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Home Front: Politix
Allegations US Soldiers In Afghanistan Being Shorted Basic Supplies
2010-08-26
It's WND, folks, so it's likely nonsense.
The parents of an American soldier in Afghanistan have accused the U.S. government of leaving defenders of its freedoms without basics such as blankets, food, feminine hygiene supplies and even bullets.

"One of my soldiers went without ammo for five weeks once they got to Afghanistan because of shortages. I can't reveal the name, because they are frightened of reprisals. If they can do what they did to a four star general like [Gen. Stanley A.] McChrystal, what would they do to a buck private?"

That comes from a woman who, with her husband, has taken it upon herself to adopt soldiers and provide them with many of the needed basics.

The woman, assigned a pseudonym of "Beth," insisted her name not be used because of the possibility of reprisals against her or the soldiers.

But she said she received a report that a U.S. soldier bought a $15 knife "and slept with their hand on the handle in the waist of their pants because it was all they had for the moment to protect themselves."

The woman confirmed she and her husband are involved in supplying the basic necessities for some 50 soldiers -- because the military isn't.

"If the military doesn't supply what they need, they must depend on family or people like me," Beth said. "Many of these families are struggling on low wages, some parents are on disabilities and unable to help. Sending a box once a month during their deployment is not only good for their morale, but they need (to be) resupplied with many essential items."

The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment on the allegations. But one soldier told Beth the work days are 18 hours long, and they have few "real meals."
Posted by: Anonymoose

#14  Bodyguard: Way back in the old army, hrumph, when we got care packages of Cope, it was pretty obvious that the AAFES in Yurp was getting course-cut ends and pieces, full of stems and seeds. A stateside roll was quality cut, much finer cut, and twice as strong.

But you had to be very hard up to ever try the Swedish version, which was the lutefisk of tobacco.
Posted by: Anonymoose   2010-08-26 13:19  

#13  Don't worry R-Burgers, we're doing fine over here. Just the occasional rocket/mortar/splodey-dope attack to put up with. It's starting to cool off a bit here, temp's have only been in the lower to mid 120's. Can't wait for the tobacco embargo to end at the post offices there, ya just can't beat good old Stateside Copenhagen. I guess folks can ship it now if you use signature service, like I'll get a post man to show up to my hooch to make me sign for a few cans of snoose.

Best, Bodyguard
Posted by: Bodyguard   2010-08-26 12:16  

#12  World Net Daily is _worse_ than Weekly World News. It's designed to suck in those who have some gut feeling that something's wrong with our society, and channel their energy into something that isn't really threatening to the ruling class.

Oh, and as Pappy said, with WWN at least you got Batboy updates.
Posted by: Thing From Snowy Mountain   2010-08-26 10:43  

#11  I agree that it is likely caused by Pakistan flooding, with essential supplies taken from the rear areas and being sent to the active combat ops until the logistics train can be reestablished.

However, the flip side is that the reason mail packages are getting through is because it is flown in, and has long been a very high priority for morale reasons.

I've no idea what the APO and likely FPO air route is to Afghanistan, but its "last airport" probably isn't even in Pakistan.
Posted by: Anonymoose   2010-08-26 09:59  

#10  Weekly World News without Batboy.

I hereby nominate this for Snark of the Day. Well done, Pappy!
Posted by: RIcky bin Ricardo (Abu Babaloo)   2010-08-26 09:16  

#9  It's WorldNetDaily.

Twice the sensationalism. Double the RDA of purple prose. And only half the journalism of even Newsweek.

Weekly World News without Batboy.
Posted by: Pappy   2010-08-26 07:40  

#8  Unless you start seeing this sort of report from widespread sources, including milbloggers who get the info from buddies in theater, I also think it's BS.

If this was actually happening we'd hear about it damn quick in alot of ways.
Posted by: Silentbrick   2010-08-26 06:35  

#7  First Sergeants business I'd say.
Posted by: Besoeker   2010-08-26 05:52  

#6  ohh, might I mention... there is always the newby that you don't want to give a weapon to yet or ever, and also they are not going to leave base without one. Who knows. Seen many reasons for this myself.
Posted by: newc   2010-08-26 04:22  

#5  Maybe some truth. Logistics were choked during the floods. We have had low/no fuel days in deployments before. The external areas sometimes go for weeks with no support. This has been ongoing for a long time as logistic convoys have been burned and raided. Now it seems to be just a point that the floods in Pakistan made it very difficult to get the basics in. It has always been VERY tight.

The new route should help - Here...
Posted by: newc   2010-08-26 04:12  

#4  But she said she received a report that a U.S. soldier bought a $15 knife "and slept with their hand on the handle in the waist of their pants because it was all they had for the moment to protect themselves."

Why a a 15$ knife instead of a 10$ AK47? I think it is BS.
Posted by: JFM   2010-08-26 03:33  

#3  VERSUS

RENSE > seems the ROYAL NAVY may have to "borrow" Fighter planes, etc. from the US iff it wants to continue navair ops???
Posted by: JosephMendiola   2010-08-26 03:15  

#2  Yep, I'm calling bullshit on this. The 'stan is at the end of a very long and precarious supply line, so temporary shortages can develop in certain areas.
But if soldiers were really going without ammo for weeks at a time, the howling from Congress and the chain of command would shake down the Hindu Kush.
Posted by: Atomic Conspiracy   2010-08-26 00:48  

#1  But she said she received a report that a U.S. soldier bought a $15 knife "and slept with their hand on the handle in the waist of their pants because it was all they had for the moment to protect themselves."

Somehow, I don't think so.
Posted by: gorb   2010-08-26 00:44  

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