I'm with Stupid

[unhappycamper]

I'm with Stupid
03.08.10 - 2:40 PM
by Jon Queally

The Guardian is reporting a scheme in which US-supported Afghan militias are being made to wear 'bright yellow reflector belts' so NATO forces can distinguish them from Taliban fighters.

If you worry the Taliban might catch on and use the sashes to their advantage, don't worry. The report assures us that, "Officers count them out and count them back in at the end of each day." Phew. Good thing no one outside the Pentagon can create a yellow belt with a bike reflector on it. (Full story below)

~snip~

They are a secret tribal militia, the controversial creation of US commanders in Afghanistan eager to buttress local opposition to the Taliban. So clandestine are the units formed to protect villages in a critical valley in southern Afghanistan that US officials and special forces commanders in Kabul refuse to discuss them.

But the Guardian has learned that in one important regard, the Local Defence Initiative forces are not so secretive after all. As they patrol villages close to the key southern city of Kandahar, the fighters are being forced to wear bright yellow reflector belts so that their special forces mentors do not mistake them for Taliban.

The garish sashes were introduced to distinguish the non-uniformed militias from an enemy who favour the same get-up of traditional Afghan garb and AK-47 slung over the shoulder.

Rest of article at: http://www.commondreams.org/further/2010/03/08-1

[AllentownJake]

1. Why do I have a feeling

People who have been fighting for 30 years are being handed a yellow sash and switching sides, because the Taliban suddenly seems sane in comparison.

[hobbit709]

2. This will end well.

:sarcasm: and :wtf:

What idiot came up with this idea.

[baldguy]

3. How do you say "target" in Pashtun?

[Robb]

4. This article is peppered with bullshit.

For example, "US commanders" haven't formed any militias. The militias have formed on their own over dozens of years. It's a questionable idea, but the Community Defense Initiative funnels money to them.

That said, I wouldn't put the sash notion past anyone with a commission. It just sounds like an officer's bright idea for the field.

[sarge43]

7. It has to be a lieutenant joke. n/t

[NeedleCast]

9. Someone told a butter bar to find a box of grid squares and hand out sashes

to the commaner's militia.

He's still looking for the grid squares...

[sarge43]

12. The kicker was the Chief.

"Here, hold my beer and watch this. (Shouts) Sir! Check for those grid squares in File Thirteen. That should keep him outta our fuckin' hair for awhile."

[Stinky The Clown]

5. The thinker-upper of this scheme is also trying for a Darwin Award.

Wutta smart person.

:eyes:

[sarge43]

6. Only one problem, smart person won't be the one taken out of the gene pool. n/t

[Javaman]

8. How does one wrap their head around this kind of stupid? nt

[Mari333]

10. you cannot make this shit up

knr

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

11. It's almost as stupid an idea as fighting a useless war in Afghanistan.