Obama: U.S. troops in Afghanistan forced to arm themselves with stolen Taliban weapons; Update: Blackfive comments; Update: More comments; Update: Pure nonsense?
posted at 11:30 pm on February 21, 2008 by Allahpundit
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Ace is skeptical, milblogger Charlie Foxtrot is skeptical, I’m skeptical but resolutely agnostic, partly due to my ignorance of all things military and partly because I’ve heard enough complaints about underequipped troops in Iraq not to scoff at claims like this. Even so — scavenging for weapons from jihadi cavemen? He says a captain told him this personally so it’s conveniently impossible to check, but if it’s true it surely can’t be the only time it’s happened so word must have gotten around. Any milbloggers willing and able to confirm or deny? Are our guys actually duct-taping Kalashnikovs together as a matter of routine practice, or is this probably a case of a unit being caught underarmed in battle somehow and making do with whatever they could find on the fly?
Update: Matt Burden at Blackfive e-mails to say:
Sounds out of touch and likely a guy from IVAW or VoteVets told him that. HOWEVER, SF will carry AK’s because it’s easier to scrounge ammo and it’s a better weapon. One of our authors, Deebow, was on the Paki border, fought the Taliban daily, and had to scrounge mortars from a nearby SF unit. So, it’s not impossible, but it’s unlikely.
And Army Captains don’t command platoons (some Marines do, but not Soldiers)…
Update: Blackfive e-mails again to say this comment at Flopping Aces is “dead on.”
Update: Stuart Koehl at the Standard says it’s boatloads of crap:
Well, captains command companies, not rifle platoons. A rifle platoon is normally commanded by a 2nd lieutenant, sometimes (if short handed) by a senior sergeant. So for starters, Obama betrays a woeful ignorance of military organization and the chain of command. Then he remarks that the platoon was under-strength because 15 of its men had been “sent to Iraq.” Sorry, the Army doesn’t work that way. Platoons are organic units, consisting of three rifle squads, a heavy weapons squad, and a headquarters section. You can’t break it up. It is the smallest building block in the infantry that can conduct fire-and-movement tactics…
The idea that our guys were scrounging weapons and ammo because they were short is ludicrous. How much ammo you carry is done on a “per man” basis in the infantry–each solder carries a “basic load,” which is backed up by reserve supplies at company, battalion, and above. It is possible to run out of ammunition, temporarily, in the midst of an intense firefight…
To the best of my knowledge, no U.S. forces in either Afghanistan or Iraq ever ran out of ammunition for more than a few hours at most. When you consider that we were operating in Afghanistan at the tenuous end of a 8,000 mile supply line, that’s pretty impressive.
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Man. If anyone can blow a sure thing…
mksmithwriter on February 21, 2008 at 11:32 PM
he sounded like he was making it up as he went along
jgapinoy on February 21, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Am I the only one who is tired of these liberal whiners complaining about how much money we spend on the military, then accusing the Bush administration of not spending enough?
B. Hussein will slash our military budget and force a retreat & surrender in Iraq.
This is NOT someone we want a commander-in-chief.
bigred on February 21, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Obama – Change is good. Hope is good.
I hope we see him change is comment on this. Perhaps he could ask for permission to revise and extend his remarks.
al sends
afterdarknesslight on February 21, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Because he was.
SouthernGent on February 21, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Obama… you are so full of shiite. I just know you’re going to “jump the shark” at some point during the presidential campaign. And you’ll do so to such an extent that it’ll cause some supporters, who are currently shuffling around semi-comatose murmuring something about “hopenchange”, to snap out of it and perhaps take a…
SECOND LOOK AT MCCAIN.
CliffHanger on February 21, 2008 at 11:37 PM
Even as he says it, you can tell he is making this up. Of course, now that I think about the reason that the soldiers having to take Taliban,(And I don’t think this is true, but it would be because Sen. Obama and others in his party will not vote for the troops to have what they need.
NOW I AM RILED! And this man want to be the commander-in-chief?!??!???
