Brilliantly stated. Our military represents the best of who we are, and recovery of missing personnel is an important component. The Iranian people have noticed and are celebrating our success.
This essay confirms how special the U.S. military is despite criticism from other nations and individuals. It is indicative of how special the current administration is, especially as compared to the previous anti-American regime.
That's why our military is so strong. We place a value on our soldiers lives, not a price tag. We say no man left behind because we know what they mean to us, and to their families.
Tis an interesting thought that if it were these exact commenters who were 'the man left behind', would their arm chair quarterback opinions be the same?
Or would they be hoping the USAF were somewhere near the vicinity?
Like, REALLY CLOSE BY!
Human life is priceless.
Equipment can be replaced.
The unity of the force KNOWING the Team has their back, come hell or high water, makes them a force of immeasurable fortitude, perseverance, strength and loyalty.
And with that, comes compassion and regard for life itself.
Foubert and his Polish commenters represent a country that canβt even fight for its own sovereignty. They have no clue what or how or why our motto is important and patriotic. Pilots and all military members are worth more than any plane(s).
If you think spending $200M to bring one American colonel home was βstrategic weakness disguised as virtueβ, let me tell you a story about how much we spent rebuilding Poland after they got their asses kicked by Germany and then protecting millions of limp dick Poles from Russia for 75 years. That was some serious βstrategic weakness disguised as virtueβ as the only thing we got in return was ungrateful idiots like @Arrogance_0024
Mr Hinojosa, you are in error here. In 1939 Poland was attacked by both Nazi Germany _and_ the Soviet Union. It's no shame to lose, in that case. After World War II, Poland came under the control of the Soviet Union. So no US dollars were spent in rebuilding it (nor any of the other Eastern Bloc countries), and our troops were certainly not protecting it in any way.
In any case, Poland did send several thousand troops in our 2003 invasion of Iraq. A nice gesture of support.
Thank you for your reply. My intention was to shame Anonymous 0024 for criticizing the U.S. militaryβs strategy of leaving no man behind, not Polandβs loss of territory in WWII. It appears very arrogant and lacking in self-awareness for Poles, such as Anonymous 0024, to criticize US militaryβs strategy in light of the relative successes and failures of the two countriesβ in military endeavors. It also struck a βdonβt bite the hand that feeds youβ note given that the US has provided at least $11 Billion in military lending to the Poland, the U.S. contributes 60-70% of NATO (ie. Defense of Europe) funding, and the US maintains a permanent force of 10,000 American military troops in Poland. That includes a permanent missile defense base and other direct military operations, not just joint training type support. The U.S. has contributed a total of over 20$ TRILLION (over half of our national debt) to NATO since it was formed. Being on the Eastern flank, Poland receives an outsized portion of NATO common funds. Of those Poland directed NATO funds (ie funds from NATO to Poland, not contributions from Poland to NATO) the largest portion has gone to fund fuel infrastructure in Poland. How much has Poland contributed to fuel infrastructure in the U.S.? How much do they contribute for missiles that protect our country? How much have they contributed to protect their own fuel supplies and the supplies of other European countries from a nuclear ready Iran? None. They donβt want to get involved. They donβt even want to protect their own fuel shipments from the Middle East. Their 2000 troops in Iraq may or may not have been important to the mission. I have no idea. But their pundits calling our military weak for valuing one life over $200M in military equipment.
You are correct however, that we didnβt start protecting Poland until they joined NATO. Unless you count all of our Cold War efforts to free Soviet occupied countries like Poland, who then joined the European community as sovereign democracies. Now that theyβre safely under our wing over there on the eastern flank, they have a funny way of saying βThank you, United States. Thank you American taxpayers whose generous contributions allow us to live every day without even thinking about whether Russia is going to come across our eastern border. Thank you, but gee, you sure do suck at military strategyβ. From up here in the cheap seats, it looks like our military is pretty decent, but our choices of friends suck.
On a visit last October to the American Cemetery in Normandy we saw a wall of approximate 1200 names of the MIA. They gave their all and I was proud that our country continues the search for them, and they are not forgotten. Iβm proud of this countryβs commitment to our servicemen & women past & present.
Great article, thought provoking. I believe this article and comments says more about the critics than it says about the no man left behind philosophy. I will make one correction however. Israel will and has spent time treasure and blood to recover remains of fallen soldiers and airmen.
That said, life seems much more valuable to civilizations that adopt the Judeo-Christian ethos. John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" comes to mind. Would a brother soldier give 100% effort if in the back of his mind he knew his life was simply expendable? Mogadishu comes to mind. How would DJT have handled that rescue?
In contrast, Islam brainwashes it's adherents that death is the highest sacrifice. How can a Muslim mother strap a suicide vest on her child? How can Muslim parents send their children into a minefield to clear a path for soldiers? Will Iran lower the age of military recruits to 12? Islam teaches hate towards the West beginning in grade school. Contrary to GWB, Islam is not a religion of peace.
As a civilian today, I am walking a little taller knowing I have a Commander in Chief that is not fighting a politically correct war. A CiC that will go to extreme to save that one precious American life. Did I cringe at the equipment loss during this operation? You bet. There will be a complete de-brief, lessons learned and procedures changed. The next exfil will be safer, faster and more efficient. I pray there won't be a next time.
Brilliantly stated. Our military represents the best of who we are, and recovery of missing personnel is an important component. The Iranian people have noticed and are celebrating our success.
Very well said. ππ»
Yuge point, John.
Like has never been seen before.
This essay confirms how special the U.S. military is despite criticism from other nations and individuals. It is indicative of how special the current administration is, especially as compared to the previous anti-American regime.
Turning the loss of 1 aircraft into the loss of 8 aircraft is indeed, truly special.
12aircraft I think?
