POTUS addressing the nation on actions in the Middle East (Sept 2014); your thoughts?

2014-09-10T21:37:34-04:00

Well watched the President address America tonight. This will be interesting to see if the coalition actually commits ground troops. I'm a little concerned about sending another 450 personnel to the region. If I'm counting right that will be now 1500+ there. One thing a little confusing in the thinking is they won't be involved in any combat. We are told they are only to protect the embassy and other assets. So are they just going to talk their way out of situations.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 9:36 PM

2014-09-10T21:36:07-04:00

Isn't still 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500. I like it.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 10 at 2014 9:39 PM

2014-09-10T21:39:56-04:00

I'm not crazy about the idea of putting so few boots on the ground. Even if he never intends on actual ground combat, the number seems relatively....unprotected.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 9:41 PM

2014-09-10T21:41:28-04:00

Forgot to watch it, was intending to, but Orioles destroying the Red Sox was on replay and I got busy reading school work. How was it?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 9:57 PM

2014-09-10T21:57:07-04:00

...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 10 at 2014 10:09 PM

2014-09-10T22:09:02-04:00

Yeah I was watching NCIS, felt no desire to watch any "reality" TV tonight.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 10 at 2014 10:10 PM

2014-09-10T22:10:31-04:00

It all sounds like job security to me... We are going to need a major conflict if we are going to end this drawdown/budget cuts nonsense..

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Sep 10 at 2014 10:15 PM

2014-09-10T22:15:28-04:00

I caught the tail end of it... Oh wait, that was the President! School obligations prevented me from catching all of it, thank God for You Tube. What I did see sounded like the same things that are already happening.

Personally it sounded like a lot of rhetoric tucked around ambiguous sound bites that make it difficult to know exactly what he means. I guess soon we will find out.

It all sounds like a political move to satisfy those who are complaining he is not doing anything, and keep those who don't want him to do any more happy.

He has no clue about what he is doing.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Sep 10 at 2014 10:27 PM

2014-09-10T22:27:07-04:00

Less talking. More doing.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 10 at 2014 10:32 PM

2014-09-10T22:32:19-04:00

I missed it....I got involved in a serious family function..... I was either helping with dishes or folding laundry and loading the next wash load..... I really can't stand to listen to anyone that raises my blood pressure and or stress due to ....... oh, wait, I am still active duty. I will stop here.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 10:48 PM

2014-09-10T22:48:01-04:00

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member. MGRS Coordinates 18SUJ [login to see] @ 17 Meters AMSL

Frankly, he obviously wants to put US troops in harms way to then 'rescue' them.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 11 at 2014 9:47 AM

2014-09-11T09:47:21-04:00

A day late and a dollar short. 475 troops to train guys that will turn around join ISIS is not the solution to this.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 11 at 2014 10:46 AM

2014-09-11T10:46:35-04:00

Every time his poll numbers start sinking he feels a need to get in front of the cameras and then proceeds to try and justify his incompetent "leadership". The way he walks, his body language, the look on his face tells me that this is a man who is trying to present himself as being large and in charge, but at the same time realizes that his lies are catching up to him and his confidence is beginning to wane.

The voices of those who mysteriously died to cover up his ineligibility and scandals, cry out from beyond the grave demanding justice be served. The burden of knowing that he's not an Abraham Lincoln and that history is going to judge him harshly for every tax dollar squandered, and for every scandal and death that occurred on his watch is visible; it's written all over his face. Every time he should be demonstrating leadership, he goes campaigning, or golfing!!! Frankly, I don't think he has enough leadership to lead a platoon out of a burning house!

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 11 at 2014 5:28 PM

2014-09-11T17:28:51-04:00

Excerpt from the POTUS Address: "Let me be perfectly clear. ISIS is NOT Islamic"

That's right, Mr. President. I'm sure the first 'I' just stands for 'Inspirational.'