ConservativePartyNow on February 21, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Isn’t every soldier in Iraq issued a gun?
SoulGlo on February 21, 2008 at 11:39 PM
They have every right to be skeptical. I’m so sick of this man and Hillary isn’t much better. Here’s a snippet from a newsletter I received from my Senator, James Inhoffe. If only these questions could have been asked of these two:
Dear Friend,
I have to admit I didn’t watch the Democrat debate this evening. Frankly, I can almost never watch these sorts of things because they often make my blood boil. The right questions are never asked and if they are, the debate moderators often let the candidates spin away without proper follow-up questions.
All of that said, if I were moderating this debate, here are five questions I would want answers to:
How do you plan to secure the border?
Each of you talks frequently about national health care, how do you plan on paying for it?
Reversing President Bush’s tax cuts won’t cover the new spending you have proposed on the campaign trail. Which taxes will you raise to cover the difference or will you increase the national debt to fund this new spending?
The media is beginning to report that the security and political situation in Iraq is dramatically improving. Do you believe this is true and if so, why then must we withdraw immediately?
Do you believe in man-made global warming? If so, what specific evidence can you point to, to support your claim?
Of course these questions weren’t asked this evening and I am not expecting Senators Obama or Clinton to answer them anytime soon. I offer them to you however, because I want you to know these are some of the issues I am most passionate about and these are the questions I will fight to have answered if, heaven forbid, a Democrat is elected President.
thedecider on February 21, 2008 at 11:39 PM
*Off topic* Gawker has pictures of Meghan McCain wearing a keffiyeh.
SnarkVader on February 21, 2008 at 11:39 PM
I meant Afghanistan. HotAir, you guys really need an edit option.
SoulGlo on February 21, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Yes, I’m sure the US military, the most well-equipped armed force the world has ever seen, sent a handful of troops over to Afghan WITHOUT THEIR WEAPONS.
Good Lord, do people really believe this stuff?
CliffHanger on February 21, 2008 at 11:41 PM
I honestly don’t think Obama will ever get near the white house. He would make Jimmy Carter look like Ronald Reagan.
We would quite possibly be looking at the first mutiny by US forces against a President.
crosspatch on February 21, 2008 at 11:41 PM
the TAHL-EE-BAHN
ggoofer on February 21, 2008 at 11:41 PM
Obama is full of shit.
You really do have to be totally ignorant about the military (sorry Allah) to believe this tripe. So either the “Army Captain” was lying (it happens), Obama misunderstood (likely), or he’s lying.
Nessuno on February 21, 2008 at 11:42 PM
I call BS! That sounded totally made up. This guy has no clue about being commander-in-chief.
CP on February 21, 2008 at 11:42 PM
It’s true, he’s a pathological liar.
Afterimage on February 21, 2008 at 11:42 PM
Easier to get Taliban weapons than weapons from our own government?
I’m calling B.S.
I hope he gets hammered over this. Between his wife’s obvious hatred of America and now his tales from the dark left side, maybe more people will get over their Pied Piper syndrome and start paying attention.
Guardian on February 21, 2008 at 11:42 PM
I know where this is coming from, and confirm its true, to an extent. Saying that its because the troops are not provided sufficient weapons is an outright lie though. Many soldiers prefer to abandon their issues m-16 rifles for the much more reliable AK-47, given the conditions they are fighting in. This is especially true within out special forces, where having the distinct sound of an M-16 firing in a country full of people used to the sound of an AK-47 isnt the stealthiest of moves. There is also the added benefit of the AK-47 that there is an abundance of ammunition sitting everywhere. Of course, most commanders do not allow their soldiers to carry the enemies weapon, to avoid confusion among US soldiers when THEY hear the sound of an AK firing, but it certainly occurs in some units.
muyoso on February 21, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Try the preview. I don’t, but I always regret my haste.
Jaibones on February 21, 2008 at 11:43 PM
No way. I have heard that a deploying unit from Ft. Sill had to take M16A2s with them because a training program had dibs on all the M4s, but nothing even close to what Obama said.
