Soldiers and Marines Want Pets…Pentagon Says “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

[The Straight Story]

Soldiers and Marines Want Pets…Pentagon Says “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

In an attempt to maintain morale among troops, U.S. military commanders are looking the other way and allowing soldiers and Marines to care for stray dogs and cats on bases in Afghanistan, even though it is prohibited by the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Code specifically forbids “adopting as pets or mascots, caring for, or feeding any type of domestic or wild animal.” The troops, either individually or in groups, are casually adopting the animals, feeding them and giving them names like Smoke, Bacon, Mickey Blue Eyes and Butterscotch. Some of the dogs accompany the troops on foot patrols.

Army Specialist Jimmy Labbee told Stars and Stripes: “I can honestly speak for everybody else— it definitely boosts our morale and gives us another bit of responsibility. It keeps our energy positive, playing with them and spending time with them.”

http://www.allgov.com/Unusual_News/ViewNews/Soldiers_and_Marines_Want_Pets__Pentagon_Says_Dont_Ask_Dont_Tell_101214

[Renew Deal]

1. I hate to say it, but I agree with the military policy.

I hate to say it because I'm sure the pets are both good for the soldiers and the pets. But they can be a major distraction in a war zone. They can get edgy if things get violent. Also, soldiers might pay more attention to a wounded pet than combat. That puts the soldier in danger.

[lillypaddle]

3. They're not distracted by their fellow/sister soldiers

being harmed, but by their pets? C'mon.

[Renew Deal]

5. It's one more thing to worry about.

Remember, they may have an extra personal bond with a "pet." It can lead to bad decisions.

[JonLP24]

7. It said "on bases"

Things are very different inside the wire rather than outside the wire.

[Renew Deal]

9. And foot patrols

"Some of the dogs accompany the troops on foot patrols."

[JonLP24]

11. I didn't see that

but I'm sure it is in there somewhere. Point taken.

[lillypaddle]

2. Good for them!

Nothing like a doggie or kitteh to lift one's spirits. More power to 'em.

[bullwinkle428]

4. Fuck the desk jockeys, and let the men & women putting their asses

on the line make that call!

[Renew Deal]

6. So if they decide to nuke Pakistan or North Korea

let them "make the call?"

[RKP5637]

8. +1000 +++ n/t

[MindandSoul]

10. Then they should have them. . .and when we send a "care package" to our soldiers, we could include

some pet food or pet toys!

But I also hope that they'll be able to bring them back with them and not be forced to abandon them when they leave their post!

[silverweb]

12. Glad to hear it.

My son's out of the service now, but in his various overseas assignments, he had had at least 2-3 cats and one dog -- all strays that he befriended and took in.

He never mentioned any trouble with command, except that the military vet said he couldn't see or treat one of the cats that was hurt. Fortunately, kitty hid out in son's hooch and got better on it's own. :)

The animals all thrived among the soldiers, provided a great deal of needed comfort and affection, fantastic for morale.

When son left each assignment, the animals had to stay behind, but he bequeathed them each to a hand-picked guardian so they'd be well cared for.

That's my boy. :loveya:

[GreenPartyVoter]

13. I totally misread that as "Soldiers and Marines Wet Pants" :^(