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 7:51 PM

2014-09-11T19:51:24-04:00

It was the poll numbers that brought him in front of the camera to the Nation last night. He made several statements to flip flop from earlier statements..of course. He did not mention the word War, when he said the US is comitted to defeating ISIS. If he says War, he has to go to Congress! John Kerry today even said he does not know if we are at war or not. Here is what has me scratching my head and wondering what the hell. President we will bomb ISIS (he also said ISIS is not Islamic...WTH) in Syria and Iraq. So in reality this means that we will be bombing SIS in Syria who we earlier gave weapons too and at the same time Bombing SIS In Iraq who we inadverently provided weapons too. And President Obama says George Bush left him a mess.....what is the next President going to say this mess that is inherited. Breaking News; I just heard Kerry say we are not a war with ISIS and call it a "counter terror operation with many moving points". However, SSG Kerry did not go into any details to explain what the hell that meant! This is going to grow into one hugh mess in a couple months when the President is going to face another comment he made....the US is not putting troops on the ground to fight SIS. He is getting ready to learn the hard way, you can't take and hold territory with just air power! I'm thinking he may have been doing better when he kept his hands off approach to everything, now with his hands on, he's about get become up to his neck in ........!!!! I'm already praying for our military as this gets wound up!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 8:46 PM

2014-09-11T20:46:07-04:00

No. I stopped watching televised speeches as they are too political and partisan. The last time I watched a speech was President Bush in October 2011 about 9/11 attacks. I try to avoid political speeches and just read the notes after the fact and then see what really happens afterwards. I then execute the orders given to me regardless of which party holds the office.

A wise BG once said something along the lines of: I do not vote so when I testify in Congress I can tell them I did not vote against or for their party.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 11 at 2014 9:26 PM

2014-09-11T21:26:56-04:00

As ISIS has named Hamas, Hezbollah. Al-Qaeda and all other Muslims that don't go along with their version of the Muslim faith as sworn enemies. This is a tough one. It seems to me with either action or not we embolden their message and ideology. These guys have been infighting long before we ever got involved in this mess. This endemic conflict has resulted in multiple failed regimes that further perpetuates the regions inability to establish any economic wellbeing as they are more interested in bashing in each others heads. If both sides could only concede to a system much like a democratic monarchy, where by having one elected and one inherited Caliph. Not with them, its my way or the highway. Additional there is Israel which causes another problem. As ISIS is trying to bait us into a fight I say we let the enemies of our enemies do some of the fighting on this one. I say lets keep these dumbasses fighting each other until their numbers dwindle then come in and then put a boot up their ass. Otherwise as soon as we set foot in country the whole lot them will align against us.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 11:45 PM

2014-09-11T23:45:29-04:00

I don't have anything good to say, so I shall say nothing at all. At least that's what my momma taught me.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Sep 12 at 2014 12:26 AM

2014-09-12T00:26:33-04:00

I noticed that the Coalition was talked about as if it already existed, but members, if any, were never mentioned in any way. This entire speech reminded of the movie, "Wag the Dog." Is there really any Coalition and if so, who are the member Nations. What contributions will they make to the War on ISIS? Are any Ground Forces going to be deployed by any Countries?

By the end of this "speech" I had more questions than answers. Where was the media and why did they not ask any questions AFTER the fact. They were sure asking a lot of questions before the event. Okay that is my two cents!

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Sep 12 at 2014 5:43 AM

2014-09-12T05:43:39-04:00

Didn't see it but I read it. Tough case to make to a war weary nation. But the proverbial catch-22 if America does intervene we are the "world police", if we don't we a a "paper tiger"

Response by PO2 Robert Hunter made Sep 12 at 2014 10:36 AM

2014-09-12T10:36:32-04:00

I think we should say we're going to one thing, then do what they don't expect. Psy Ops exists for a reason; Let them do what they do best. Sending in only airstrikes is a half measure. It's a cold stance, but this is a group of men who need to be eradicated. NO GOOD will come from their ascension to power.

We're dealing with an organization that's likely never heard of the Geneva Convention, and if they have, they have no regard for the protocols.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Sep 12 at 2014 10:43 AM

2014-09-12T10:43:21-04:00

My overall, gut feeling is one of despair....... I feel like I'm an Englishman watching Neville Chamberlain come back from Munich, waving a piece of paper crying "Peace in our time!"
To me, the most ironic thing is that the majority of Arabs would understand it better if we just geared up and stomped ISIS into the ground and then left again. That kind of response is why most Arab countries only pay lip service to the fight against Israel, they know the Jews will clean their clocks if they cross a line. In Arab culture, mercy and compassion are gifts handed out by the conqueror.......sparingly.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 12 at 2014 5:51 PM

2014-09-12T17:51:51-04:00

Though there may be some degree of political bent in pieces like the one below, it is another example of how many analysts of the ISIS situation are concerned re: the President overruling some of his senior military leaders' recommendations to consider putting decisive boots on the ground. General Mattis, for one, is particularly concerned that the President's recommended COA risks not working. Thoughts?

