I have two friends who are ex-special forces, and they are pissed off. And I have other connected friends who are on board with getting out of Syria, and cutting bait. I am interested in the opinions of ex-military guys on this situation. I do not have an opinion yet, but I trust military folks more than others. Thank you. I understand this is a topic way over my head. That is why I am asking.

GTFO, yesterday.

Kurds are just the socialist devil we know, but they are FAR from being 'on our side'.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
GTFO, yesterday.

Kurds are just the socialist devil we know, but they are FAR from being 'on our side'.

I did not read this yesterday. Not sure why GTFO? I am very open to any opinion on this. I certainly am not supporting the Kurds. I am just interested in opinions of those who have served in the military.

Only second hand knowledge here but I have heard from friends that the Kurds were the best group of people to work with out of all the Middle East Arab and Muslim. I can understand the SF troops feeling bad about leaving the Kurds hanging. That said the political question is: Are we going to be the world's police force? Are we going to invest and continue to invest our blood and treasure in conflicts without no end (there is a way to end them, General T. Sherman called it "Total War" but there is not enough political fortitude to go that route).

This scene from a fictional show highlights the problem:

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
GTFO, yesterday.

Kurds are just the socialist devil we know, but they are FAR from being 'on our side'.

I did not read this yesterday. Not sure why GTFO? I am very open to any opinion on this. I certainly am not supporting the Kurds. I am just interested in opinions of those who have served in the military.

He's saying the US forces should have GTFO yesterday. I don't think he's telling you to GTFO.

I agree. If they want to practice communism, fine but we should subsidize them. Also IIRC they have high rates of FGM.

quote:

Originally posted by jsbcody:
Only second hand knowledge here but I have heard from friends that the Kurds were the best group of people to work with out of all the Middle East Arab and Muslim. I can understand the SF troops feeling bad about leaving the Kurds hanging. That said the political question is: Are we going to be the world's police force? Are we going to invest and continue to invest our blood and treasure in conflicts without no end (there is a way to end them, General T. Sherman called it "Total War" but there is not enough political fortitude to go that route).

This scene from a fictional show highlights the problem:

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_z4GvYB8xAY" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]

Appreciate it. All of my info is also second hand. This is why I would love to hear opinions from those who have served in the military. I believe this is a big issue. I will respect the opinions of veterans more than any others.

quote:

Originally posted by BlackTalonJHP:

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by RHINOWSO:
GTFO, yesterday.

Kurds are just the socialist devil we know, but they are FAR from being 'on our side'.

I did not read this yesterday. Not sure why GTFO? I am very open to any opinion on this. I certainly am not supporting the Kurds. I am just interested in opinions of those who have served in the military.

He's saying the US forces should have GTFO yesterday. I don't think he's telling you to GTFO.


OK thanks. I did not get that initially.

quote:

Originally posted by jsbcody:
Only second hand knowledge here but I have heard from friends that the Kurds were the best group of people to work with out of all the Middle East Arab and Muslim. I can understand the SF troops feeling bad about leaving the Kurds hanging. That said the political question is: Are we going to be the world's police force? Are we going to invest and continue to invest our blood and treasure in conflicts without no end (there is a way to end them, General T. Sherman called it "Total War" but there is not enough political fortitude to go that route).

This scene from a fictional show highlights the problem:
{snip of video}

Great clip.
I remember that scene when it originally aired - Quinn was right on.

I’m ex military and airline. After 9-11 no doubt we were going after those responsible(and anyone protecting them). I know, kill 500 & more will eventually try to take their place.

After the initial Afghanistan action I was ready to relegate more to intelligence, Special Forces, & drones. I’m not up for ‘trying’ to rebuild countries.

One needs to understand, the ‘military industrial complex’ is just fine with wars. Generals too, are often up for a military solution.

I put the lives of American service members well above foreign fighters. I don’t care for endless wars with murky objectives.

Just one person’s perspective.

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
I’m ex military and airline. After 9-11 no doubt we were going after those responsible(and anyone protecting them). I know, kill 500 & more will eventually try to take their place.

After the initial Afghanistan action I was ready to relegate more to intelligence, Special Forces, & drones. I’m not up for ‘trying’ to rebuild countries.

One needs to understand, the ‘military industrial complex’ is just fine with wars. Generals too, are often up for a military solution.

I put the lives of American service members well above foreign fighters. I don’t care for endless wars with murky objectives.

