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View Full Version : U.S. Troops In Afghanistan Are In A State Of "Depression And Despair"...




bobbyw24
10-08-2009, 05:38 AM
American soldiers serving in Afghanistan are depressed and deeply disillusioned, according to the chaplains of two US battalions that have spent nine months on the front line in the war against the Taleban.

Many feel that they are risking their lives — and that colleagues have died — for a futile mission and an Afghan population that does nothing to help them, the chaplains told The Times in their makeshift chapel on this fortress-like base in a dusty, brown valley southwest of Kabul.

“The many soldiers who come to see us have a sense of futility and anger about being here. They are really in a state of depression and despair and just want to get back to their families,” said Captain Jeff Masengale, of the 10th Mountain Division’s 2-87 Infantry Battalion.

“They feel they are risking their lives for progress that’s hard to discern,” said Captain Sam Rico, of the Division’s 4-25 Field Artillery Battalion. “They are tired, strained, confused and just want to get through.” The chaplains said that they were speaking out because the men could not.

The base is not, it has to be said, obviously downcast, and many troops do not share the chaplains’ assessment. The soldiers are, by nature and training, upbeat, driven by a strong sense of duty, and they do their jobs as best they can. Re-enlistment rates are surprisingly good for the 2-87, though poor for the 4-25. Several men approached by The Times, however, readily admitted that their morale had slumped.

“We’re lost — that’s how I feel. I’m not exactly sure why we’re here,”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/Afghanistan/article6865359.ece

rpfan2008
10-08-2009, 06:19 AM
“We’re lost — that’s how I feel. I’m not exactly sure why we’re here,”

Because Israelis want you there.

Cowlesy
10-08-2009, 06:54 AM
Because Israelis want you there.


:rolleyes:


I find it curious how the article immediately floods with "Blame Obama" comments for an article that seemed to center on the fact the Afghans don't want to help them, and double-cross the soldiers all the time, so they don't see why they are bothering.

I blame the advocates of nation-building. That's not the role of our troops.