Here’s an unusual instance of uniformed officers speaking directly to the press about the impossible task set for them by Rumsfeld:
From last October to the end of April, there were about 400 soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division patrolling the northwest region, which covers about 10,000 square miles. “Resources are everything in combat … there’s no way 400 people can cover that much ground,” said Maj. John Wilwerding, of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, which is responsible for the northwest tract that includes Tal Afar. “Because there weren’t enough troops on the ground to do what you needed to do, the (insurgency) was able to get a toehold.” said Wilwerding, 37, of Chaska, Minn.
During the past two months, Army commanders, trying to pacify the area, have had to move in some 4,000 Iraqi soldiers; about 2,000 more are on the way. About 3,500 troops from the 3rd ACR took control of the area this month, but officers said they were still understaffed for the mission. “There’s simply not enough forces here,” said a high-ranking U.S. Army officer with knowledge of the 3rd ACR.
One word: duh. You have an insurgency replenished with money and men pouring in over the Syrian border. But you don’t have enough troops to stop it. Worse, your incompetent war-management has led to a deeper recruitment crisis for the military so that they’re reduced to these kinds of tactics just to stay in play. Worse still, the carnage from those enabled by our war strategy continues to mount. And the policy continues.
The Dish 