Camp Liberty Shooting

A Camp Liberty Shooting took place yesterday while many of us were just beginning our day.

According to news reports, a Sergeant went to a stress clinic for help. We do not know exactly what transpired but are told that while at the clinic he became agitated to the point that he was relieved of his weapon and escorted from the facility by an armed guard.

Somewhere along the way he took the weapon from the Armed guard, went back into the facility and shot five people. This is one of the worst soldier on soldier cases to date.

Our hearts go out to the families of all involved.

Perhaps it is time to re-think our course in Iraq. Maybe it is time to pull the troops completely out.

But if the troops are to stay, then we must build an Army that is one million soldiers strong. If the United States is going to continue to be the big brother to the World, then we must have a larger force.

In the meantime perhaps some of the little things that cause stress could be re-evaluated.

For instance, each soldier carries a weapon around all day long. The pistol is not too bad, but the rifle is like having a ball and chain tied around you.

Today most of the bases are heavily guarded. So why require soldiers inside the wire to always have their weapon with them?

There is enough fire power and there are enough people with pistols to be able to stop any sort of attack. Lock the weapons up for those staying on base so they do not always have to worry about where it is.

When I was in the Army and was on a three week field problem, I was always stressed out about having to worry where my weapon was. Then when I was an NCO, I had to worry about whether or not others knew where their weapons were.

Perhaps Personal Protective Gear needs a second look when on base. Having to always wear these wherever I go would be a big stress on me, plus all of the other gear.

Maybe following some of the same rules on the Iraq bases as they do on the United States bases would help relieve some of the stress, especially with it getting hot now. Commanders need to start looking for the little things that will add to the stress of the soldiers and see what they can do about it.

They are not in Vietnam, so stop using Vietnam policies.

Giving soldiers internet in their rooms would also be nice. I think a lot of units are already doing this.

Lifting some of the restrictions on alcohol might also help. They are in a Muslim country and cannot drink. Well, they are on a United States base and if they are giving their lives to protect the Muslims then there should be some lessening of the rules.

Actually, if you crack open a six pack in front of the Muslims, they would probably join you.

Perhaps some lifting of the Play Boy rules should be lifted. Guys are guys and to tell them that for a year or so they cannot look at any naked women, well, give me a break.

And if the Iraqi or Afghani governments have a problem with it, then pack up and come on home!

These are just some of my thoughts about the Camp Liberty Shooting. For more information on Camp Liberty visit: Camp Liberty, Iraq.

Visit these websites for more information on the Camp Liberty shooting: MSN story on Camp Liberty Shooting and Yahoo story on the shooting.

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