Retired four-star general: "Are we undermanned? Of course we are, for God's sake."

[sabra]

http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20061120-022706-1761r

UPI Intelligence Watch

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Retired four-star general Barry McCaffrey, former commander of U.S. Southern Command, has warned in Washington about recruiting problems.

McCaffrey is concerned about the future of America's volunteer military force, warning that the U.S. military could be "severely degraded" within two years unless substantial recruiting and retention reforms are soon implemented.

Stars and Stripes reported on Nov. 18 that McCaffrey told participants at a Military Officers Association of America symposium, "We're in trouble. We're making some very short-term decisions. This is a problem of resources and political will."

...

"I don't believe we've ever fielded a more effective fighting force than we have today," he said. "But we've had some problems in the last year with the number and quality of people coming into the armed forces. Generally speaking we've quadrupled the number of the lowest mental categories. We've quadrupled the number of high school graduates. We're putting 6,000, 7,000, 8,000 moral waivers into the armed forces. Are we undermanned? Of course we are, for God's sake.

"We've got to get our resources to match our rhetoric and our strategy. I have not heard the commander in chief, any governor, any mayor, any member of Congress ever stand in front of a TV camera and ask the country to send their boys and girls to fight with us. I've pushed the president to get that in one of his speeches. What I heard was, in a speech at Fort Bragg, 'If you're considering a career in the military there could be no more honorable way to serve.' That's not the same. We need people to fight."

[bryant69]

1. It is an interesting question

But it goes against the grain for President Bush to ask sacrifices of the American people.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[The Count]

2. Don't worry, Rangel to the rescue!

[Rainscents]

3. We need people to fight."? Neocons war?

You can shove it!

[napi21]

4. What is really the difference between McCaffrey's remark and what Kerry said

in his screwed up joke?

Generally speaking we've quadrupled the number of the lowest mental categories. We've quadrupled the number of high school graduates. We're putting 6,000, 7,000, 8,000 moral waivers into the armed forces.

I know that's not really what Kerry meant, but unfortunately it's true!

[BOSSHOG]

5. "lowest mental categories," "moral waivers"

I did not know free republic members were flocking to the recruiting offices.

And to think an entire segment of society can not serve and can not be recruited to because of ignorant, hateful religious zealots; but per General McCaffery they will openly accept deviants.

[gratuitous]

6. Pension all safe and secure, General?

Feel free now to speak out about the damage this administration has done to the military? How many folks bought it while you were serving out your time? I guess all that honor, duty, integrity crap is just for the grunts, huh?

And by the way, Charlie Rangel did go out in front of the cameras to ask the country to send their boys and girls into the fray. And look what's happening to him. I'm sure you'll break your leg getting out in front of a camera or a microphone to join his call, won't you General?

General? Hello?