Mass ReEnlistment Ceremony in Baghdad on July 4
Thursday, July 5, 2007 at 06:01PM Bottom Line Up Front: Soldiers in Iraq re-enlist for more years of service because they believe in the mission and want to be a part of making it succeed.
Happy Belated Independence Day!
On July 4, 2007 in Baghdad, Iraq, 588 troops re-enlisted in a mass ceremony to continue to serve our great nation in a time of war. This is unprecedented for several reasons, not the least of which are that this is an all volunteer military serving in a time of war. Every other major combat operation has resorted to a draft. Yet here, men serving in Iraq in the combat zone re-enlist for more years of service. In fact, the rate of re-enlistment is higher in Iraq than is typical of the rest of the military not serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. What gives? They believe in the mission.
Below is a video of the event and interview with CSM Hill, GEN Petraeus’ top enlisted advisor at Multi-National Force-Iraq:
GEN Petraeus said at the ceremony:
This morning we pay tribute to the American ideals we all hold so dear in several significant ways.
First, by conducting what surely is the largest re-enlistment event ever held in Iraq and perhaps in our Armed Forces’ history, then by celebrating the granting of American citizenship to a group of troopers who have already pledged their loyalty to our nation by putting their lives on the line for it, and finally by observing the 231st birthday of our great country.
No bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you has made and continues to make as a custodian of our nation’s defenses. Nor can any amount of money compensate you adequately for the sacrifices you make serving here in Iraq or the burdens your loved ones face at home in your absence. And we certainly cannot put a price on the freedoms you defend or those we are trying to help the Iraqis establish and safeguard here in the land of the two rivers.
Amen! My husband, MSG (p) Proctor, re-enlisted in 2003 in Baghdad with no bonus, his only compensation the satisfaction of knowing he was serving his country and helping Iraqis. Many other soldiers have done the same.
The incredible sense I get from troops, our friends, is the fool-proofed confidence that this war is winnable. In fact, the term “winnable” does a disservice to the inevitability of our mission. It isn’t a question of “if”, it’s a question of “when”. We can finish the job now and stay in Iraq for 10-15 years, procuring a stable, economically healthy, vibrant ally and anchor of security in the Middle East that serves as an example to other Muslim countries of what they can achieve. Or, we can leave prematurely, leaving a vacuum to be filled by Iran or al-Qaeda which will undoubtedly require U.S. military intervention in 15 years from now.
We had friends over a couple nights ago. He was with Special Forces in 2003 and was tasked with trying to help persuade Turkey to let the U.S. use their airfields as a staging base for the invasion into Iraq. He was in country, incognito, just before the invasion and as he traveled toward the Syrian border saw lines of movable trailers as far as the eye could see shipping something over the border. We call them “Saddam’s Mobile Laboratories”. Whatever was moved out of Iraq is probably now in Iran, Africa, maybe even North Korea. We know that Uday Hussein was said to withdrawal millions in cash just before the invasion and that the entire Hussein family withdrew a total of 1 billion dollars in cash. Whether or not people want to believe in WMD, al-Qaeda/Saddam liaisons in Baghdad pre-invasion or the other facts dismissed by anti-war activists, soldiers know from personal experience are eye witness accounts to the necessity of our intervention in that country.
And that’s why these 588 men re-enlisted on the 4th of July, and 160 soldiers became U.S. citizens. They get it, as CSM Hill said in the video interview, know the implications and are prepared to deal with the endeavor of winning NOW rather then later.
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Reader Comments (18)
Quoting, "Amen! My husband, MSG (p) Proctor, re-enlisted in 2003 in Baghdad with no bonus, his only compensation the satisfaction of knowing he was serving his country and helping Iraqis. Many other soldiers have done the same."
I am thankful for those who believe in America, belief is just causes, who don't absolve Iraq of all evil simply because no WMDs were found following the invasion because Iraq had previously invaded, not one, but two other nation and Iraq had used WMDs not only on his own people, but on another nation.
Political leaders who voted for the war before they voted against the war are unacceptable as leaders for the lack real moral values, and real conviction to do what is right. They, like a tumbleweed blow with any wind.
Why on earth would 588 Soldiers re-enlist in the combat zone KNOWING they have a high probability of returning in the near future? Money? Hah. What then?
