on the news.
Very seldom publicized is what we see first hand; that the majority of
Iraqis are working towards a nation free of violence and are pleased to
no longer be living under a dictatorship as they were four years ago.
The
Iraqi military and police forces continue to train diligently with the
assistance of our military and are beginning to stand on their own to
fight against the insurgents. It is going to take more time but I can
assure you that the progress with the Iraqi military units is moving in
the correct direction. The Iraqi forces often have the lives of their
families threatened and are targeted by insurgents more than coalition
forces but persevere through the challenges and posture effectively
against the insurgency. Morale of the US troops remains high even
though
our forces are worn thin and many units are on their third or fourth
deployment here. We in the aviation community do not entirely exper
ience
the face to face reality of c ombat that the brave Marines and Soldiers
"outside the wire" confront every day. We as pilots strive to provide
the
best support we can but cannot fully appreciate the stresses and fears
experienced by the ground forces while observing it all from two miles
above. The men "outside the wire" are truly heroes who courageously
patrol streets and man outposts in an effort to rid the land of
insurgent
activity. They are attacked from different directions with various
weapons every day; never knowing exactly who or where the enemy is. Our
forces are well-trained, experienced, and disciplined; always careful
not
to target innocent civilians or bystanders. This is not a brave or
symmetric enemy we are fighting by any means; they take cheap shots
every
chance they get and run as quickly as they can. The insurgents are
aware
that we will not harm women or children and have used them to attack
us.making the task of defending oneself increasingly more difficult. A
cell of insurgents recently handed out toy AK-47 rifles to children in
the cities in hopes that the American Soldiers will shoot at the
children. The insurgent intent is to then portray American Soldiers in
an
ugly light with the help of Muslim (and western) media. Despite all of
the complexity involved in providing security for these dangerous areas
amongst an uncivilized enemy, the Marines continue to take on each new
day with a forgiving attitude towards the population and a positive
outlook on the circumstances. Their dedication and devotion to fight
for
this nation's freedom is truly remarkable and admirable. All service
members involved in the campaign for Iraq's freedom are proud of what
we
are doing and know that the mission will be successful in time. I have
typically had very little to say about what we are doing here in Iraq
for
those who have asked. I am not writing this because I am displeased o r
frustrated with the current situation; I am still proud to be doing my
part and honored to be serving with all of the Marines and Soldiers
here.
I simply want many of you to hear from someone with a positive attitude
on things in Iraq vice the pessimistic views shown on television. The
American public is rarely provided an honest account of the situation
over here and is usually informed by reporters and analysts who sit
behind desks reporting their opinion of how the War on Terror is going
never attempting to fully understand the situation. I apologize for
bringing political affairs into the 'quick update' I promised, but it
grows tiring frequently hearing the media portray the efforts of all of
the brave young men and women over here in a negative context. I
realize
there is a great amount of support for the troops at home.but the
country
as a whole should believe in the cause, not ju st the men and women who
are fight ing for it. I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season
and
has a great start to the New Year. Things here are going well; all of
your e-mails, Christmas cards, care packages, and prayers are greatly
appreciated. Thank you for keeping in touch despite the lack of
correspondence on my end. Please know that you are all in my thoughts
and
prayers and I look forward to seeing everyone in a few months...