Article

2004-01-16 Home Front

"Iâm not going to start Third World War for you," Jackson told Clark

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Yosemite Sam 2004-01-16 10:51:15 AM|| || Front Page|| [4 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 A paradox of sorts? Do we think Wes was bold and doing the right thing? Or, was he powertripping without seeing the big global strategic pic? Clinton didn't back him obviously, and being no fan of Clinton myself in regards to his handling of Military situations - would push me to think Clark may not have been all that crazy. Then throw into the mix Shelton's remarks about Clark's integrity being suspect. The plot thickens my friends..........

Posted by Jarhead 2004-1-16 11:02:53 AM|| 2004-1-16 11:02:53 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 General Clark, for example, pressed for the use of Apache attack helicopters, but his wish was denied amid fears of American casualties.

I hate to seem like I'm defending the guy, but didn't we end up using the Apaches over there anyway? Of course, good tactical sense doesn't have to translate into anything else. Sounds like weasel should have topped out at 2 stars with the cav.

Posted by 4thInfVet 2004-1-16 11:55:35 AM|| 2004-1-16 11:55:35 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 Yosemite Sam -- Thanks for posting this! I wasn't sure of the details, but was certain this was why he was booted out. Glad to see my years of hard ~~partying~~ studying in college didn't go to waste.

Posted by Desert Blondie 2004-1-16 12:02:26 PM|| 2004-1-16 12:02:26 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 4IV: The Apaches were sent to the theater (high in the Albanian mountains) but never used in combat. I am convinced that was due to foot-dragging on the part of the people in charge of the Apache unit, but I have no proof...

Posted by Carl in N.H. 2004-1-16 12:30:28 PM|| 2004-1-16 12:30:28 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 Clark's tactics seem sound in this situation. I can't really criticize the guy for this decision. But, as several others have said, the integrity remark is what bothers me here.

Posted by mjh 2004-1-16 1:10:12 PM|| 2004-1-16 1:10:12 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 Aside from the Apache's not being used, M1A1's were too big for the roads and bridges in most of the country, another intel screw up. In regards to my earlier comment, Clinton seems to back Clark politically behind the scenes right now versus the Deanster. Interesting turn of events.

Posted by Jarhead 2004-1-16 1:55:14 PM|| 2004-1-16 1:55:14 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 1)Clark wasn't relieved,he was asked to leave a few months early.That's what Clark tried to claim on Chris Matthews show recently.Guess being fired hurt his feelings.
2)The Apache episode was a major f***up as I recall.The DOD didn't want to send them,fearing high casualties(rightfully so IMHO).The stateside unit that was sent crashed a couple while training in theatre-heads should have rolled for that,and I don't recall any doing so.

Posted by Stephen 2004-1-16 6:27:18 PM|| 2004-1-16 6:27:18 PM|| Front Page Top

00:51 Anon1
00:46 Anon1
00:34 Anon1
23:51 Bomb-a-rama
23:47 andrew k
22:41 Wasserman
22:05 djohn66
22:05 4thInfVet
21:59 phil_b
21:51 Lone Ranger
21:28 Anonymous
21:20 Grunter
21:19 Dr. Weevil
21:15 Stephen
20:28 Alaska Paul
20:26 Alaska Paul
20:23 Anonymous
20:20 Alaska Paul
20:15 Charles
20:11 Well-Armed Lamb
20:10 Shipman
20:08 Shipman
20:07 DANEgerus
20:00 Shipman