How about American pride and rock solid conviction that we are making a huge positive difference in Iraq?
Think about it...
“Why on earth would 588 Soldiers re-enlist in the combat zone KNOWING they have a high probability of returning in the near future? Money? Hah. What then?”
........................................................................
What Then? Well Johnny there’s quite a list.
Let’s start with money, it’s not enough for all 588 but some will find hundreds of good reasons in the folding notes. Then perhaps we should consider how a soldier is treated if he/she decides to quit, it’s not so easy as you know. The retention measures put in place will hold a few who would quit if leaving was a free choice.
‘Why on earth would 588 Soldiers Re-enlist?”
I wondered why 588 soldiers had decided to reenlist on the same day in front of the whole world, because it’s usually done in ones and two’s on parade grounds rather than in a mass swearing in ceremony on July the forth and featured as news. Then it hit me, it’s a staged event for the TV cameras, how could it be more obvious<:)>
.
As a soldier you will also be aware that your comrades will consider leaving while friends are at risk in a war zone as deserting their friends and showing fear,
These soldiers are not cowards and will stay out of loyalty rather than out of consideration of any higher purposes.
At the bottom of the list there are those with no where else to go, the Army has become home, family and support structure rolled into one, these few will fight no matter the reason.
These few are catered for, the job supports their family, they have a home and so their dependants would suffer if the soldier chose to quit.
The few who are rewarded with US citizenship need no other coersion or reward.
How many are really left who are willing to lay down their lives in an effort to (how does Amy put it?)
< finish the job and stay in Iraq for 10-15 years, procuring a stable, economically healthy, vibrant ally and anchor of security in the Middle East that serves as an example to other Muslim countries of what they can achieve>
When procuring simply means to acquire, or to provide services of prostitution.
I could not have put it better myself.
How can other Muslim nations achieve the utopia Amy describes without US Military intervention?
Amy believes this part of the war may last another 15 years, is this what the reenlisted M/F signed up for?
You are complete and total idiot, simon. These brave Warriors are the creme of the crop of our nation and are eagerly sought after by business and industry because of our tremendous leadership abilities and experience under lethal pressures.
How DARE you accuse the most patriotic among us as dead-enders with nowhere to go? We actually have millionaires like NFL star Pat Tillman enlisting to fight terrorists who forsake all to wear the uniform of the US military - and are willing to DIE for their convictions that the USA is a benevolent, liberating country spreading freedom and justice around the world.
You have demonstrated that your only credentials are your cold, calculated antiChristian rhetoric, your bald skepticism and your inability to grasp the real conditions of the GWOT.
These bold, brave Warriors are testimony to the American spirit, the spirit of freedom and liberty, the spirit of justice and goodness, the Faith of our Fathers, and Europeans like you who have lost all eternal values and are adrift in a sea of secular morass can only criticize what you can't understand.
WE BELIEVE in GOD and TRUTH and are willing to fight for the liberation of OTHER men as an act of faith in the TRANSCENDENT benevolence of the Almighty.
God bless these Warriors!
Let me get this straight, Pious Johnny
What you believe is that all soldiers think alike, move as one and all act in the same manner, all believe in the same god and are all members of the same religion?
This is the only way you can be so sure of what you posted..
That’s a programmed machine, Johnny, you are no longer talking about human beings here at all. .
How dare you think of your fellow soldiers in this way!! They are all different and all have their own individual reasons for marching as one. Yes they are brave, patriotic, and highly paid but most of all their own individual intelligence will see through the pack mentality you self righteously and wrongly perceive to be a strength.
You would have us believe that Iraqis are being subjected to the pack mentality of religious Christ crusaders, who are no longer able to operate as individuals.
Muslims (also) BELIEVE in GOD and TRUTH and are willing to fight for the liberation of OTHER men as an act of faith in the TRANSCENDENT benevolence of the Almighty.
It’s not a crusade Johnny, You might be on a crusade but I hope you are alone.
Are you a fundamentalist? A Christendom revivalist?
As the worlds leading democracies are behind this war and because successful democracies only occur in Christian nations, I have to ask is this conflict a crusade to spread the word of Jesus?.
And I thought it was just about oil.