When I was enlisted we had a hard time using up all of the ammo from the range. It was a hassle to turn it back in, so after qualifying we just kept putting up more firing lines, spraying several thousand rounds on burst at targets just to use the stuff up.
BadgerHawk on February 21, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Yeah, well played there Meghan. What a choice we have this November. Meh, at least she’s easy on the eyes.
spmat on February 21, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Changing weapons and hoping for ammo sounds like something Obama would do.
Beagle on February 21, 2008 at 11:45 PM
I call BS on this military hating coward.
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Dayyo! Me Say Dayyo! Hey Mr. Tally Ban gimme your banana clip.
- The Cat
MirCat on February 21, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Come, Mr. Tolly Bonn, tally me banana — daylight come and he wan go home.
Jaibones on February 21, 2008 at 11:47 PM
This election may be easier than we could ever have hope for. Good lord!
SouthernGent on February 21, 2008 at 11:47 PM
I’ve heard that too, but I doubt any unit commanders, apart from SF, would let their guys use AK’s. Too much risk of fratricide.
BadgerHawk on February 21, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Also, the Taliban/AlQaeda tend to use weapons with larger rounds than we use. Many soldiers prefer these rounds, as they are superior in many aspects, ESPECIALLY when firing at an enemy hiding behind concrete walls or structures. The M-16 has many deficiencies, and some soldiers will abandon theirs for a more powerful/reliable weapon, although it is rare. If this is what Obama is talking about, he is a gigantic exaggerator though.
muyoso on February 21, 2008 at 11:49 PM
I’m more than skeptical. I call Bullshit.
USCitizen on February 21, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Sounds about as accurate as his saying hate crimes have gone up since we haven’t given the illegals amnesty.
Which is a big, fat lie.
I consider everything BHO says to be self-serving, dangerous and, if it involves a snark attack, untrue.
MrScribbler on February 21, 2008 at 11:50 PM
I’ve been to Afghanistan twice and think it’s BS. I was in the Air Force, never left the base, yet still had an M16 I had to tote around with me everywhere.
NPP on February 21, 2008 at 11:50 PM
He is obviously taking a lesson from Hillary with all her “this person or that person grabbed my hand the other day and said ‘oh God please give us universal health care’ etc., etc…” No possible way to verify the story. Hillary used it TWICE in less that 15 minutes tonight.
Vigilante on February 21, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Ugh, I hate this pedantic pseudo-”authentic” pronunciation Tollee-bahn.
As though it were some highway in Germany.
Tzetzes on February 21, 2008 at 11:50 PM
@ BadgerHawk on February 21, 2008 at 11:48 PM
I used “commander” because sadly i am very unaware of the correct order of ranks in our military. “Commander” was meant as a generic term.
muyoso on February 21, 2008 at 11:50 PM
McCain can beat either one of these twerps.
I don’t see what all the fuss is all about.
Saltysam on February 21, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Kyle: Stan, I don’t think we’re supposed to be in the military base; they might shoot us.
Stan: I don’t care; we’re going!
Towelie: (appearing in front of the boys) Don’t forget to bring a towel!
(Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny groan.)
Cartman: Oh, no. Not Towelie…
Towelie: When going some place new, you should always bring a towel!
Stan: Okay. Thanks, Towelie.
Towelie: You wanna get high?
Cartman: No, we don’t wanna get high!
Towelie: So… You mean you don’t like having Towelie around?
Cartman: That’s right!
Towelie: So am I to understand there’s been a…”Towelie ban”?
(Towelie laughs and the boys groan loudly.)
Stan: Goddamnit, get the hell out of here, Towelie!
JayHaw Phrenzie on February 21, 2008 at 11:51 PM
If this were true why hasn’t it been on the front page of the NYT?
atxcowgirl on February 21, 2008 at 11:56 PM
OK, here’s another one…
HELLOOOO….Senator, the president doesn’t authorize any money, PERIOD!!!!
Damn, when is the news media going to start holding these people accountable?