The count is going up hour by hour.
Funny how they stretch the truth!
That's why our military is so strong. We place a value on our soldiers lives, not a price tag. We say no man left behind because we know what they mean to us, and to their families.
Tis an interesting thought that if it were these exact commenters who were 'the man left behind', would their arm chair quarterback opinions be the same?
Or would they be hoping the USAF were somewhere near the vicinity?
Like, REALLY CLOSE BY!
Human life is priceless.
Equipment can be replaced.
The unity of the force KNOWING the Team has their back, come hell or high water, makes them a force of immeasurable fortitude, perseverance, strength and loyalty.
And with that, comes compassion and regard for life itself.
Awesome writing.
Clear, concise, and logical.
Thank you.
*Tips hat
Much Love
My sentiments exactly.
Very succinct, very well said. Thank you.
This is a wonderful essay - a keeper. Thank you so much for it.
Foubert and his Polish commenters represent a country that canβt even fight for its own sovereignty. They have no clue what or how or why our motto is important and patriotic. Pilots and all military members are worth more than any plane(s).
Grateful for the people who risked their lives to return our pilot. This was critically important to the success of the campaign.
The argument is clear and logical. And clearly we would have no military volunteers without this. Thank you for educating us all, including Europeans.
You never fail to impress me, not just with your homework but with your choice of topics. Thank you!
If you think spending $200M to bring one American colonel home was βstrategic weakness disguised as virtueβ, let me tell you a story about how much we spent rebuilding Poland after they got their asses kicked by Germany and then protecting millions of limp dick Poles from Russia for 75 years. That was some serious βstrategic weakness disguised as virtueβ as the only thing we got in return was ungrateful idiots like @Arrogance_0024
Mr Hinojosa, you are in error here. In 1939 Poland was attacked by both Nazi Germany _and_ the Soviet Union. It's no shame to lose, in that case. After World War II, Poland came under the control of the Soviet Union. So no US dollars were spent in rebuilding it (nor any of the other Eastern Bloc countries), and our troops were certainly not protecting it in any way.
In any case, Poland did send several thousand troops in our 2003 invasion of Iraq. A nice gesture of support.
Thank you for your reply. My intention was to shame Anonymous 0024 for criticizing the U.S. militaryβs strategy of leaving no man behind, not Polandβs loss of territory in WWII. It appears very arrogant and lacking in self-awareness for Poles, such as Anonymous 0024, to criticize US militaryβs strategy in light of the relative successes and failures of the two countriesβ in military endeavors. It also struck a βdonβt bite the hand that feeds youβ note given that the US has provided at least $11 Billion in military lending to the Poland, the U.S. contributes 60-70% of NATO (ie. Defense of Europe) funding, and the US maintains a permanent force of 10,000 American military troops in Poland. That includes a permanent missile defense base and other direct military operations, not just joint training type support. The U.S. has contributed a total of over 20$ TRILLION (over half of our national debt) to NATO since it was formed. Being on the Eastern flank, Poland receives an outsized portion of NATO common funds. Of those Poland directed NATO funds (ie funds from NATO to Poland, not contributions from Poland to NATO) the largest portion has gone to fund fuel infrastructure in Poland. How much has Poland contributed to fuel infrastructure in the U.S.? How much do they contribute for missiles that protect our country? How much have they contributed to protect their own fuel supplies and the supplies of other European countries from a nuclear ready Iran? None. They donβt want to get involved. They donβt even want to protect their own fuel shipments from the Middle East. Their 2000 troops in Iraq may or may not have been important to the mission. I have no idea. But their pundits calling our military weak for valuing one life over $200M in military equipment.
You are correct however, that we didnβt start protecting Poland until they joined NATO. Unless you count all of our Cold War efforts to free Soviet occupied countries like Poland, who then joined the European community as sovereign democracies. Now that theyβre safely under our wing over there on the eastern flank, they have a funny way of saying βThank you, United States. Thank you American taxpayers whose generous contributions allow us to live every day without even thinking about whether Russia is going to come across our eastern border. Thank you, but gee, you sure do suck at military strategyβ. From up here in the cheap seats, it looks like our military is pretty decent, but our choices of friends suck.
On a visit last October to the American Cemetery in Normandy we saw a wall of approximate 1200 names of the MIA. They gave their all and I was proud that our country continues the search for them, and they are not forgotten. Iβm proud of this countryβs commitment to our servicemen & women past & present.
Great article, thought provoking. I believe this article and comments says more about the critics than it says about the no man left behind philosophy. I will make one correction however. Israel will and has spent time treasure and blood to recover remains of fallen soldiers and airmen.
That said, life seems much more valuable to civilizations that adopt the Judeo-Christian ethos. John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" comes to mind. Would a brother soldier give 100% effort if in the back of his mind he knew his life was simply expendable? Mogadishu comes to mind. How would DJT have handled that rescue?
In contrast, Islam brainwashes it's adherents that death is the highest sacrifice. How can a Muslim mother strap a suicide vest on her child? How can Muslim parents send their children into a minefield to clear a path for soldiers? Will Iran lower the age of military recruits to 12? Islam teaches hate towards the West beginning in grade school. Contrary to GWB, Islam is not a religion of peace.
As a civilian today, I am walking a little taller knowing I have a Commander in Chief that is not fighting a politically correct war. A CiC that will go to extreme to save that one precious American life. Did I cringe at the equipment loss during this operation? You bet. There will be a complete de-brief, lessons learned and procedures changed. The next exfil will be safer, faster and more efficient. I pray there won't be a next time.
Well said!
Department of War can sell the movie rights for more than the cost of the list aircraft!
Interesting thought, Mike.
YES, YES, YES. You understand it, Alex. Not many do. Thank God Pete Hegseth does, and those that serve under him.
Excellent