Was was the word Rumsfield used to describe the troops in Iraq?

[brainshrub]

I think it sounded like "fungus"

I found the word here at DU, but I can't find the thread.

[teach1st]

1. fungible?

(law) of goods or commodities; freely exchangeable for or replaceable by another of like nature or kind in the satisfaction of an obligation.

ON EDIT: corrected spelling and definition

[brainshrub]

2. I think that's it.

Do you have the DU link?

[teach1st]

6. There's a few, but this was the first link today, I think...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1430115

[brainshrub]

7. You rock!

[eyesroll]

3. "fungible"

Basically, it means easily replaced. But since military tasks are so highly specialized now, it's a bad description. (It's also a cold description, but what else is new?)

[Political_Junkie]

4. fungible

[jimshoes]

5. Fungible

Basically just calling our soldiers an easily replaceable commodity.

[Hand]

8. johnkerry.com on "fungible"....

And Just How "Fungible" Are You?

"fungible"
Function: adjective
Etymology: New Latin fungibilis, from Latin fungi to perform -- more at FUNCTION
1 : being of such a nature that one part or quantity may be replaced by another equal part or quantity in the satisfaction of an obligation fungible commodities>
2 : INTERCHANGEABLE
- fun·gi·bil·i·ty /"f&n-j&-'bi-l&-tE/ noun
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Washington, DC – Senator John Kerry released the following statement in response to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s comment that “people are fungible:”

“Secretary Rumsfeld's comment that 'people are fungible' is further indication of this Administration's continuing disregard for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in Iraq. Secretary Rumsfeld has it wrong. Troops are not chess pieces to be moved on a board, they are real people with families and loved ones who depend on them. From failing to provide our troops with adequate body and vehicle armor to breaking their commitment not to extend assignments beyond one year, this Administration has continually let them down. They deserve more than cold impersonal calculations when their tours are extended, they deserve compassion and understanding of the sacrifice they and their families are making for their country. Our troops are asked to serve in an action where the Administration can’t even tell them what the plan is to move forward. They are key to our success in Iraq and deserve more from their leaders.”

Transcript of relevant section:

QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, can I ask you about your opening statement? You said that the challenge in Fallujah is being contained and that the situation in the South is largely stabilized. and I wonder if that is the case, why, then is it necessary to keep extra troops in Iraq for 90 days?

RUMSFELD: Well, it is -- the reason it is contained is because we have the extra troops there. That is self-evident. Come on, people are fungible. You can have them here or there.

We have announced the judgment, it is clear, you understand it, everyone in the room understands that we needed additional -- The commander decided he'd like to retain in country an additional plus or minus 20,000 people and that is what we are doing.