You might actually have a reason to believe in this humanitarian war. Not a good reason, but nevertheless a reason with the failed intentions of many simular historical battles behind it. All to prove by force whose god is more crippled by its supporters.
This makes it so much worse, even god is being soiled.
simon, one has to wonder if there is anybody in the world willing to fight for your life and freedom; not your country, but for you and you alone. Such bitterness. I usually admire the Australians, their humor, their outlook on life, and their independent natures, but you are nothing like the ones I've met before.
I may have to reevaluate a possible immigration there if Shrillary gets elected. If there are many more like you, then it would be just as bad as staying here.
If Shrillary remains in the race, the republicans will win.
If you listened to GEN Petraeus’ speech, he mentioned that no bonus can compensate for the immeasurable sacrifices these troops make. It’s sad and ironic that people point to military bonuses as evidence that troops are being bribed into re-enlistment. I don’t hear people use that rhetoric when an author gets a signing bonus or an executive who worked 18 hour days, missing holidays with family and giving his time and efforts to his vocation gets a year end bonus. It’s to be expected, it’s a BONUS, compensation for the hard work they’ve put into their jobs. Why should soldiers be any different? Hopefully people are glad to hear that we’re giving soldiers compensation for serving in WAR.
Johnny is completely right that these soldiers who re-enslisted (and who became citizens) did so because of patriotism and the conviction that they are positively changing Iraq.
It’s easy for someone who has never served in Iraq to point to a bonus. No one in his right mind serves in a combat zone unless he has the right stuff. Period. It’s a vocational gift as much as being a priest, a doctor or any other specialized occupation.
Consider that Americans generally consider their pay when diliberating over a job opportunity. Why should this be different for soldiers? Or does simon not consider soldiers people functioning in the American economy?
And now simon not only considers soldiers to be shallow greed-mongers, but attention seeking gluttons. If I ever hear him say he supports the troops, these previous statements have thoroughly disqualified him from being believed. No, simon, they reenlisted “before the TV cameras” because it was organized by GEN Petraeus and it’s an extraordinary event to have this many soldiers voluntarily re-up in a combat zone. This is the only war aside from the short Gulf War of 1991 in which there is no draft, and yet they STILL re-enlist.
Why do people invite a crowd when they get married? Or their child has a piano recital? It’s called pride, simon, and yes, these soldiers are PROUD of their re-enlistments. And they should be; they’re making an incredible difference in Iraq.
Another myth you’ve succumbed to, simon, is that these troops are poor inner-city kids with no options. That’s Bull****. The DOD conducted a study called WhoIs Volunteering For Today’s Military?
Here are a few of the Myths vs. Facts:
The survey itself breaks down these categories in detail. Let me provide some:
simon can't seem to interpret Johnny's comments. Too bad, they're pretty clear. He also must not know any actual soldiers himself. Johnny and I live daily the military life and talk to soldiers/colleagues about these issues. My money's on Johnny.
Myth:simon
Fact:Johnny
My money is on Johnny too, Amy! Simon is totally out to lunch, but I hope he's right about one thing: "If Shrillary remains in the race the republicans will win." Well, we know she's going to remain in the race! :)
amyp do you only think about money? and Gayle, shame on you both.
Obviously if the Army thought the troops would re-enlist without the offer of more cash, a large bonus would not have been offered
Perhaps the large bonus explains the large turn out.
Na too obvious;)
GEN Petraeus’ is far too busy to organise media events or really think about the effects of bait, He’s takeing part in a global conflict, so he would leave this propaganda to the propaganda office.
Soldiers do as they are told, there’s no law against taking more money when re-enlisting might be compulsory soon anyway..
The Army like any other organisation have many different people doing many different things for very different reasons.
However a great big dollop of Cash appeals to them all.
Fact simon
simon, you're the one who put the focus on money. Recall:
I simply addressed your asinine assertions. Oh, and let's not forget:'
Your distaste for soldiers is evident. All you offer is opinion, and uneducated opinion at that. You have nothing factual to base your assertions on.
Fact? What fact? You didn't offer anything factual. Sadly for you, I think you know how wrong you are but you've painted yourself into a rhetorical corner which you cannot defend.
amyp. You are on the back foot now; slowly realising you are so very wide of the mark
Johnny focused on the money thing, as you know and he mentioned it first, it’s a short thread, so take a look, he showed us the money.
