Howdy,
I’m in a mood.
Let’s get dark.
On Saturday, I wrote a rather scathing take down of some remarks at an OTS graduation ceremony. Again, nothing against those who spoke, but I want to expound on them, specifically the “Always With Honor” part.
Honor is absolutely important. It plays a critical role in what we do in the military. Again, let’s define our terms.
So why am I circling back to this little item? I’m reminded daily about how dishonorably we—the military, the US government, and the American people (Clausewitz’s paradoxical trinity)—continue to act.
This morning, an Afghan Commando from one of the former government’s elite units sent me this message on Twitter:
No charity has cooperated with me. I am unemployed now. My children don't even have anything to eat. Please help me in whatever way you can.
I am now living in hiding, if my location is known, the Taliban will kill me
I have fulfilled my promise to you but now it is time for your promise
My goal is America's promises that we have made with them
I get these every day. Since I’m one of the few remaining voices clamoring about our betrayal, I get these appeals daily from those we abandoned. It is left to me and a few others to tell these people that there isn’t anything we can do for them but wait for their lottery ticket to get called. Some are searching desperately for American partners who can vouch for them. I’ve had Afghans offer me bribes to write them letters of recommendation. I would do it for free if I didn’t fear it would hurt the chances of those I’ve already vouched for.
Now, I’m not the only one who has to deal with this type of stuff. Let me send you a text I received last week from a former SNCO, who is a multi-tour Afghan combat veteran.
I’m in Stuttgart, Germany for the week for work. This generally includes a lot of German beer and some amount of German food. I write you as I go for my second meal of the night; the best drunk food in Germany, a Donor Kebab. I know a spot that provides the best kebab that will “soak up the alcohol” from tonight’s festivities. Last night was one of those nights that had some profound impact to the soul of guys like you and I. We took an Uber to dinner after starting the night with drinks at the hotel lobby bar. Our wasn’t German and I (thanks to my long legs) got the fortune and responsibility of sitting in the front seat. Responsibility because we booked a regular Uber for up to 4 people but we had 5 going so I had to distract our driver while we crammed the other 4 folks into the 3 free seats in the back of this Euro coup car. Again, the driver is not German and that’s fairly clear up front. I begin to ask (much like I learned to ask non-kinetically targeting TB commanders) what is his story. This middle-“C” voiced driver of our Uber begins to skirt around the questions of “how long have you been in Stuttgart” and “where did you live before?” If I left it there I’d guess we’ve got ourselves a Gypsy driver. But, I asked the next question. “Where are you from originally?” “Afghanistan,” he replies. “Oh! I’ve been to Afghanistan 3 times,” naturally I responded. “Were you part of the American Military?” He inquired. “Yes. I was in the Air Force,” I drunkenly and proudly replied. That’s where the “comfortable” part of this conversation ended for me. “I hate the American military,” he replied. “They are a killing machine who abandoned us and left us to the Taliban. I hate the Taliban. They are animals. I was promised by the American military that they would protect me and my family because I worked for them and they promised. But they are just a killing machine.” What could I say?!? He wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t our fault. It also wasn’t his. He trusted our word. I just told him that I was happy that the Germans were the partners WE promised to be. And that I was sorry. And that I hated that people put her and I together to only surrender both of us, collectively. And that I was glad he was no longer in Afghanistan. What could I say? We suck!! That’s the truth.
This is what thousands of Afghan combat veterans deal with daily. America likes to pound its chest and say, “We Support the Troops.” I get the “Thank You For Your Service” greeting daily. I’ve come to terms with it. This isn’t the time or place for me to dive into the reasons behind this daily ritual, but it’s a tell-tale sign of a population uncomfortable with the Faustian Bargain (the all-volunteer force) they made in the 70s.
But the truth is that we have turned our back on those who served in these wars. We continue to betray our Afghan allies. The SIV program is unlikely to be extended. The Afghan Adjustment Act remains stalled. While we give the Taliban millions weekly, they continue executing our Afghan allies.
This is all dishonorable—all of it. Yet, we’re mired in our daily ritual of navel-gazing on the intricacies of Kate Middleton. More Americans likely know about this nonsense than the fate of our allies.
So, let’s be honest with ourselves. I’m going to be honest with myself. We will never wash away this stain. As a nation, we are currently incapable of reflecting on our actions or holding anyone accountable. This is why trust in institutions has plummeted.
The Pakistani government received billions in American aid. They, in turn, killed thousands of Americans, Europeans, and Afghans via their proxies.
Who will be held accountable for this? Will anyone answer for this?
No. Maybe—just maybe—it will take three decades, like it did in Vietnam, but I doubt it.
While America amuses itself to death, American servicemembers will be asked to shoulder this dishonor alone without the support from the nation they ostensibly defended.
That’s the truth. And it’s total bullshit.
Until Next Time.
All of this is the truth and it sucks. And no Americans will be held responsible for it.
No, every single one of us are responsible for this horrific outcome, and some such as myself are saddled with Nam as well. That dishonor goes out to each and every American citizen, as they slowly turn this country into a Jerry Springer television program. The lies told are "truths" to the "poorly educated" and disposed of easily by the "educated". Sadly, it's gentlemen like you who are forever more reminded of our selfishness. Keep on being strong, you're one of the caring individuals with the ammo to push for a change long overdue in our ungrateful "leaders". We learned absolutely nothing from our history. Except for the Kings and Queens, who knowingly strive to keep We Peasants distracted from our duties, therefore padding their crowns with yet more jewels.