Does training the former enemy really work?

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 19:33:27 -0400

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/congress-likely-to-cut-failed-pentagon-program-to-train-syrian-rebels/ar-AAf84JH?ocid=spartandhp

Congress likely to cut failed Pentagon program to train Syrian rebels

The Obama administration's initial effort to build a proxy military force inside Syria to help fight Islamic State appears on shaky ground as key U.S. lawmakers consider closing a $500 million Pentagon program widely considered...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 5 at 2015 7:36 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 19:36:45 -0400

Well, seeing as how we've created, funded and trained just about every enemy over the last few decades, I'd say it works really well, at least in terms of ensuring we always have an "enemy" to keep defense funds flowing...

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 5 at 2015 7:39 PM

SSgt David Tedrow — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 19:39:57 -0400

Generally it's a quick fix to a problem that usually comes back to haunt us.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Oct 5 at 2015 7:42 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 19:42:47 -0400

Never should have even considered the program...There is no way in Syria today to know if the soldier you are training today won't be your enemy next week.

Response by PV2 Matthew Dzemske made Oct 7 at 2015 8:46 PM

PV2 Matthew Dzemske — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 20:46:18 -0400

For us, not at all. For them, amazingly. They don't have to rely on observation of we just straight out tell them how we operate. Although, with the military in the condition it is in now, this may turn out to be a mixed blessing to those we are training...