HarryStar on February 21, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Yes, and in Afganistan too.
bnelson44 on February 21, 2008 at 11:58 PM
My boy is in Mosul. This subject came up awhile ago between us. It is BS. The way he put it, ‘Would you trust a weapon you had never maintained or learned how to fire?’. It is BS.
Limerick on February 21, 2008 at 11:59 PM
I wouldn’t be surprised if Special Ops used AK-47’s for guerilla warfare use. That was common in Vietnam among Navy SEALs.
V15J on February 21, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Barack Hussein is full of Shiite. Our SpecOps guys will pick up AKs and other local weapons to help them blend in (not to mention the fact that the 7.62×39mm is a superior killing round compared to the 5.56 that our troops use), but units going ANYWHERE without guns is nuts.
As for “his platoon had 15 people sent to Iraq instead”, I also call BS. Units aren’t split apart that far down the chop chain. Individual companies may split from their battalion, but not individual SOLDIERS from their PLATOON.
What’s next for this guy? I heard from an anonymous “Captain” that he stubbed his toe because George Bush didn’t ensure that the local AAFES had enough toe clippers?
rotorhead on February 22, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Old joke I remember from when I was a kid in the 80s:
What do you call a crazy Muslim on the roof?
-
-
Shiite on a shingle.
Tzetzes on February 22, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Watching the video again, I was reminded of Jon Lovitz from Saturday Night Live doing his skit:
Yea, so there’s an Army Captain that’s head of a…a…an Army Platoon, YEAH
There were 39 men and…..and…only 24 were going to Afganistan while….(39 take away 24) …15 were sent to Iraq..YEAH, Iraq.
It ‘appears’ that this story looks like it got better and better as he was continuing with it. Wait until the general election.
By the way, exactly HOW many “not enough Humvee’s” does he think is missing because of these 15 soldiers?
HarryStar on February 22, 2008 at 12:04 AM
But they wouldn’t refer to themselves as a rifle platoon, would they?
It sure sounds like Barrack is repeating an Internet legion he heard somewhere.
bnelson44 on February 22, 2008 at 12:04 AM
First off they don’t split platoons sending a few guys here and a few guys there. Platoons rarely go into battle under strength, they may be in the rear or pulling some arcane POS duty with out the full complement,but when we send guys into combat they are full battle rattle.
Second, did the Taliban just give up these weapons? Wouldn’t American troops have to capture them first? And wouldn’t those guys who captured them need weapons with which to defeat the Taliban? We could I guess have thrown rocks at them. I don’t know. I call BS though.
knat on February 22, 2008 at 12:04 AM
A f’n MEN
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Soldiers give AK-47 restoration a shot
Troops get crash course in leading the Afghan police in rebuilding weapons
CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan
Chakra Hammer on February 22, 2008 at 12:06 AM
It is not true. Under General Order 1 US military personnel are only authorized to use the weapons they are issued by the US (maybe some exceptions for the high speed low drag units). One thing we have plenty of is weapons and ammo. This is absolute BS!
jwp1964 on February 22, 2008 at 12:07 AM
You guys better not let him off the hook on this, you need to dog him al the way to november on thus huge whopper.
paulsur on February 22, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Can’t wait to watch him try this stuff when he debates McCain.
TheBigOldDog on February 22, 2008 at 12:07 AM
Limerick, my husband will be there soon. How long until your son gets home?
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:08 AM
These are guys fixing them up and giving them to the Afgani police. They aren’t American troops using them for combat.
bnelson44 on February 22, 2008 at 12:09 AM
They both look lost.
Ugly on February 22, 2008 at 12:09 AM
About a year….his third tour is a 15 monther.
Limerick on February 22, 2008 at 12:10 AM
As I said in the Debate thread:
That was my kinder, more generous side talking. In reality, Obama was lying, and every single person in the audience and on the stage was both too ignorant on military matters and too full of hate for Bush to challenge such an obvious falsehood.
