General says 82nd may give up readiness role briefly

[sabra]

http://www.hendersonvillenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070117/APN/701173309

General says 82nd may give up readiness role briefly
The Associated Press

Deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan may force the 82nd Airborne Division to briefly give up its long-standing role as a quick-reaction force able to go anywhere within hours, its commander said Wednesday.

The division of about 17,000 paratroopers has four brigade combat teams. One is always designated as the "ready" brigade, able to leave for anywhere in the world within 18 hours of notification.

But the 82nd already has two brigade combat teams of about 3,500 paratroopers each in or near Iraq. Another brigade and the division command staff are going this month to Afghanistan for a year.

The brigade that is left behind is designated to go to Iraq this summer and there may be a period when no ready brigade is available.

"We will maintain the readiness posture we are known for until all four BCTs are committed," said Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez. "Based on the current environment, there may be a period of time where we aren't capable to provide the rapid response capability, but I suspect that time will be short."

[trumad]

1. I spent many a day in DRF 1 mode at Bragg.

This is a remarkable event and clearly shows that the military is at the breaking point.

[sabra]

2. "...but I suspect that time will be short."

stretching the limits...

[gratuitous]

3. C-r-r-r-r-rack

What's that sound I hear? Gee, I remember a campaign not too terribly long ago when the most pressing, urgent need for Mr. Bush was the prospect of military units having to report "Not ready for duty, sir."

And here we are, just a little more than six years later, and spending over a billion dollars a day on defense, and the 82nd Airborne is not ready for duty. What would candidate Bush have to say about president Bush? And where is the Mighty Republican Wurlitzer with its backup Chorus of Certain Doom? Too busy fretting over whether Dr. Rice feels bad about not being married and having children?

[uppityperson]

4. My brain isn't doing well today. Could someone interpret this for me please.

I hate my brain today, hard to keep on track. Thank you.

[Orsino]

5. Dear God.

* has utterly betrayed one of the proudest military traditions we have.

Sorry for acting surprised, folks. He ruins everything he touches, doesn't he?

[damntexdem]

6. Just more destruction of the U.S. military at the hands of ...

the chickenhawks and their toadies.

[goforit]

7. Preparedness out the window!

Folks, its now going to be in our hands.
We should prepare as well independently.