The number of casualties in Afghanistan has become something of a dull background noise on our daily news but today we saw the worst 24hours of the British involvement so far at least in terms of casualties. 8 soldiers killed in a single day, 8 families lost sons, fathers and brothers, at the end of what has been a pretty bad week politicians are now arguing about strategy and resources let us not forget the men who have given their lives in their nations name. BBC NEWS | UK | Afghan strategy 'right', PM says Several troopers from my regiment have been involved in Op Panther Claw, I even spotted one of my guys on the news the other day. Let's hope the government don't go for another stupid knee-jerk reaction wasting money on useless kit and instead take a moment to look at the situation and respond intelligently.
Timely reminder Stefan, and this raises a question for our American and Canadian rogues in comparison to Uk losses which now stand at 184 how are their troops faring?
Hello Stefan, my sincere sympathies to those families and all the others. We had a bad day too on Tuesday, loosing 3 comrades. But as long as we have to shout upon a TIC, Melgaro Mellatuna – Dreesch, ka ne se dasee kawum - I fear that our losses are going to increase in the future, especially since the Talban have abandoned their previous hit and run tactics and not to mention our "platform hillside camp". Regards Kruska
The four American soldiers killed Saturday were initially identified as Army soldiers, they were however Marines. These deaths bring to 106 the number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan this year — a record pace. Last year 151 U.S. troops died in the country. See: 4 US Marines killed in bomb blasts in southern Afghanistan -- chicagotribune.com As of Saturday, July 11, 2009, at least 657 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a result of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to the Defense Department. The department last updated its figures Friday at 10 a.m. EDT. See: At least 657 US military deaths in Afghanistan region since 2001, Defense Department says -- chicagotribune.com I also saw a list of the other nation's military deaths in Iraq, but of course I lost track of where it was. Sorry.
They are doing a job that needs doing....And without taking away....we should remember...1972..over 160 soldiers killed in one year in Belfast....600 odd overall...some jobs just have to be done... However Stefan, I still dont like the measly political words....especially when they talk of helicopter capability increases...84 percent more lift et al et al et al....doesnt mean more helicopters though....and cant be in 2 places at once just becuase one is bigger than another...How many more choppers are in theatre than this time in say 2003? Thats a question worth answering.
was chattimg to a tom on leave he suggests next time gordom is out there he should go up by land rover not a chopper then ask him if alls well
Clint, thanks for the info I did not realise US losses had been that high to date but then I forgot German, troops were involved to,but then we only learn through the news which mainly focouses on Brit troops and this being a ww2 forum any news relating to Afghanistan, gets left in the dark which is a real shame R.I.P ALL TROOPS ALL NATIONS WHOM HAVE FALLEN IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TALIBAN AND TERRORISM.
Well said Welsh til I die! We must never forget those who so graciously and boldly serve their country. Extending my thanks and condolences Mark
If you compare casualty figures to similar time frames during World War II, the amount of casualties suffered since 2001 (8 years of combat) amount to maybe a few days of combat in World War II, which is rather remarkable if you think about the ground that has been covered and the advanced weapons used today. Not that that justifies those who have died, I just have a problem with the way the media portrays death these days. Part of a Soldiers duty is to put his life on the line for his country and sadly, many of these soldiers end up paying the ultimate price for doing their duty. All those nay sayers about the war etc - this is what I say to them - "Support the troops, even if you don't support the war.".
i dont think folk here have a problem its govt panicking folk support the troops on this one they see thegovt not doing the same though govt glt to stop spinning on this one
One of the eight British soldiers came from the small country town in which I live, another from the industrial town in which I was born. I support the troops, they carry out their duties who ever comes up the ideas. As to my feelings of those in power I will keep to myself.Having read alot of British Colonial history I am more aware than a lot of people about Afgahnistan in Britains past.
musso is correct of course but none of us wants to see unnecessary deaths resupply in main shud and does mean choppers
Urqh, there are 8 Chinooks in Helmand, 8, to transport food, water, ammo, weapons, soldiers, post and everything else. Moreover, it is the only chopper that is armoured and armed enough to hack it really, the others have their place but have smaller troop carrying capacity. Another thing worth asking, what is with all those cavalry troopers on foot patrols, they are not infantry so of course they are taking casualties. Before someone says 'everyone is a soldier first, trade second' fair enough, but 'infantry' is now a specialist trade with the vast array of weapons systems, vehicles, patrol equipment and so on they have to carry, as well as the enormous variety of different tactics they have to master, you can no longer expect everyone in the army to be able to perform the task as well as the PBI. My counter to that is 'don't confuse opposing the war to opposing the troops.'
artillary men being killed on patrol...strains of n.ireland..this is nothing like ireland...artillary are not infantry...milliband is served well by an unquestioning media.
The Vietnam War was going for 16 years trying to prop up a corrupt government.This one has only been going for eight.Plenty of time yet for the politicos to get the message and I fear the result will be the same. Till then support our Forces, they deserve better. ( big shock to hear onLy 8 Chinooks in Helmond)
rhs the problem is it shouldnt be a shock, the figurer stefan quotes have been common knowledge in soldier magazine and mil forums for a long time..as for jock stirrup...he and raf are part of the prob no matter what he suddenly says..
