Search

The author comments on the current U.S. Army physical training (PT) test which he considers a fairly good measure for gauging general fitness but not combat readiness. He argues that to prepare for the rigors of combat in Iraq, the service must first realize and understand the hazards and tasks that it will perform on a daily basis in Iraq. Endurance events are crucial, such as confidence and obstacle courses, grass and guerilla drills.

Presents an account of a casualty evacuation mission in Iraq in which the author participated. Information on the qualifications and flying experience of the author; Difference between a combat flight and a peacetime flight; Importance of operational readiness and performance over safety concerns during wartime.

This article is an editorial on the necessity for more troops in Iraq. The fact that troops were shifted from other parts of the country to help fight in Baghdad, after it had been declared secure, highlight the problems that face the war. There are also reports of the military losing the grip on the Anbar province because of insurgency fighting, and officers on the ground are calling for more manpower. With a weak central government, Iraq is insecure, but the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush is not willing to send more people over.