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/387817/president-obama-over-ruled-his-commanders-ground-troops-rich-lowry

President Obama Over-Ruled His Commanders on Ground Troops

Response by LTJG Daniel Bouysou made Sep 13 at 2014 3:40 PM

2014-09-13T15:40:21-04:00

Went to library and checked out Barry R. Posen's new book, Restraint, a new foundation for U.S. grand strategy. I am a global historian who feels the world will be globalized whether we want it to or not and need to prepare for that process. We as individuals can do that by realizing we are more alike than we are different. I agree with the first prime minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, who states that the only successful force to deal with ISIL and other terrorist will be moderate Muslims. See new book Lee Kuan Yew with interviews by three authors.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 10:23 PM

2014-09-14T22:23:24-04:00

My dear service members. Could you please stop referring to ISIS as ISIL? ISIL stands for the Islamic State in the Levant. The Levant is all of the Middle East including Israel. Every time POTUS calls them ISIL he is telling them. I recognize you in control of all of the middle east WITH the destruction of Isreal. Please stop calling them ISIL.

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Sep 15 at 2014 12:19 AM

2014-09-15T00:19:07-04:00

He is pressing the subject for his constitutional authority (I am saying this as a Democrat), but at the same time it is a tough position as the American people are demanding action, but the US Congress is not interested in voting on the subject. To paraphrase one elected official as saying they would criticize if it goes wrong, and if it goes right they will ask what took so long; rather than vote on a true resolution that would send the US into a ground war. When I was young I was very much for the War in Iraq (I was 16 when it started), but now I think I was wrong, I definitely prefer that the President is showing a great deal of restraint. I also may be totally wrong; note that my military expertise is about building the bombs not who to drop them on.

Response by SGT Richard Sprague made Sep 15 at 2014 7:33 PM

2014-09-15T19:33:47-04:00

The problem with the President Obama haters is that for once they have an intellectual president unlike Bush. He uses reason so more Americans do not have to die for a cause that has been going on for Millenniums.

Response by Sgt Jeffery Buchanan made Sep 16 at 2014 9:31 AM

2014-09-16T09:31:56-04:00

Enough of this man's misguided efforts to destroy our Nation, violate the constitution, and empower our enemies. Our elected representatives in Congress need to act to hold him accountable. If they do not uphold their oaths of office, then our Military should act to stop this tyranny!

Response by Sgt Jeffery Buchanan made Sep 16 at 2014 9:40 AM

2014-09-16T09:40:48-04:00

Enough of this man's corruption & outright degradation of our Nation and our Constitution! Congress needs to carry out their oaths of office and act to stop his unconstitutional actions and outright crimes. If not, then the military needs to carry out their oaths of office to protect our country against all enemies foreign and domestic. Obama, is now a acting like a tyrant, not a president, and that makes him a domestic threat!

Response by PO1 Steven Kuhn made Sep 16 at 2014 2:29 PM

2014-09-16T14:29:13-04:00

I think that it was a load of crap to late and more of a leak of plans to our enemies than a request for patriotism from Americans. Also, ISIS, who cry out there is no God but Allah, enforce Sharia Law, and use the Quran, are not Muslim? Pretty outlandish double talk.....

Response by SSG Clifton F. made Sep 16 at 2014 7:14 PM

2014-09-16T19:14:56-04:00

A man who's only plan was hope, and hope is not a plan, stated he has no plan then barrowed the Clinton plan of no troops only air strikes, drawing lines in the sand with no intention of backing them up, and we saw how well that worked. The only thing he inspires is racist hatred and division along class lines, and instead of the hope he leaves despair. I have been banned from listening to this man who forced me and my men to salute the Afghanistan national anthem while in the presence of my children du to the "French" that can be learned.

Response by CPL Jack Keller made Sep 16 at 2014 8:40 PM

2014-09-16T20:40:44-04:00

The intention is that they are not being sent to seek combat, but to defend out assets in Iraq. If our people come under attack, yes it is their duty to defend.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Sep 17 at 2014 1:12 AM

2014-09-17T01:12:05-04:00

My thoughts about the speech...