I mean, for God’s sake, our military just obliterated a falling satellite, first try. Does that sound like a military that can’t supply the troops with personal firearms?
Now, you can argue that there ARE superior personal weapons than the ones routinely issued to our troops: Personally I hated the M-16 …(edited for brevity and to keep from sounding like a gun nut)…
But overall, we have BY FAR the best supplied soldiers right now, than any other military, ever.
Obama must still be ’smokin’ crack’.
LegendHasIt on February 22, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Limerick & funky chicken,
My son is in Baghdad, will also be there 15 months. By the way, he is in a combat unit, and they don’t use AK-47s. :)
bnelson44 on February 22, 2008 at 12:11 AM
This ass-clown is repeating some nonsense he heard from a DU-type army “captain”, a la Jesse Macbeth. He wouldn’t know an AK-47 from an AR-14 from a trench tool, and he’s playing grown up because he knows that none of the press and none of the people who watch Dem debates do either.
Jaibones on February 22, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Thanks for the link. I love this:
The most common problem the S.C. soldiers see is “barrel erosion,” meaning that rifling inside the weapon’s barrel has been worn out by being fired so often, Busby said.
and this:
Instead, Johnson blames any inaccuracy on fighters who weren’t trained on how to fire the weapons. “They believe Allah is going to help them hit the target.”
TheBigOldDog on February 22, 2008 at 12:12 AM
I have read some articles of soldiers using AK’s in certain situations(during combat), only IF the .223 would not have been effective.
It is war..
Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.
An unofficial mantra of the Marine Corps based on the fact that the Corps generally received Army hand-me-downs and the troops were poorly equipped. Despite this, the Marine Corps has been successful mostly because of the creativity of its people and their success-based attitude.
Chakra Hammer on February 22, 2008 at 12:12 AM
bnelson, funky (and all others out there)…God bless em all
Limerick on February 22, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Yep, and the AK is not a worthless POS.
Chakra Hammer on February 22, 2008 at 12:14 AM
That says it all.
If McCain gives him a pass on this he’s nuts.
jwp1964 on February 22, 2008 at 12:15 AM
I don’t know if anybody already said this but Captains don’t lead rifle Platoons, they lead Rifle Companies. Lieutenants lead Platoons. This guys is really F-ing it up.
knat on February 22, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Which is the answer Rumsfeld should have given when he was sandbagged about the armored Humvees. What makes the American military truly great is the ingenuity and can-do attitude of the average American soldier.
TheBigOldDog on February 22, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Wait a sec, if our troops don’t have enough weapons and ammunitions how do they capture the Talibans weapons?
How does an unarmed army capture enemy weapons?
How does that happen?
Did they capture the weapons with harsh language?
Threaten then with pointy sticks?
Kini on February 22, 2008 at 12:16 AM
bnelson. Hey, maybe the Obamassiah can have his friend bring a few of those AKs back to share with folks stateside? I have heard they are a good weapon. LOL
Hmmmm. we should find a secure way to exchange names as the husband will visit both of those locations this summer.
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Otherwise known as “spray & pray”.
ReubenJCogburn on February 22, 2008 at 12:18 AM
open to suggestions :)
Limerick on February 22, 2008 at 12:19 AM
That’s right. It is pretty reliable, requires minimal maintenance and is good in dusty environments. But the US Army doesn’t normally use them outside of SF operations. So I don’t know what Obama is talking about. I think he is repeating an urban legion he heard.
bnelson44 on February 22, 2008 at 12:19 AM
Kini definitely not harsh language. That’s not culturally sensitive, and the Obamassiah would not approve of such terrible tactics.
Anybody who has complained of Bush admin ROE (and I have) but would consider voting for Obama or sitting out in November to send some uber-message to the GOP is a lunatic.
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:20 AM
AF says it all, you would not know. He said Army (big difference). I was Army.
I think
has the facts right, but Obama exaggerated (spun it) for his own political gain, which is just WRONG!
