What has this folly wrought?

Ask any veteran of World War II, Korea or Vietnam: Did you ever envision a day where soldiers would patrol or conduct a reconnaissance mission using flashlight-equip-ped weapons that are cocked, ready to fire in an instant, and entering a structure by ramming a front door? At least they don't have to knock or have a search warrant.

They don't leave base without plastic handcuff ties and a GSR kit (short for gunshot residue). Before arresting the enemy and cuffing him, they have to make sure the enemy's hands have been tested for gunshot residue. No residue, no arrest and the suspect can regain his AK-47 and hide it under his bed again.

Remember, these specialized SWAT-like team members are trained humanitarians, sworn to uphold the law.

They were trained well when they went through advanced individual infantry training. Others on the same patrol may have, unfortunately, been trained to fire big guns -- 155mm howitzers -- but now patrol as infantry.

Some of the gun trucks escorting the big supply vehicles are manned by trained Air Force and Navy troops. That airman was trained to service airplanes; the sailor was trained to service boilers.

Baghdad seems secure. Sixty thousand plus troops, not counting the police, provide an illusion.

What do guerrillas, insurgents or sympathizers do when confronted by overwhelming force? They follow the doctrine: Those who live and run away, live to fight another day. Sure, some sacrifice to keep the occupying force tied down. The rest melt away to less hostile locations, there to wreak havoc, maim and kill.

What are we going to do to win the hearts and minds of those who have been occupied for four years under the worst of conditions -- threats, bombings and executions? I'm not optimistic. I pray for something good.

Andy Hawkinson

North Port

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