Response by PO2 Maney Sturgill made Sep 18 at 2014 8:57 AM

2014-09-18T08:57:00-04:00

Having had a family member who was imbedded with Iraqi troops, I have to say that if you put so called advisers in with these same soldiers, the chances for mass casualties are great. This same family member was with these Araqi troops for nine months, and at the end of that nine months he still did not know if they would stand and fight or run when put under fire. Not only that but would they turn their guns on the same people who was training them. Advisers no, if we must send in troops then let them go in as an American team and do what has to be done without politics getting in the way. When the first war with Araq started then president Bush, allowed the men in arms to make the plans and carry them out. We do not need Washington playing arm chair soldier and getting our men and women killed.

Response by PO2 Eric Tucker made Sep 18 at 2014 1:49 PM

2014-09-18T13:49:33-04:00

So much criticism, so few solutions. What actions do others want the President to take in this situation?

I, personally, don't give a damn about ISIS (ISIL), until they actually attempt to do something here in the U.S. My preference would be to tell Syria, Jordan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, et al., to police their own neighborhood.

But, that would cause gas prices to go up, which is what people would complain about next. Boo hoo hoo....The president made gas prices go up....boo hoo hoo.

The media drives up the fear, the 'people' respond with fear, and the president responds to the people. So, why does the media drive up the fear? Because they are controlled by those who seek to profit from war. Therein lies the issue. But, let's just call them "liberal" media, even though the biggest shareholder is Rupert Murdoch, a staunch conservative.

"F" the media corporations, who are profit driven, with no concern for people, truth, support of veterans (other than creating them), etc.

Quit using the military to protect corporate interests abroad, stay out of other countries, stop tax loopholes sending manufacturing jobs overseas, and hug a tree for goodness sake. ;)

Response by SGT Jermaine Walton made Sep 18 at 2014 9:08 PM

2014-09-18T21:08:32-04:00

Obama's not going anywhere because he was selected to be President not elected. America (Capitol Hill Type) could give a F... about change unless it involves cash back. Nobodys talking about impeachment or suing Barrack now because the people who have our best interest at heart stands to make Big money from this go around. I see people complaining that there need to be boots on the ground. Why would you arm the very people (Rebels in Syria) that hate us and why are the Saudis and Other Middle East Allies hesitant to fully join the fight, because they are funding the ISIS Saudis have been doing it for years as well as Israel Kuwiat and UAE. Wasn't we fighting ISIS back in 04 05 06 07 08. No they were Insurgents that time. I could be wrong though just my thoughts.

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 19 at 2014 8:37 AM

2014-09-19T08:37:07-04:00

Capt Jeff S. / MAJ Private RallyPoint Member

This little flame war you have going on is both unprofessional and unproductive. One of the overriding guidelines on RallyPoint is that your comments are supposed to be professional, respectful and constructive.

Lately, neither of your comments in this discussion fall into this category.

Topics like this can easily devolve into name calling because of the emotional feeling we have towards the subject matter, ESPECIALLY political opinions in today's social climate where everything is so polarized. This is no excuse for this type of commentary on a forum that is supposed to be more professional than a similar conversation on FaceBook or the feedback section of an online article.

I suggest you both reference RallyPoints policies on the Proper Participation and Use of the RallyPoint Answers Forum (http://rly.pt/RP3-1) and use the "New York Times" rule.

RP 3-1 Proper Participation and Use of the RallyPoint Answers Forum.pdf

Response by MSgt Michael Carroway made Sep 20 at 2014 2:28 PM

2014-09-20T14:28:27-04:00

Why announce to the enemy what your TRUE intentions are? We already said too much by letting them know we were sending additional troops.

Response by SFC Gary Fox made Sep 21 at 2014 11:04 PM

2014-09-21T23:04:03-04:00

Very interesting discussion. I'll come back tomorrow and give my thoughts on this mess. One important thing for you all to think about though is how did ISIS obtain $2B? I'll give my theory tomorrow.

Response by PO1 Steven Kuhn made Sep 22 at 2014 2:18 PM

2014-09-22T14:18:45-04:00

I do not agree with his statement that ISIS or ISIL is not Islamic in nature; they pronounced a caliphate, follow the Quran, and Sharia Law. I think our President is trying to please to many people and the last people on his list (though we may move up a little due to impending elections) are the American People. As for no boots on the ground, that has already been challenged by his Senior Military Advisors.......

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jan 21 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-01-21T11:38:21-05:00

No I did not watch POTUS address the nation since most of his speech was leaked and released prior.

On the issues of ground troops back to the Middle East didn't he declare the end of the wars??? Didn't he say no boots on the ground once you put an American Service Member of the ground guess what that boots on the ground.

Nothing is free there is some average citizen paying taxes to pay for it all.