Vehicle Armor in Iraq

Topic: Iraq

I don't normally blog twice in one day, but I've discovered a fantastic blog that I just had to share.

1st Lt. Neil Prakash is a platoon commander in the tank corps and currently stationed in Iraq. His blog Armor Geddon is a well written and engaging account of his experiences in Iraq.

By now I'm sure most of you have heard about the press conference Donald Rumsfield had in Iraq where a soldier (having been coached by a reporter) complained about lack of armor for vehicles. While Rumsfield's response was pretty aweful, Lt. Prakash had this to say:

I HATE WHINEY [expletive]... The problem isn't the equipment, it's the attitude of soldiers... Now I know what you're going to say. Blah blah something about having the right equipment and force protection for our soldiers. You want to know what force protection is?

DISCIPLINE. When you have discipline, everything else falls into place.

I'm disgusted by that convoy that refused orders in Baghdad. Give me a dune buggy. I'll deliver your groceries on Haifa street.

Just do your mission and shut up. It's not as bad as it seems on TV.