If you could ask a US solider a question.....

I need everyones input..

from JoeUser Forums
I am getting ready to interview a US Army Sgt. who spent 14 months in IRAQ in the infantry on the front lines. I want to include a section on questions from the public sector. SO if you ever wanted to ask a question of a Iraq Vet ask it here and I will do my best to include it. Please make them intelligent questions, not how does it feel to kill people or some such crap. I will post the interview here the same time I submit it for publication in the press.

So lets get those questions here!!
2,055 views 13 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
In a day where this deployment of troops and this war has caused such an outcry in the public, I'd like you to ask this soldier for his/her single best memory of his/her time there. Ask him to share a story that shows how he made a difference. No matter how minor it seems - Soldiers make a difference. And while people may disagree over whether we were right or wrong to go into Iraq, this Soldier can show us that some good has come of it through his/her actions.
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Everyone gets homesick..........I would ask him what he missed most about home? girlfriend/wife? a cold beer? Air Conditioning? etc..
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
I can answer those questions!!!
for his/her single best memory of his/her time there.


THere was a little girl, probably 5. She was completely alone in the street. She was scared and hungry and probably freaked out that this guy from a different country, with a gun was coming up to her. I got down in front of her and asked her soem questions. She didn't answer so i said, "I'm Shawn. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm trying to help you." And she wrapped her arms around me and whispered "Thanks" Those were the only words she ever spoke to me, but they were words that ran through my mind every time I was uncertain about what we were doing. I found out a few weeks later that the little girl had died. I stil hear her sweet little voice saying "Thanks"...

I would ask him what he missed most about home? girlfriend/wife? a cold beer? Air Conditioning?


I missed my wife, and my bed.

Hope you didn't mind my answering the questions...
Shawn
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Good questions and suggestions folks, thanks I will add these to my list..
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm curious about this fellow's take on the Iraqis he has had to work with. Are they putting in the effort needed to make this freedom thing work for them? Does he think we are doing everything we reasonably can to help them succeed?
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Have you seen improvements in Iraq during your time there, and if so, what are they?
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
Question: When you first arrived at Iraq, did you have a sense of purpose and/or accomplishment? Did that sense increase or decrease at the end of the 14 months? How has it changed now that you are home?

IG
Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top
I asked two Canadian peacekeeping soldiers returning from Bosnia what they thought the solution was to the confilct there. Both said roughly the samet thing: No sense getting in the middle, these people hate each other and want to wipe each other out. So I get the sense you will get the stragiht goods from returning vets.

So you could ask what the solution to Iraq situation is, though since the handover you could argue the solution has been to some degree accomplished. Or maybe ask if/how day to day life in Iraq (and its future prospects) have improved for the average Iraqi in the 14 months they've been there?
Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top
ShadowWar:
The question I would ask is: Do you think our government and military leadership has what it takes to make the situation in Iraq work (i.e. a stable government elected by the people)?
Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
How big of a presence has Halliburton shown in Iraq and if so have you seen any positive outcomes of their involvement?
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
Might be a difficult one to ask, but...

1) How many people did you kill or see killed?
2) Do you think it was worth it?
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top
Do you believe the US media has accurately, impartially, and completely covered the war in Iraq?
If not, what should we, as common "Joe Users", do to make sure the problem (if it IS one) is corrected?
Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
Do you feel that you have a free voice to discuss your political views as a soldier?