Stripes letters: (MERC) ‘Cowboys’ hurt image in Iraq

[lebkuchen]

‘Cowboys’ hurt image in Iraq

I have to disagree with the retired gunnery sergeant who wrote “PSD teams can’t hesitate” (letter, Oct. 8). He stated that an earlier writer had “no clue” on personal security detail missions and chided the writer for not having “done his homework” on the subject.

Last month, The Washington Post highlighted government concerns “after allegations of indiscriminate shootings and other recklessness gave rise to charges of inadequate oversight.” Brig. Gen. Karl Horst, deputy commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, stated, “These guys run loose in the country and do stupid stuff. There’s no authority over them, so you can’t come down on them hard when they escalate force.”

The issue of PSD going too far has drawn the anger of Iraqis, resulting in an Iraqi Interior Ministry official threatening to revoke contractor licenses if local laws aren’t adhered to.

I know people who have been on the receiving end of PSD “clearing by fire.” My brother served here last year with a PSD. He shared his experiences and mentioned the lack of experience (and maturity) of some security contractors he knew.

Multi-National Corps-Iraq just published a policy for reporting and investigating incidents involving contractors firing weapons. This policy spells out what contractors can and cannot do, and holds them accountable for their actions.

All of our actions determine how we’re perceived by the people of this country. Too many “cowboys” turn locals against us, and cancel the good work we’ve accomplished. Many PSD contractors are highly experienced and mature professionals, but the actions of the “cowboys” damage this.

Sorry, Gunny, no “ungrateful attitude,” “stupidity” or “false stories.” This senior noncommissioned officer has done his homework.

Master Sgt. Bryan Greaves
Baghdad


Here's another letter in today's batch, on a GOP candidate hoping to unseat Sen. Robert Byrd based, in part, on a platform that includes the candidate's "wartime" experience in Kuwait.

Can’t base platform on Kuwait

Regarding the Oct. 6 article “Terror war vets seek posts in Washington”: How could Stars and Stripes even publish something like this for soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan to read? The article says Hiram Lewis IV will be running for U.S. senator. This guy has no place in Washington to speak about terrorism or the conflicts now happening in Iraq.

I am sorry, but 11 months in Kuwait does not make him a war veteran. Going to Baghdad several times “to deal with legal issues surrounding detainees” is still a lame reason for Stripes to call him a war veteran. Kuwait is a “vacation country” with no threats that anyone should worry about. I bet the biggest thing that Lewis was concerned about when he was stationed in Kuwait was: “I wonder what’s for chow?”

There are thousands of men and women right now in Iraq and Afghanistan who are scratching their heads when they read your article. I can say this to Lewis: Only until you have walked in the boots of soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan or in any other war conflict do you deserve to talk about it. Have you been to Iraq? Correct me if I am wrong, but I do not think that you have either.

Sgt. Alberto Martinez
Forward Operating Base Endurance, Iraq


http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=32426

[madeline_con]

1. "These guys run loose in the country and do stupid stuff."

The "stupid stuff" is probably what led to the mercs being strung up in Fallujah, which in turn led to the massacre there. :(


“to deal with legal issues surrounding detainees”

Like, what is torture and how should it be carried out?

[lebkuchen]

2. That "string up" was the excuse leading to the leveling of Fallujah

The MERCS are useful pawns to the Bushies, just as the troops are; they just get paid ten times more.

Troop displeasure with the MERCS undermining their mission is even making it to CNNI airwaves, little by little.