Use of depleted uranium in Iraq

[MR2Fast2Catch]

I was discussing/debating foreign policy with one of my "Neocon" friends, and he shrugged off the claims that depleted uranium was used in Iraq. He says that he does not beleive the US military used depleted uranium and there's no proof of it being used either.

Any thoughts on this? I thought it was common knowledge that depleted uranium was used, cause I've never heard anyone question this. I'd love to get some opinions and sources if anyone know much about this. Thanks.

[wizardwatson]

It's used in all kinds of armor piercing rounds due to high density.

The question for concern is how 'depleted' is it exactly?

[Zippyjuan]

I didn't think there was any question about it being used and there was no secret that it was being used. Given the nature of the war situation, it is probably not currently being used in Iraq. DU is commonly used to harden shells and bombs to achieve greater penetration of targets like hardened vehicles or facilities.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0515/p01s02-woiq.html

[MR2Fast2Catch]

I didn't think there was any question about it being used and there was no secret that it was being used. Given the nature of the war situation, it is probably not currently being used in Iraq. DU is commonly used to harden shells and bombs to achieve greater penetration of targets like hardened vehicles or facilities.

http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/0515/p01s02-woiq.html

Thanks for the link. A lot of good info in that article.

[talkingpointes]

It's used in all kinds of armor piercing rounds due to high density.

The question for concern is how 'depleted' is it exactly?

Ask any US soldiers about it's usage. This above quote is right on. My older brother served 18 months in Iraq (Al Taji), he says it eats through armor like a warm knife through butter.