I was actually against the war before the war. As a reservist attending Claremont McKenna College near LA, I attended the big day of student walkouts in February of 2003. There were speeches, a human peace sign, and a march through the middle of campus. I found myself surrounded by students and professors trying to relive the 60s. Their apparent ignorance was surpassed only by their lack of hygiene.
At our monthly drill in December of 2003 our Commanding Officer announced that the Marine Corps was seeking volunteers for the Third Civil Affairs Group. I jumped at the chance. I didn’t want to “miss the party.” I also believed at that time, along with most of America, that what we were doing in Iraq was cleaning up our mess. I thought it was responsible foreign policy, trying to do good by the Iraqi people.
I was activated two weeks before we were set to deploy. In between filling out forms and checking out gear, I got enough civil affairs training to learn that we would be working with the Iraqi people on local projects such as schools, clinics, mosques, and water projects. I was really excited about it. That was exactly what Bush was saying that we, as in Americans in Iraq, were doing there. I thought, “We are going to be leading the charge to rebuild Iraq.” (To Marines, every mission is a “charge.” Often times, Marines are tasked to lead the charge to clean the heads, or swab the decks, or stand around and smoke cigarettes.)
When I got to Iraq, it was a different story. We were six-man teams attached to battalions or regiments. And where we were in the Fallujah area, you couldn’t go anywhere without at least six humvees with machine guns. We often had to beg these infantry commanders to tag along on their convoys to accomplish our missions. We found ourselves constantly struggling to justify our existence. We even came up with a slogan: We care, so that you don’t have to.
Sure it was funny at the time, but in retrospect, it’s pretty messed up. Perhaps if the situation had been the other way around, namely that infantry units were attached to civil affairs teams, then the US military would have had some credibility with the Iraqi people when we told them that we were there to help them. But instead, we put the killers in charge. I’m not advocating a complete restructuring of the military here. Ours is the greatest on the earth, but it is designed to destroy other militaries. In the words of Jason Lemieux, “Hammers can’t fix computers.”
About halfway through my tour, I realized the futility of what we were doing in civil affairs and was forced to fall back on the old standard rationalization, “At least we’re keeping the fight off of American soil.” I was able to realize the fallacy of that soon after returning home. For every insurgent we kill today, there are two to kill tomorrow because we piss off so many people in the process.
The only way that I can describe the role of civil affairs in the occupation of Iraq is that it is a fig leaf. I was once praised for taking pictures of my team distributing humanitarian rations because they would be used in a propaganda magazine that would be distributed to Iraqis. I don’t believe it had much effect, (the Iraqi people know better) but it was clear that we were there more so that commanders could brag about all of the good we were doing rather than so that we could actually do any good.
We cared so that they didn’t have to. So that the infantry commanders didn’t have to. So that the joint chiefs didn’t have to. So that L. Paul Bremer (Director of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance until the “handover of power” on June 28th, 2004) didn’t have to. So that Donald Rumsfeld didn’t have to. So Dick Cheney didn’t have to, not that he ever pretended to. And so that least of all, President Bush didn’t have to while he gushed about making life better for the Iraqi people. I risked my life so that they could look good, and they still failed. We were a fig leaf.
Originally written on Thursday, August 23, 2007. (http://kokesh.blogspot.com/)
This also appeared in the first issue of the official IVAW newsletter, SIT-REP.
I am the author of FREEDOM!, a book endorsed (I mean banned) by the US Department of “Justice.” You can get a copy here. I’m running for Not-President in 2020 on the platform of the peaceful, orderly, and responsible dissolution of the United States federal government. You can find out more here. You can find an event near you here. Whoever has the top comment on this post after 24 hours can claim a free signed copy of FREEDOM! by sending me an email at [email protected] with their address.
The government pretend there are saving the people in the media but in reality they are doing otherwise. I just wrote a post about the inner conscience where military just follow orders without asking questions.
The war was a mess and i strongly believe you can bring this change having first class information at your tip which was part of your past experience.
post a very useful, thanks for sharing, I have vote and resteem your post. I am very glad to know you, you exceptional @adamkokesh
It's a nice and good thing to against the war. If everyone would be against wars , there'll actually be no wars in the society. Lets say no to wars and killings. God gave us a peaceful world to live, lets not use our hands to make it hell.