TOPV on February 22, 2008 at 12:20 AM
Limerick, maybe a computer smarty could figure something out? I’m off to bed.
good night :-)
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:21 AM
He may not have to. There may be enough Internet noise to counter it. If Obama attempts to use the story in the General, he is asking for it.
bnelson44 on February 22, 2008 at 12:22 AM
No a lunatic is people who think Bush and McCain are really “fighting” a war, but yet our soldiers can’t really get down and dirty and KILL the enemy. You are so branwashed you think “babysitting” Iraq and Afghanistan is war (but yet OBL is still living large in our “freinds” back yard). This is where Obama may actually have something right if he has the balls to do it…
We DON’T ask permission when we know where our target is and if our SO CALLED friend don’t act accordingly…we do it. Bush has been playing patty cake with Pak-ee-stan and its about to bit him in the a$$ (and maybe all of us becasue he is so clueless…but hey, he’s experienced…him and the MAV).
TOPV on February 22, 2008 at 12:25 AM
So is Obama now going to fund the war so we dont have to have taliban weapons ?
William Amos on February 22, 2008 at 12:25 AM
NPP is still correct. From what my son tells me, everyone carries a gun over there. No one gets off the plane without one and I don’t think the story has anything to do with SF. I think it is just something someone made up.
bnelson44 on February 22, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Had to sneak a couple of comments over from Ace before nighty-night.
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:26 AM
As far as the M16A2 goes….my son’s outfit uses some, but all are with HQ and support troops. All the line outfits have M4s with a scattering of M203s (yes the same M203s us old farts used).
Limerick on February 22, 2008 at 12:26 AM
Heh, and Obama’s gonna let our guys fight tough.
LOL and I’m gonna get a magic pink pony with wings.
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:27 AM
About the only time we use AK’s is in covert ops when there can be no remnants/ shells from an American weapon, i.e. M16.
shooter on February 22, 2008 at 12:28 AM
This
will Make you Proud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Chontosh
The President of the United States
Takes Pleasure in Presenting
The Navy Cross
To
Brian R. Chontosh
First Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps
For Services as Set Forth in the Following Citation:
For extraordinary heroism as Combined Anti-Armor Platoon Commander, Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 25 March 2003. While leading his platoon north on Highway I toward Ad Diwaniyah, First Lieutenant Chontosh’s platoon moved into a coordinated ambush of mortars, rocket propelled grenades, and automatic weapons fire. With coalition tanks blocking the road ahead, he realized his platoon was caught in a kill zone. He had his driver move the vehicle through a breach along his flank, where he was immediately taken under fire from an entrenched machine gun. Without hesitation, First Lieutenant Chontosh ordered the driver to advance directly at the enemy position enabling his .50 caliber machine gunner to silence the enemy. He then directed his driver into the enemy trench, where he exited his vehicle and began to clear the trench with an M16A2 service rifle and 9 millimeter pistol. His ammunition depleted, First Lieutenant Chontosh, with complete disregard for his safety, twice picked up discarded enemy rifles and continued his ferocious attack. When a Marine following him found an enemy rocket propelled grenade launcher, First Lieutenant Chontosh used it to destroy yet another group of enemy soldiers. When his audacious attack ended, he had cleared over 200 meters of the enemy trench, killing more than 20 enemy soldiers and wounding several others. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Chontosh reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Chakra Hammer on February 22, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Just like the NYT, throwing out spurious claims with no proof and an anonymous source. Lovely.
This guy wants to be president?
amkun on February 22, 2008 at 12:29 AM
He’s in good company. The NYT that is.
Kini on February 22, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Sounds like it could’ve happened in Berkley!!!
These are the heroes that make this county great!!
HarryStar on February 22, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Chakra, no, no, no He wasn’t supplied with weapons or supplies. And that .50 cal? Probably attached to one of those old pickups from Somalia that Osama brought over for his Taliban friends.
funky chicken on February 22, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Nite all…
Keep your powder dry, and your beer cold.
Limerick on February 22, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Now that is a one cool guy!
I don’t drink, but I’d buy him a beer, anytime.