At the time I was unaware of how much blood money was at stake, then Gayle and you wagered undisclosed sums of money, so it became likely that Army life had suddenly become awash with a surplus income you wives didnt know what to do with.
You guys must be rolling in it.
It now becomes clear why the democrats were forced to release the funds and why the war funds are so vital, the republicans were losing the war and risked loosing their soldiers.
I just said "Let’s start with money" as the issue raised by Johnny and the General was the issue of the thread, and both were finding it nearly impossible to justify such a large reward..
Obviously this unnecessary money is a touchy subject; accordingly I think the money should be withdrawn or handed in immediately and replaced by a simple thankyou note counter signed by Pope Benedict and GWB11, as cash is obviously not required by the troops who are more than adequately compensated by doing the work of the lord and democratization
That's hogwash, i'm sorry.
Strange as it might seem, amy the troops are not all in it for the money, or rewards from heaven, but it all helps to retain sufficient numbers for the defence services that are in competition with civilian work forces. Real wages should be paid for soldier’s skills but as these skills do not translate well into civilian roles, the army has the edge. Most troops are better off in the Army and are now much better off because of the bonus scheme.
Fact, face it. And I’m sorry Johnny missed out, too bad.
Although our troops are as brave in combat as their enemy. The enemy receives very little cash reward or equipment and is promised only that a reward will come when Iraq is free from foreign occupation.
It seems that your identified reason to fight is also being used by the enemy and as he has most to lose, it’s not about money therefore the war must be about something else.
How long can we afford a crusade?
simon, fine. I don't have a problem with troops receiving a bonus and think they deserve it. I'm assuming you do, too. So perhaps we agree.
Johnny gets paid what he signs up to be paid for. A bonus is just that; so we didn't miss out.
As for the rest, you are incorrigable and cannot be reasoned with. We've been over the fact that this is in no definable way an occupation, etc., etc., and since you don't wish to improve upon your knowledge I can't help you.
(*in your above entry, you go on and on about the cash, once again proving my point)
Simon seem oblivious to the concept of honor.
I'm oblivious to the link between Americas involvement in Iraq and any concept of honour that may be confusing you, Johnny, you just don't get it do you?. This is a groundless war and therefore you can do nothing right by supporting it. The Iraqis did not ask America to fight their battles and do not want the US lording it over them permanently.
Even after the staged elections and fake democracy the Iraqi people know they have not been given freedom.
The American war is now breeding terrorists, you are now farming generations of enemy combatants and giving them justification for continuing the defence of Arab Land. This Empire is giving the opposition all the energy required to escalate the conflicts to envelope the entire Middle Eastern region.
Your war has only just begun, can you afford the crusade?
There have always been terrorists in the world, Johnny, these groups come and go, they are American, European and they were even the Saudi Arabians who gave us 911. Terrorists are Muslim, Christian and Jew, they are extrordinary people who strike terror into the hearts of others just to give the fatal force behind a concern. They are honour bound, fiercely patriotic and they are also brave people just like you, who fail to see they are repeating the same mistakes that got us to where we are.
If you want to win the GWOT, then stop useing American targets to train terrorists.
I pray for their safe return and an end to this war.
How many terrorists have you shot at you, Simon?
That's what I thought.
Don't presume to lecture me about terrorists until you have stood toe to toe with them. I have.
My Son was in the ceremony it gives me a great sense of pride, let me say as an ex-veteran it is not for the money, nor for the glory it is for your country, duty, honor, those who never served will never know this feeling. As far as our politics, it has always been America’s position to take out tyrants, our own country was founded on this basis. After our own freedom look through history and see how the monarchs and tyrants fell, the shining light of democracy before America there were no others. If you see someone bullied taken advantage of and your reaction is someone should do something and go on your way not doing it yourself, then these are the young people doing that something this stops here. Before the war a no fly zone was in place to protect north and south Iraq to end this would be to give a condolence for genocide, to remove the tyrant was a logical choice to end the eroding of the lives of those under rule. The problem I see is that you judge these heroes on what you would do, it is a natural physiological event to judge others from a prospective that is normal to the observer. If you have neither honor, nor moral fortitude but fill your soul with greed then you assume it was for money.