Commander sees better quality of life (Iraq 4 Major Bases for troops)

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=17228

Instead of the more than 20 bases now scattered around Baghdad, the 1st Armored Division plans to consolidate its 35,000 troops into four major, brigade-level forward operating bases by early next year, according to the division’s commander, Brig. Gen. Martin E. Dempsey.

“I’m bringing in to protect them,” Dempsey said earlier this month. “Right now, I am using 33 percent of my combat power to protect .”

That’s a level that cannot be sustained, Dempsey said. And if he tried, he said, “I’ll turn into a self-licking ice-cream cone.”

Dempsey’s plan is to consolidate at the brigade level, using four major forward operating bases, or “FOBs.” His target date to complete the job is Jan 1.

--snip--

With so much territory to monitor, the troops are currently spread all over the city. Some troops living in relative comfort, and others in extreme bare-base conditions.

The disparities are not good for morale, but trying to bring so many different kinds of housing up to snuff is expensive and tough to coordinate from a contracting standpoint, Dempsey said.

[RobertSeattle]

1. self-licking ice-cream cone...

Someone needs to say that to George Bush in a press conference - I think his eyes will just roll up in his head trying to comprehend the analogy...

[atreides1]

2. My Question

How the hell does this commander plan on building these bases?

Building materials don't just float down the Tigris river, where does
he plan to get that from?

And the most important question, where is the money coming from?

And what about the other units in Iraq, what don't they deserve
a safe base camp too.

I guess this is what they mean by the term "An Army Of One"

[pw]

4. So what happens to the patrols?

Does this mean fewer troops keeping the peace because they're all safely tucked away at a Major Base?

[NickB79]

6. I'd say the most important question is

How long will it take for the Iraqis to realize that we there to stay when they see us building massive, 35,000-man military bases, rise up, and kick our asses back to the sea?

[Rose Siding]

3. Is this part of prep for early $ request?

As in, Gee, the 400 billion DoD budget just isn't enough to treat our soldiers like people?

Or do they want four bases with air strips for the pull out that Perle is floating?

[StandWatie]

5. brilliant..

now the Iraqi's need less volunteers to drive the exploding trucks.

All the Americans will be in one place.

This is bad, bad, stuff and no matter what they call it the real word would be retreat.