The Invasion, pretty much like today, that should never have happened. I'm sure a lot of Veterans share your thoughts and realized the futility of the war soon enough. That's why we need more people like you speaking up, we're fed up of this bullshit (pardon my language)
I think everyone of us gets excited to be a soldier and do the good job. Same as "Call for Duty". But unfortunately real life is different and everything happens other than our expectations. I am sure that it was a challenging experience for you.
I hope that we can have a peaceful future where wars become a part of Mythology. Ancient stories that we tell to our Grandchildren.
stories or an awesome experience. I am very proud of your regiment teams good friends @adamkokesh.
Hey @adamkokesh, great post! I enjoyed your content. Keep up the good work! It's always nice to see good content here on Steemit!
War isn't what someone wish for. I hate war too and I would not want to experience it. Thank you for sharing your experiences during the war, it makes me realize what some people passed through during the war.
I'm going to take a stab at this in an attempt to grab that copy of your book because I would love to give it a good read! I am not a military man, quite the opposite actually, I sit at a desk and crunch numbers all day but from the limited knowledge that I have of politics I do undoubtedly suspect that things like what you experienced happen far more than we know. The message that the public receives or interprets is often fabricated or made to sound good so these politicians can get continued support or line their pockets. That said, I can't really even beginning to fathom what really goes on behind the scenes with our military. I think it's cool that you have such strong feelings about how the government is run poorly and your ideology of running for not-president but at then end of the day it's not really going to change anything. It's more for show right? What would really need to happen is for people like you to run for office and a cultural shift. One person won't have much of a difference but get enough like minded people that share your philosophy on government and spread your views and you may be on to something. There will always be a governmental structure is some capacity. There has to be to keep society functioning in a systematic way. Not sure I can contribute much more than that. Just think you time would be better served trying to become a part of the solution and affect real change instead of winding up in jail.
posting very good, according to its contents ..?
posting very good, according to its contents ..?
I am very happy to know that you against the war @adamkokesh.
War is a forceful way of claiming the right, getting freedom and taken possessions. As someone is looking at the benefits they are going to see when they start the war, we should be considered the damages it will cause too.
About halfway through my tour, I realized the futility of what we were doing in civil affairs and was forced to fall back on the old standard rationalization, “At least we’re keeping the fight off of American soil.” I was able to realize the fallacy of that soon after returning home. For every insurgent we kill today, there are two to kill tomorrow because we piss off so many people in the process.
Considered those damages, life, properties, I think someone would have a second thought about war.
Thanks for sharing @adamkokesh
More poeple like you men! Wish you all luck!
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Being a Marine veteran and having been to Iraq, I feel for the civilians caught in the middle of that bullshit. For the sake of what, central banking, resources, profits? Someone has to lead the way, always has, throughout history, and deliver that inspiration with a fight. Keep it up!
Hi
Thank you
For your writing
I've seen your writing come pretty much
I hope to write something better in the future.
If i could wish for one thing in a president it would be the love of peace. I hope you find a way to make yourself heard and understood by most Americans. Even if that never hppens, just know that some of us are SO excited about your dedication to liberty, brotherhood, and peace, and are so grateful for your honesty. It is not easy to be this vulnerable in public forums, but you are doing it and that takes a real man!
You have chosen the right path @adamkokesh. Love is a war, a great war in the human spirit. If he wins, will be found sincere person, broad mind, patient and calm. If he loses, will be found a person who is desperate, perverted, weakhearted, small feelings and even sometimes lost self-confidence. stop war, the war will only leave wounds and trauma.
I will ask for a little advice on my recent writings to support liberti and you as president 2020@adamkokeah, taking us in freedom without war.UNITED VOICE SUPPORTS THE LIBERTARIAN WON (RON PAUL, ADAMKOKESH AND FRIENDS) FOR WORLD PEACE If you do not mind visiting and advising my writing. Your time is greatly appreciated Thanks for this @adamkokesh
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i don't think i've read much of your writing mr kokesh mostly been viewing your vids. you're a damn good writer! sucks about politics and stupid shitty peeps who call the shots seems to be the way of the world