Just one person’s perspective.

Thank you. That is a great post.

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:

Sorry for the lingo; yes, I was relaying the opinion that we should get the fuck out of there yesterday.

They have been fighting for hundreds of years. I really don't think we have to be in the middle of it - same with Afghanistan and Iraq - team up with the government, leave fliers all over the country saying "We will FUCK YOU UP AGAIN if you support terrorism that makes its way to America" and do drive by bombings whenever we deem it necessary.

But endless bullshit wars where we spend countless lives and money? Fuck that.

quote:

Originally posted by RHINOWSO:

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:

Sorry for the lingo; yes, I was relaying the opinion that we should get the fuck out of there yesterday.

They have been fighting for hundreds of years. I really don't think we have to be in the middle of it - same with Afghanistan and Iraq - team up with the government, leave fliers all over the country saying "We will FUCK YOU UP AGAIN if you support terrorism that makes its way to America" and do drive by bombings whenever we deem it necessary.

But endless bullshit wars where we spend countless lives and money? Fuck that.

Thanks man. Are you ex-military? If so, respect.

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
After the initial Afghanistan action I was ready to relegate more to intelligence, Special Forces, & drones. I’m not up for ‘trying’ to rebuild countries.

Pretty much this. I was flying over Afghanistan Oct 2001 and after smoke checking the Taliban and AQ types, we should have pulled back and done the SF / Intel / Drone game only.

Those people are in the stone age and to think we will drag them, kicking and screaming into the 21st century is folly. They don't want democracy, the don't want freedom, they don't even know what most of that means.

quote:

Originally posted by FishOn:
Thanks man. Are you ex-military? If so, respect.

Yes, F-14s and FA-18Fs. Not the pilot, I was in the back, working for a living. Thanks.

I have first hand experience with the Kurds, that region, and that location. I will say this: we've made a massive mistake in withdrawing, and in allowing turkey to take action. The effects will ripple for some time, and may well end up costing a lot more US lives.

quote:

Originally posted by sns3guppy:
I have first hand experience with the Kurds, that region, and that location. I will say this: we've made a massive mistake in withdrawing, and in allowing turkey to take action. The effects will ripple for some time, and may well end up costing a lot more US lives.

That is what I was wondering and did not know. . Thank you. My two friends ex Special Forces said the same thing.

What are the VITAL U.S. interests that we need to fight for? Is it to prevent future terrorist acts?

If so, that could apply to most any action.

quote:

Originally posted by sns3guppy:
I have first hand experience with the Kurds, that region, and that location. I will say this: we've made a massive mistake in withdrawing, and in allowing turkey to take action. The effects will ripple for some time, and may well end up costing a lot more US lives.

So you would have us stay there forever then, is that your plan?

quote:

Originally posted by sns3guppy:
... I will say this: we've made a massive mistake in withdrawing, and in allowing turkey to take action. The effects will ripple for some time, and may well end up costing a lot more US lives.

I agree

our 'foot print' there was limited ... and wasn't going to expand significantly. No group we ally with in this area is going to embrace 'American values' as we conventionally know them.

we need allies in various regions... and leverage

plus it sets a horrible example -- one day we will need to build an ally somewhere in a strategic area ... get a group to go out on a limb for US interests. and the specter of getting knee-capped by abrupt withdrawal of support will be a huge obstacle.

lastly - the troops we have there are PROFESSIONALs. we aren't talking about 19 year old draftees there who only joined for the college fund. strategic-level operators doing what they trained years to do - basically - no place they'd rather be plying their chosen profession.

I am a Trump supporter but he is getting this one wrong.

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I’m with RHINOSWO, GTFO of Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq - all with warning to not fuck with us again. And continue on with routine drone strikes on ISIS/other assholes that need it.

Syria is a loser - what are we supposed to do? Go to war against our good NATO ally, Turkey?

I’m for pulling out the boots on the ground and using air power and Tomahawks as needed.

quote:

Originally posted by feersum dreadnaught:
I’m with RHINOSWO, GTFO of Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq - all with warning to not fuck with us again. And continue on with routine drone strikes on ISIS/other assholes that need it.

Syria is a loser - what are we supposed to do? Go to war against our good NATO ally, Turkey?

I’m for pulling out the boots on the ground and using air power and Tomahawks as needed.

Hmmm Turkey an ally?