Stripes letter: US contractors in Iraq should wear civvies, not BDUs

[lebkuchen]

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=29024

I retired from the Army 12 years ago and am serving as a contractor. I am happy to be here supporting the proud men and women of our armed forces.

When I arrived, I was surprised to see 300-pound soldiers carrying guns with names such as “Big Vick” and “Robert De Niro,” “Al Pacino,” etc.

When I looked closer, these camouflaged jumbo warriors did not have “U.S. Army” or “U.S. Air Force” on their blouses — it was “DA (Department of the Army) Civilian,” or “U.S. Army Civilian.”

When did these wannabes get authorized to wear the uniform of the U.S. armed forces? And, if they are authorized, shouldn’t they have to meet some minimum standard — such as being able to fit through the personnel turnstiles rather than having the vehicle gate opened for them?

I retired with pride in myself, my uniform and my country. I wear civilian clothes. How about military personnel wear uniforms and civilians wear civilian clothes?

Lindy Tagliaferri
Camp Victory, Iraq

[evlbstrd]

1. Traitor!

Lindy, huh? No wonder.
:evilgrin:

[lebkuchen]

2. I learn more about the US presence in Iraq from these letters than media

300 pound dufuses carrying around "Big Dicks?" (sic)

Reminds me of what I'd read about the US army and the Indian "Wars."

[evlbstrd]

3. Yes, these letters have been fantastic.

The troops that have spoken out know for certain the lies we've been fed.