Comments for No Young Soldiers at http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com , comment 1 to 80 out of 20 comments http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com Tue, 09 Feb 2010 14:29:05 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-20218 Mr Yon: I have been an ardent admirer and advid reader of your posts and site since you satrted. Even though my previous and sometimes current, personal finances are um, thin, I try to donate to your continuing good works often. Regardless, I sincerely thank you for your dedication, often poorly supported, in providing us here @ home, some "ground truth". I'm first-generation Anglo-American, and an admirer of the UK 's forces. I've had the "honour" of working w/ elements of HM Royal Navy and Royal Marines ... well-discplined troops that are thoroughly professional ... so much so, that me and a friend donated a small amount to a UK-based organization similar to our "Wounded Warrior Project" and/or "Semper Fi Injured Marines Fund" ... I would like to appeal to my "fellow" readers - especially those connected in any way w/ the armed forces: If you support our own troops and our Allies, please forgo this month's beer re-supply and consider donating those funds to the many useful organizations here and in UK and Canada, that support our wounded, returning troops. I make it a personal point of honor and respect to say this in person to all of you on active service - US and our ABC Allies [Aussie, British and Canadian] - reading this rambling post: "Thank you sincerely for your service to our country(ies)!" Believe it or not, I'm envious: I'd rather be back on duty as an FMF Corpsman, but I'm disabled [only slightly!], too old and a "little" unfit (or so I''ve been told about 4X by NAVPERS and BuMED after beggin' to help 'my' Marines as they run toward the sound o' the guns) ...anyway, I'm a soon-to-be Instructor for the Army's 68 W course @ Ft Sam, so I reckon that kinda counts for service in time of war, huh?! - HM1 (DV/FMF/PJ) Michael E. Collins, USN (Ret) Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:20:35 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-20210 First, I'm proud of Michael Yon. His reporting is REAL. Second, beyond some British politics (MOD), even though the google earth images were older, it's still something that could be used to plot taliban fire missions, etc, so I can understand the Brits getting mad about that. But... the rest of the article does nothing but showcase the BRAVERY, DEDICATION, and HONOR of the Brits. Those guys are my heroes 'til the day I die. I hope the MOD reconsiders their decision, even if they have to lay down some ground rules about operational details. It seems to me that the Brits don't have a huge army, so they are doing their part, even with being hamstrung by politicians (they have blood on their hands!). God bless the Brits! - theFightingSeabee Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:42:07 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-20068 Yes Aunt its called LASTING TRIBUTE http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/featuredtributes/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/afghanistan - alison Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:21:48 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-20063 only the good die young? and remember your doing a GREAT job, we can all sleep and dream of nice things,because your all there protecting us.... so GOD BLESS and ma you all be safe.. ex-ARGYLL chic K.L.M.F .... Keep Low Move Fast.... - chic fleeting Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:11:24 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19928 Your lead photo for this episode has really touched me. There is something poignant in it. The exposure setting captures the sense of time moving along and soldiers coming and going through different conflicts. There is the immediate, life changing event and then the less important things that slowly slip from our memories as we move on through our lives. That picture has been searching my mind for several days. Thanks for the good and not so good memories. - James Duke Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:14:23 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19860 1366 08/13/09 Cahir, William J. Sergeant 40 U.S. Marine Reserve 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Forces Reserve Hostile - hostile fire Helmand Province Bellefonte Pennsylvania USA iCasualties.org: Operation Enduring Freedom - Aunt of 3 ANG Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:19:17 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19858 Michael. I have been here since I think 2005. Readin your posts and your stories reveals truth behind enemy lines. It would be a disaster to lose you bro. We nee more stories, real stories like yours to be revealed. CNN reports some off the wall crap that I don't seem to understand. Whats going on in Afghanistan is everyones interest as it is in Iraq. Not many care but, much do. Those who support you and our troops care bro. Keep your head down no matter where your at and always remember to adapt and overcome. The press may move along with fake half ass stories. But, you bro, speak the truth. Your there. They aren't. - The Raider Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:41:18 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19857 Does anyone know if there is a site where a perosn can put condolences for the fallen British heroes? The US has Legacy.com for American soldiers. I, for one, like to give honor to these fallen soldiers also. - Aunt of 3 ANG Sat, 15 Aug 2009 08:14:29 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19856 Now, forever young - Scott Dudley Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:32:51 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19855 Nope, I am right...3 photos below that is another. This is too close to home. Hope you are safe, Michael. - Scott Dudley Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:22:44 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19854 Hope I am wrong. - Scott Dudley Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:19:09 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19853 22 photos down from the top is a photo of Lance Bombardier Hatton. Sorry, Michael. - Scott Dudley Sat, 15 Aug 2009 01:01:58 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19852 RIP to his 2 colleagues also - PR Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:55:12 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19851 Lance Bombardier Hatton was killed on patrol in Sangin on Thursday - RIP http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8202864.stm - PR Fri, 14 Aug 2009 23:44:02 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19849 Hey where did u hear that about the NG? Most ANG did much longer than 12 mo in Iraq. As I stated on the next post our guys did almost 2 yrs there. I believe Iowa or Ohio did about the same length. I believe our Minn Gov Pawlenty was fighting to get the tours down to 12 months cuz of the toll it was taking on the NG and their families. The NG have lives (jobs schooling, etc ) that they leave in limbo while they are overseas unlike the ones that actually join the Army or Navy etc for a set amount of years. It is tough for employers to hold jobs for 2 years. Minn NG were on a marine base and they saw marines come and go home and the same ones come back again after they had a home break while our guys were there straight through. (Altho i sure don't