METO Guido

Ought make no sense whatsoever to struggling families, W2 taxpayers or those sworn to serve. All the feet in American boots are precious to somebody. Their mission to provide for the common defense. Can't go to school or church without sentries but 'we' promise to secure democratic rule across a Russian front. Sir, yes sir. https://youtu.be/BXrmQBPg2s0

Excargodog

Not EXACTLY.



We are also providing ELINT, targeting info, BDA, and a variety of other things.

I recall a story from WWII about the US Army in France. It may or may not be true, but it sounds plausible. US troops were advancing under artillery fire which was being directed from a church steeple across a narrow river valley. The Platoon commander - all of a 90 day wonder O-1 - went to call for artillery fire on the church when the French liaison with him told him that he couldn’t fire on the church, the magnificent building was an historic example of 14th century church architecture. The Lieutenant allegedly looked at him in disbelief and said that his troops were dying and “I’ll shell the friggin Louvre if it saves one American life,” after which he called in artillery fire that leveled the church.

So what’s the point? The point is that it’s NOT just logistics and the trigger for WWIII is now in the hands of some Russian fighter pilot who may have just lost a cousin, son, or daughter, to the targeting information provided by that JSTARS and that pilot might feel just like that young American Army Lieutenant.

rickair7777

Personally I'd rather my taxes go to saving Ukrainians than to the welfare class. I'd also rather spend money on space exploration and establishing sustainable off-planet colonies, as opposed to just paying more people to eat, poop, and breed, rinse, wash, repeat.

The argument that "we can do some much more with that money" is a complete fallacy. Applies to defense spending, science, space exploration, etc.

Money diverted to handouts isn't good for the economy, doesn't help anyone's self esteem, and only perpetuates the idea that we have should have a large and ever-growing group of dis-functional residents living on the dole.

T1000

By all means spend it on the good stuff then. Isn’t spending it in Ukraine just saving their welfare class?

METO Guido

Well then, very ambitious. I just want to hang out, play golf or go to the beach. Got to roll off the rack by 0900 but sacrifices have to be made. The point is, there’s boundless opportunity in OUR great future that’ll never happen by force. Sit this one out? There’s for sure an even better cluster just over the horizon. https://youtu.be/aEtfgfv5iN4

Excargodog

Another voice heard from:

https://www.realcleardefense.com/art...ed_892638.html

rickair7777

REALPOLITIK is always a factor, probably the over-riding factor. George presided over an America which was far more self-contained economically... in his era foriegn adventures were mostly that: adventures. Ike had no problem stamping out nazi and Japanese imperial tyranny... this can be likened to nipping that in the bud early.

Politically, the US people to hold their values pretty dearly, so values can BECOME an interest.

But I also do believe it's very much in our economic interests to prevent regional autocrats from building empires across major geographic areas. Again, this whole business very much relates to deterring certain other folks in other theaters.

Besides, we didn't actually go to war over this one, nor do I expect we will.

Excargodog

I’m still uncomfortable creating a situation where a company grade officer - ANYONE’S company grade officer - can initiate WWIII.

Call me old fashioned, but I think that ought to be at least a field grade officer decision.

METO Guido

Well, yes. Excellent piece regardless the position taken. Humbling really. Thank you. I don’t question the patriotism of the opposing views posted here.

Excargodog

My opinion is that someone’s OPSEC sucks…