Thanks NickFaust; we get it. I hope that one day FattyFatty2x4 will too, though sadly, I doubt that he will. It is more likely that he will return to that enlightened land of Provo, continue hanging out with the same like-minded people with whom he feels comfortable, and never grow out of the cocoon of self-importance.
It's sad because we all want so much for those people that risk their lives. We want them to return safely, we want them to abandon their reckless submission to the military, and we want them to return enlightened. Most of us support them more than they may ever understand.
Ya know its nonsense like this that just makes me sick. Do you believe every bit of internet filth you read or do you pick and chose? I'm sorry that you only get a small perspective of what goes on over here. I dont blame you. How could you possibly know? Perhaps you should get some input from people with boots on the ground rather than some fuckstick that wants you to be angry and vent. Thats how he gets your attention.
First off, yes the "American taxpayer" is paying for the Iraqi war. You started it, therefore you have a responsiblity. I say you only because I get all my taxes back since Iraq is a tax-free combat zone. If you didnt want to pay for this war, then you shouldnt have voted for the tards that are fucking this place up as it is. If you didn't vote or you're candidate lost, sorry. Thats democracy. Majority rules.
Secondly, the people we pay are called CLC's (concerned local citizens), formally known as IPV's (Iraqi Provisional Volunteers). Whatever doubletalk we use to call these guys, they do a job that saves YOU the taxpaying american money.
There is a specialty in the military called EOD. Explosive ordinance disposal goes out and blows up whatever IED's we find on patrol. They also sweep major supply lines for said device. Its possible that they are one of the most overworked and desprately needed jobs in Iraq and I have much respect for them.
Any EOD tech will tell you that the time, money, and focus spent on blowing a single IED (real, fake, or false call) is fucking expensive. its a long process from 1-72 hours depending on alot of factors. If you wanna know just msg me.
Now what these CLC's do is man the roads safeguarding them from IED's and ambushs. Its true that some of them were the same cunts we fought a few months ago, but most of the people that emplaced IEDs did so for money. Its a social faux paux (like being a card carrying member of the KKK) to be associated with insurgent groups, but alot of them have a family to feed. 100 bucks to plant a bomb in the road and possibly get a .50 CAL round to the chest.
We are offering them another path. One that would put them at risk, if they werent guarding their own tribe's roads. Since the whole fucking area is involved, it brings a sense of ownership and security. Its the first time in two deployments that I've seen these people stand up for themselves. these guys even go so far as to walk the roads and dig up IEDs to bring to us for a bonus.
We dont let just anyone have a weapon. When they are on duty, the CLC's must wear roadguard vests, they are subject to search by any american or iraqi army personnel, they must be registered (name, fingerprints, retinal imaging, and picture) to the serial number on that weapon. should they chose to say fuck this I quit, they are fairly easy to track down. But they dont because they dont fight for us. they fight for themselves.
Whats that you say? Maybe they just make the bombs and bring them in for money. Who gives a fuck? Would you rather it kill another soldier or some civilians? WAY more cost effective. A humvee is somewhere areound 150k fully combat ready and the soldiers inside are worth more than you'll ever know, Mr. taxpayer. CLC's make 200 a month for standing in the sun for twelve hours and 100 for bringing in an IED. Maybe a couple grand for a blacklisted insurgent. Do the math.
My brigade lives among the people. We balance the sector and involve sheiks in the government. the CLC's have the balls to dig up that which could disintegrate them and bring it to us. it goes into a hole on the fob and then EOD comes out to blow the lot of them in one fell swoop. Saving you money. In return we allow them to carry weapons and use the roads THEY defend.
Want proof that its working? Knock on wood, my battalion hasnt lost a man since we started organizing the peple to fight the insurgents. Believe whatever you want. I'm here, in Iraq, seeing change for the better and you are saving money here.
Iraqi sub-contractors are charging the US Government four times the going rate for work because they are paying off insurgents/terrorists so they won't blow up supply convoys.
You talk about CLCs who provide tips and sometimes help the armed forces in other ways being compensated for their services.
I think there's a difference between a terrorist and a concerned citizen that wants to help their community and/or country - don't you?
_kungfoo_
Los Angeles, CA
April 2005
SEP 01, 2007 06:56 PM