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Home Front: WoT
Military posts Iraq combat video on YouTube
2007-05-09
The US military is now posting video clips on YouTube showing US troops in combat and insurgents being bombed in a "boots on the ground" perspective of the Iraq war, officials said Monday. Multi-National Forces Iraq created a "channel" on the popular video sharing website in March to show the clips, which often capture the intensity of combat while generally showing US troops in a positive light.
Grab the smelling salts and the crash cart. Aunty and the Old Grey Lady are about to have a stroke.
Pentagon spokesmen were unable to explain what the military hopes to accomplish with the "MNFIRAQ" channel, but it appeared to be part of a push by to find new ways to gain support for a deeply unpopular war.
MNFIRAQ is not a very elegant acronym and a less appealing YouTube channel name. "We Win, They Lose" would be ever so much catchier.
"This is a specific effort to get information out about Iraq," said Colonel Gary Keck, a Pentagon spokesman. White House spokesman Tony Snow said he thought airing video clips of combat on YouTube was "a good idea. Because it's important sometimes to be able to get ... images out that are going to portray a fuller picture of what's going on on the battlefield."

The brief, slice-of-life-and-death videos carry titles like "More Fighting in Baqubah," "Battle on Haifa Street," "'Soft Knock' Search in Baghdad," and "Counter Mortar Operation." One shows US troops helping the victim of a car bombing, another returning a freed hostage to his family. Soldiers fire their weapons at unseen combatants in some shots, and run through smoke-filled streets in others. But in most, death remains somewhere beyond the frame.

"MNF-I established this YouTube channel to give viewers around the world a 'boots on the ground' perspective of Operation Iraqi Freedom from those who are fighting it," a statement posted on the channel said. "Video clips document action as it appeared to personnel on the ground and in the air as it was shot," it said. ""We will only edit video clips for time, security reasons and for over disturbing or offensive images."

In "Counter Mortar Operation," viewers are presented with an aerial view of six insurgents who are said to be firing a mortar, then breaking it down, and piling into their car to escape. They speed down a country road, seemingly unaware they are being watched. A missile is then seen entering the frame, followed by a fiery explosion. "Coalition air power destroys vehicle, mortar and insurgents," a caption reads.

These Hawaiian lifeguards wish all the ladies of Rantburg and other interested parties a hearty "Aloha!" They'll be over at the pool as soon as they finish resuscitating this distraught journo.
Typical of the emailed reactions to the clip, which the website says has been viewed more than 39,000 times,
38,994 of them from a Rooters IP
was one signed dboy4ever:

"Die terrorists and people who sympathize with them. You messed with the wrong country," he wrote.

Sometimes viewers take away a different message.

"I am sure the Iraqi freedom fighters don't like that the American terrorists are on their turf. I guess that's why you'll never win this war," wrote Lleuwelynn in response to another combat video.
Posted by:Clalet Spaimble1254

#6  The April American deaths break down to:
IED: 61
Direct Combat: 35
Non-hostile: 8
Posted by: Chuck Simmins   2007-05-09 09:19  

#5  This reminds me of the black and white videos that were done by the War Department during World War II and Korea. The videos would be shown prior to feature presentations in the movie houses.

When Mash was still on TV, I remember they used to use the same method to show the world what was taking place in Korea and then cut to the live actors.

It was a pretty effective way of getting the message out to the people at home and a way to keep morale up. And also to show what was happening on the ground. The Military also had direct say on what was shown, not to also inadvertently give the enemy information; unlike to today unfortunately.

Obviously, it was also a alternative to the Paper and Radio; then later Television. I can't remember if the same tactic was used during the Vietnam War. I only remember watching the action in Vietnam on the news broadcasts.
Posted by: Delphi2005   2007-05-09 08:35  

#4  Gotta love "journalists":

Pentagon spokesmen were unable to explain what the military hopes to accomplish...

Followed by:

"This is a specific effort to get information out about Iraq," said Colonel Gary Keck, a Pentagon spokesman. White House spokesman Tony Snow said he thought airing video clips of combat on YouTube was "a good idea. Because it's important sometimes to be able to get ... images out that are going to portray a fuller picture of what's going on on the battlefield."

Sounds like you got two explanations of what they're trying to accomplish. I guess the explanations didn't fit the story line you prefer, though, so you had to say they're "unable to explain" and try to spin them as incompetent or acting with secret motives.
Posted by: Rob Crawford   2007-05-09 05:37  

#3  Hallelujah! It's about time. Why did we cede the media to al Jizzeera and the MSM traitors for so long?
Posted by: Grath the Rasher6250   2007-05-09 02:58  

#2  Pentagon spokesmen were unable to explain what the military hopes to accomplish...

Seems more likely that the 'reporter' didn't like the explanation, or the spokesmen were too polite to tell the idjit that maybe its because he and his ilk are traitors and should be hung from the nearest lamp post. This should have started four years ago.
Posted by: PBMcL   2007-05-09 01:42  

#1  Most of the 100 US casualties in April were killed in direct combat. Fortunately, Operations chose to ignore last November's consultant report, advocating 24-7 patrols. Patrols are of limited use in this kind of war. Good Intel and taking it to the enemy will win it, and foster more good Intel. In spite of the casualty rate, dollars for dimes says that US troops are now fighting the war that they have always wanted to fight.
Posted by: Sneaze   2007-05-09 01:36  

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