begrudge the marines for that) As for leaving en masse i don't know. The ANG i know still have 4 yrs to go and some are back in Iraq and some are in Afghanistan and some will be in Afghanistan next fall. - Aunt of 3 ARN Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:27:40 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19845 I read the story about the US Marine officer and his remarks. I want to know why the New Statesman and the officer who reported the story have not 'outed' the USMC officer! Bear in mind this is a new statesman article and in my opinion is RUBBISH. US Marines/Soldiers work alongside British forces on a regular basis (to show them how ;) ) and almost all of them go back to their units with the greatest respect for our soldiers. UK Infantry units live in 'Terry's' back yard, they fight him EVERY day and unlike our American cousins they normally patrol in section or platoon strength (platoon patrol rotation) and not company strength; we don't have the numbers, unless undertaking a specific op. We need no lessons on how to fight any kind of war, especially the kind we are fighting right now, we've been doing this since Caesar landed and up to 1755 and beyond; plus 30+ years in Northern Ireland. As for short tours, as pointed out, the USMC do 6 monthers. the reason the USArmy (mostly NG) do 12 months as I understand, is that on return to the USA they leave the army 'en masse', this leaves very little in the way of combat experience to draw from. Also at the moment most british infantry units are on their SEVENTH tour of duty. We have nothing to prove. Perhaps that's what annoys so many US officers. - D Collins (Ex Light Infantry) Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:34:56 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19841 Having served as a rifleman with 2 Mercian during the summer of 2007 (they are currently redeployed in Afghanistan, third 'tour' in five years there) i don't recognise the observations the US officer makes. Sure we are a grubby bunch but this has more to do with our ability to keep clean. The lack of water neccesitates that we are unable to wash as often as we would like. I believe the US officer is really refering to us growing our hair and beards long (to save water) than overall hygiene - the US marines have to shave. I was in Sangin between April and July '07 and in that time i can assure you we were run into the ground by constant patrolling and deliberate ops - the only 'downtime' was to sleep eat and prepare for the next patrol, i fail to see how our tempo could be any higher! We are also not timid, everytime we are out we are looking for troubla and almost always find it. It is true we suffer a large number of heat casualties, however few of these are evacuated, in most cases the guys are back on the next patrol (rightly or wrongly). I think one reason for these heat injuries is the weight we are carrying...every man is carrying well over lbs100 on average in over 50C heat, this takes its toll on anybody. Because of lack of assets to resupply us in the field we have to carry all of our water and equipment for an op. In prolonged engaments we were envariably running out of water, that is when blokes tended to go down with heat stroke. Finally, it is rubbish to say that we moved out in overly large groups, most of the time we moved out in eight man sections (all though we were supported by other sections close by). We never moved out in larger than platoon formations and even then the platoon would be widley dispersed. Is a bit of a joke really as even these 'sections' and 'platoons' were not worthy of the name as they were so under-strength/manned (even at the start of the tour) that a section was lucky to constitute 6 blokes, let alone 8! Even my platoon was little more than a multiple (12 men) by the tail end of the tour. I have a lot of respect for the American soldiers and i felt when working alongside them (82nd airbourne and US spec ops) that the feeling was mutual, that is why i am surprised by this officers comments. - Peter Taylor-Smith (ex 2 Mercian) Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:40:08 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19839 I don't think he's right about everything Toxic but He was one of the first to argue that the Senior leadership of the Armed forces bore part of the responsibility for our difficulties. Also the crucuial issue for me is to pick apart the criticism. For example why are we having to take long recovery periods between patrols ( if indeed we are and I concede thats just stated not proven) it could be the need to maintain equipment, heatstroke whatever ? Thats what we should be doing, instead we get all defensive about it like its a US vs UK Army competition rather than a coalition. Windy, caution isn't cowardice it's a diffrent way of reacting to ambushes for example - do you go firm or all out attack - it's just tactics. Anyway I have to go and earn a living now. Cheers. - Tommy Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:29:39 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19838 if you can believe the media in the uk public opinion in the uk is split down the middle about if we should pull out of the war.but one thing you should believe is that the public are 100% behind the armed forces.all this nonsense about british army performance on the battlefield is a waste of time and energy.i would not make comments on the performance of american troops in combat because i don't know enough about it. i do know that every day they go out into combat without complaint and you should be proud of them. but if you believe anything mr yon has to say on the matter he has nothing but praise for british troops.i have read many reports of michaels in iraq and afghanistan and none of them have even hinted at any reluctance to fight the tali-tubbies or iraq's - windy Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:03:12 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com.php5-4.dfw1-1.websitetestlink.com/no-young-soldiers.htm#comment-19834 defence of the realm website is not really the best viewing. he gets ridiculed by the squaddies a fair bit for his ridiculous views on ARRSE and other websites. not a problem for posting the link. my main comments stem from general cynicism if im honest. i dont think he was a marine (as Yon has pointed out, the marines arnt exactly showering every day either ;)) especially with the comment on "short tours", as the US Marines do 6 month tours as well and the US Army has been under pressure to adopt it as well from their current 12/15 months. so i would imagine its either been horrendously reported or released to give the government/public a kick up the bum. I dont agree with Bob's points at all in that article either. looks to me like cheap political saving of his own ass. blaming his own dept's failures on not enough public support. Nevermind that if the "sense of purpose and momentum" has not being translated from the front line that is due to the MOD and government failing to do so, not the public or the troops. if some people in the UK believe its not worth it. give them legitimate reasoning to prove it is worth it. his "“This defeatism has been exacerbated by political arguments about British troop levels, vehicles and helicopters that often misunderstand the nature of coalition warfare.”" quote is frankly ridiculous. attempting to paint people that question his department as defeatists or not supporting the troops. - Toxicseagull Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:25:38 +0100