Thursday, May 13, 2010

What Do You Think About The Proposed Medal for "Courageous Restraint"?


Article in NavyTimes.com:

Hold fire, earn a medal

By William H. McMichael


U.S. troops in Afghanistan could soon be awarded a medal for not doing something, a precedent-setting award that would be given for “courageous restraint” for holding fire to save civilian lives.
The proposal is now circulating in the Kabul headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force, a command spokesman confirmed Tuesday.
“The idea is consistent with our approach,” explained Air Force Lt. Col. Tadd Sholtis. “Our young men and women display remarkable courage every day, including situations where they refrain from using lethal force, even at risk to themselves, in order to prevent possible harm to civilians. In some situations our forces face in Afghanistan, that restraint is an act of discipline and courage not much different than those seen in combat actions.”
Read the entire article...

Here's what a veteran has to say about it:

A spokesman for the 2.2 million-member Veterans of Foreign Wars, the nation’s largest group of combat veterans, thinks the award would cause confusion among the ranks and send a bad signal.
“The self-protections built into the rules of engagement are clear, and the decision to return fire must be made instantly based on training and the threat,” said Joe Davis, a spokesman for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. “The enemy already hides among noncombatants, and targets them, too. The creation of such an award will only embolden their actions and put more American and noncombatant lives in jeopardy. Let’s not rush to create something that no one wants to present posthumously.”

To me, it sounds like it is a medal that will be awarded posthumously more often than not.  

Our troops in Afghanistan are working under strict Rules of Engagement.  According to PipelineNews.org:

A few enterprising U.S. media sources [in this case, an article published November 16, 2009 in the Washington Times] have expended much effort to piece together specific components of the ROE [source, U.S. troops battle both Taliban and their own rules]
"1. No night or surprise searches.
2. Villagers have to be warned prior to searches.
3. ANA or ANP must accompany U.S. units on searches.
4. U.S. soldiers may not fire at the enemy unless the enemy is preparing to fire first.
5. U.S. forces cannot engage the enemy if civilians are present.
6. Only women can search women.
7. Troops can fire at an insurgent if they catch him placing an IED but not if insurgents are walking away from an area where explosives have been laid."
What do you think about the proposed award for "courageous restraint"?
What do you Veterans think about it?

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20 comments:

  1. And, the U.S. and Afghanistan are supposed to win this war against terrorists?

    The medal for courageous restraint is both a stupid and a dangerous idea for our troops. This is going way overboard to try and avoid civilian casualties. This is going to end up harming our troops and aiding the terrorists. Oh, I guess, that's Obambi's idea. Anything to screw America, and he does it.

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  2. Teresa:
    I'm all for reducing civilian casualties, but not tying the troops hands with over-strict rules that may result in their own harm.
    Today I heard that Obama wants to cut defense spending. I thought the job of the Fed Gov't was to protect us. Apparently Obama didn't get that e-mail. He's too busy spreading the wealth around...guess he has to get the money from somewhere.

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  3. I'm going to start by courageously restraining my opinion. I'll just say this, 12 more months and I'm gone.

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  4. Trestin:
    Ha, ha, great response.
    Be safe during the next 12 months.

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  5. This is another example of Political Correctness harming our Military. Our Troops lives are at stake, they have to be able to fight to win against Terrorists.

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  6. Hi Net Leases:
    PC will get you killed in Afghanistan. Maybe they can rename the medal to the PC Medal.
    Thanks for stopping by and please come back often.

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  7. After I shoot to kill, I would be glad to comment on this touchy-feely medal from the CLUELESS!

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  8. Is this the same "courageous restraint" that the Chicago Thugs showed for Gov. Palin or Joe "The Plumber"? This Administration is doing more damage than People know. They should support our Troops not handcuff them at War.

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  9. I think pResident Zero should get the first one, just like he got the Nobel Prize. Except this time he will earned the award, for bad-mouthing America, letting our enemies run roughshod over us, and bowing to everyone and every thing he encounters.

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  10. Odie:
    I'm with you. It only takes one second of hesitation...

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  11. Right Side:
    Exactly right. The war in Afghanistan is a distraction for Obama.

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  12. Snarky:
    Yep, all of that and...
    I have no doubt that Obama thinks he should get the first one for "courageous restraint from following the Constitution".

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  13. The idea is another liberal invention. In other words, to change the meaning of something so bizarrely that it no longer has meaning. For a humerous example, please take a look at this:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud7YNNA0Mwo

    Please, I mean no offense to the troops. I'm just pointing out the stupidity of the administration.

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  14. Crock of Shit!
    As said a long time ago, War is Hell.
    From a Vietnam Vet I met once, Actual Battle is a Mother ****er!

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  15. Hi Matt:
    Great video.
    I think the military should receive the medal of "courageous restraint" because they have to take orders from Obama (the Commander in Chief) without complaining.

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  16. Petty Officer:
    War is hell and having all of the extra pressure put upon the troops with these "rules of engagement" has got to be so very frustrating.

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  17. I think this is crazy. Our soldiers are having their hands tied. Very bad move....what else can we expect from the obummer admin?

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  18. Hi Bunni:
    This is exactly what to expect from him and his administration.

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  19. Typical liberal lunacy. Next, they'll be paying people NOT to enlist.

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  20. Fuzzy Slippers:
    I would not be surprised.

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Respectful comments are always welcomed and appreciated. Trolls will not be tolerated.