Gung-ho US troops urged to be more British

By Aussiegirl

Is this any way to fight a war???

This really dovetails with the Shelby Steele article of yesterday in which white guilt was blamed for the timid and PC way this war is being fought. Unfortunately, it appears that the modern U.S. military is under political constraints to fight a PC culturally sensitive war that favors restraint even when it results in higher U.S. casualties.

It's gut-wrenchingly disgusting. We should not be hamstringing our beautiful young people and exposing them to danger -- and then prosecuting them if they defend themselves and act like military. This is no way to fight OR win a a war. And the very idea that our actions in any way create an insurgency is the height of madness. That is taking the liberal mantra as fact.

Telegraph News Gung-ho US troops urged to be more British

senior American general has ordered his troops to reduce the lethal force used against Iraqis, citing fears that trigger-happy behaviour is aggravating the insurgency.

Lt Gen Peter Chiarelli, who commands operations for the 132,000 American soldiers in the country, told his men to display more sensitivity and reach for their guns less often.

"We risk the chance of creating an insurgent, of creating somebody who gets so disgusted. . . that they get off the fence and go to the wrong side," he told the New York Times. "That has probably happened in many instances."

Gen Chiarelli is known as an apostle of the British approach to counter-insurgency warfare that is increasingly favoured by many in America's military.

On a previous tour in Iraq, he worked to win Iraqi hearts in Baghdad through involvement in projects such as the provision of water.

American troops in the most violent areas of Iraq face regular attack by suicide bombers and gunmen. Iraqis have complained that the Americans are too willing to open fire first and ask questions later.

Now the troops have been told to use lethal force as a last resort. They are being issued with new equipment, including the wider use of the bright flashing lights of stroboscopes at night to warn Iraqi divers of an approaching checkpoint. Troops will also use warning signs in Arabic rather than warning shots.

In a further attempt to aid troops and reduce Iraqi casualties, intelligence officers have identified signs in the behaviour of suicide bombers and other assailants. A list will be issued to combat troops patrolling towns and cities.

The general said: "What we are asking people to do is think through and talk through with soldiers. . . and ask, 'When should you apply deadly force?' "

To underline his point, Gen Chiarelli sent his subordinate commanders articles from British newspapers criticising the sometimes tough tactics used by American soldiers at roadblocks and when driving in convoy.

"I don't think it hurts us at all to take a look at it. . . It falls in line with what I am trying to do in urging a higher level of understanding and cultural sensitivity."

But some American officers have criticised the new approach, saying that it could create more casualties among their men.