Chakra Hammer on February 22, 2008 at 12:36 AM
This ’stumble’ needs to be pushed down his throat.
Good night, God Bless, Fire At Will.
Limerick on February 22, 2008 at 12:37 AM
One suggestion – write allah@hotair.com or bryan@hotair.com and tell them what your intentions are.
Thank you all for yuor sacrifices, for keeping us free, and free to be stupid too. You are all our betters.
Entelechy on February 22, 2008 at 12:39 AM
muyoso on February 21, 2008 at 11:43 PM
This doesn’t occur in run of the mill line Infantry units. It just doesn’t. After any enemy weapon is captured it is normally catalogued then destroyed or taken and given to the local security forces. Besides, the AK is not as reliable as you say. I have never seen SF with an AK as their primary weapon. They carry M-4 just like the rest of us. Accuracy is a major reason for this. Also you can’t hook on RIS(quick release rail system) components like the peq2 laser and various optical sights and………..there is all kinds of shit you can put on your weapons these days. Also modern day ammo has enough power to take down in one shot. Which was one of the major faults with the early versions of 5.56.
knat on February 22, 2008 at 12:48 AM
Equals, my friend, our equals.
Forgive me for being presumptuous, but with Michelle Obama being up to her neck in anti-Americanism, it was only time till the messiah nailed himself to his own cross.
Kini on February 22, 2008 at 12:49 AM
I’m inclined to agree with some of Muyoso’s points. As an Army vet (thinking about going back), I know some of the things that can happen. In some cases, when there’s no possiblity of re-supply and ammunition’s running low, Soldiers and Marines can end up snatching up AK-47s and AKMs to continue the fight. It is also not uncommon for Special Forces to use indigenous weaponry, in order to more effectively blend in, even as they wear indigenous clothing (which is specially true of the 5th SFG [Special Forces Group]). Other instances of grabbing enemy weapons can include jamming of the Soldier’s/Marine’s own weapon, or the inability to acquire more rounds for their own weapon (not because they can’t be resupplied, but because they can’t disengage from an intene firefight to go looking for more rounds). Others, dissatisfied with the 5.56mm round look to the more powerful Soviet 7.62, though some are unaware of the much lower weapon accuracy, increased recoil, etc. (This is why I support the DOD switching from the M4 to the M468 and it’s larger, more powerful 6.8 SPC [Special Purpose Cartridge] round.) I think Obama’s full of crap, though, all-in-all. This mysterious “…captain…” is a source that never should’ve been utilized, if he wasn’t willing to exercise full source disclosure, so people could verify the claim (especially the Secretary of Defense and the Commander-in-Chief, who have a vested interest in such matters). This reminds me of a HotAir story where a mysterious ‘Iraqi police captain’ was sited as the source of a fishy story. Maybe it’s the same guy…
I wonder if he’s a friend of Green Helmet Man?
Virus-X on February 22, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Damn, he’s taken on Jesse MacBeth as an advisor, now?
Dusty on February 22, 2008 at 12:54 AM
You make it seem as if they don’t use A FREAKING AK-47. Which is a fine gun, IF YOU apparently DON’T HAVE ONE.
Honestly…
PresidenToor on February 22, 2008 at 1:00 AM
OK folks I think we may be losing sight of the point. Yes, there have been instances where soldiers, marines, sailors or airman have had to use an enemy weapon, but the Messiah implied that our troops do it because they are not equipped by our armed forces. THAT IS A BIG FAT LIE!
Lets not fight each other over rare situations when one of the good guys makes use of a captured enemy weapon in an emergency. That is far different than what the Messiah implied and I think we can all agree on that.
jwp1964 on February 22, 2008 at 1:01 AM
HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA, love that part.
doubleplusundead on February 22, 2008 at 1:02 AM
AK-47s are more respected by many American soldiers than Cold M4s and M16s. Don’t knock em.
MadisonConservative on February 22, 2008 at 1:03 AM
*Colt
MadisonConservative on February 22, 2008 at 1:03 AM
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