Posted on Oct 8, 2014
Will deploying more US troops to fight Ebola increase the chances of the virus spreading through more states?
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Have you noticed whenever you turn on the news or read it—Ebola seems to be everywhere? It is a little scary. Cases of Ebola have now been found in Dallas and D.C. Doctors and aid workers from across the world are helping fight the battle against this epidemic, but how much do you really know about this virus? There are many misconceptions about Ebola, so lets clear some up now:
1. Ebola is extremely infectious but not extremely contagious. It is infectious, because an exceedingly small amount can cause illness.
2. Ebola is moderately contagious. The virus is not transmitted through the air.
3. Humans can be infected by other humans if they come in contact with body fluids from an infected person or contaminated objects from infected persons.
This week, President Obama declared that there will be additional screening measures to prevent the virus from ravaging the United States but will not be banning any air travel. The Coast Guard is also starting to put protocols in place for ships that have recently been in Ebola-affected areas. Passengers will be checked for symptoms of the virus before the ship docks. Is this enough or should the U.S. take a more drastic approach and ban all travel unless approved to these virus devastated countries?
As many know, up to 4,000 service members will be deployed to aid in the battle against Ebola in West Africa, but is this really something U.S. Military should be involved in? Operation United Assistance will focus on building treatment units in Liberia and aid in training local health workers to treat patients. Troops are not expected to have direct contact with Ebola patients, but they will still be trained on the proper methods that come with personal protection equipment. With so many Americans being deployed to West Africa, will this only increase the chances of Ebola spreading through States?
1. Ebola is extremely infectious but not extremely contagious. It is infectious, because an exceedingly small amount can cause illness.
2. Ebola is moderately contagious. The virus is not transmitted through the air.
3. Humans can be infected by other humans if they come in contact with body fluids from an infected person or contaminated objects from infected persons.
This week, President Obama declared that there will be additional screening measures to prevent the virus from ravaging the United States but will not be banning any air travel. The Coast Guard is also starting to put protocols in place for ships that have recently been in Ebola-affected areas. Passengers will be checked for symptoms of the virus before the ship docks. Is this enough or should the U.S. take a more drastic approach and ban all travel unless approved to these virus devastated countries?
As many know, up to 4,000 service members will be deployed to aid in the battle against Ebola in West Africa, but is this really something U.S. Military should be involved in? Operation United Assistance will focus on building treatment units in Liberia and aid in training local health workers to treat patients. Troops are not expected to have direct contact with Ebola patients, but they will still be trained on the proper methods that come with personal protection equipment. With so many Americans being deployed to West Africa, will this only increase the chances of Ebola spreading through States?
Posted in these groups: 
Command Post
Coronavirus COVID19
Command Post Coronavirus COVID19
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 26
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After 13 years of war the brave souls who make up our military are beyond pushed to the limit. Heroes are stressed and tired. Too many are constantly adding to the already high suicide rates, divorces are sky high and families are falling apart. The burden and stress the military is expected to carry with a smile on their face is out of control. Most recently add in threats on pay cuts, "pink slips", a return to Iraq and now pile on sending folks to Africa; an area plagued with disease? Welcome to the breaking point.
General Douglas MacArthur said in his farewell speech at West Point in 1962, "...your mission remains fixed, determined, inviolable. It is to win our wars. Everything else in your professional career is but corollary to this vital dedication. All other public purpose, all other public projects, all other public needs, great or small, will find others for their accomplishments; but you are the ones who are trained to fight."
This Ebola crisis is not the military's to encounter. This is not what the military is trained for, prepared for, or meant for. Simply because the military is a group of people who can't say "no" (unless they choose to be a conscientious objector) does not make it right to send them. There are plenty others who could tend to this situation. If this truly is a global concern, why was nothing done when the outbreak began this past March? If this is truly a global concern, where is the international community in this endeavor? Where are their boots on the ground? Nothing heard.
Instead, our military will be further stressed, further exhausted, and abused. They will be placed in an environment with an enemy that is impossible to fight, but told it is not theirs to question why.
We should all pray that God looks after these men and women, and protects them from this disease, because the government that sent them there certainly won't.
General Douglas MacArthur said in his farewell speech at West Point in 1962, "...your mission remains fixed, determined, inviolable. It is to win our wars. Everything else in your professional career is but corollary to this vital dedication. All other public purpose, all other public projects, all other public needs, great or small, will find others for their accomplishments; but you are the ones who are trained to fight."
This Ebola crisis is not the military's to encounter. This is not what the military is trained for, prepared for, or meant for. Simply because the military is a group of people who can't say "no" (unless they choose to be a conscientious objector) does not make it right to send them. There are plenty others who could tend to this situation. If this truly is a global concern, why was nothing done when the outbreak began this past March? If this is truly a global concern, where is the international community in this endeavor? Where are their boots on the ground? Nothing heard.
Instead, our military will be further stressed, further exhausted, and abused. They will be placed in an environment with an enemy that is impossible to fight, but told it is not theirs to question why.
We should all pray that God looks after these men and women, and protects them from this disease, because the government that sent them there certainly won't.
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG Jason Wiley, don't get me wrong I well aware as you are that we are operating outside of the textbook definition of an Army, and yes the Ebola threat is a reality. I am not denying that. I am stating that in my 8 yrs in I have and I'm sure you have been called on to do things out of our scopes.( work on generators, trucks ect). Soldiers are gumbys, we do what we have to to accomplish what NEEDS to be done. In my opinion I would rather be working actively to resolve the issue then passively addressing the issues as they come to head(screening measures, tests). The best defense is an effective offense. I would in a drop of a hat go on this mission given the opportunity. Stopping the source (Africa) will reduce the risk to my family, thereby completing my mission. The agency's that you mentioned are great and that is there mission but I see nothing wrong with the US army playing a supporting role of it can add to the potential success. Again just my stand point.
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SSG Jacob Wiley
I respect your opinion and though I disagree, applaud your eagerness to help.
Putting it in your words: "The best defense is an effective offense" - absolutely correct. Don't put a basketball team's offense in a football game. Football is played full contact, with helmets, pads and so on. Basketball is a tank-top and shorts. The two don't jive and someone will get hurt.
From my standpoint, same with disease control and a combat force.
Putting it in your words: "The best defense is an effective offense" - absolutely correct. Don't put a basketball team's offense in a football game. Football is played full contact, with helmets, pads and so on. Basketball is a tank-top and shorts. The two don't jive and someone will get hurt.
From my standpoint, same with disease control and a combat force.
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MAJ(P) (Join to see)
I have to agree with you. This probably isn't a military fight. Granted, engineers and medical folks are headed there to provide much needed infrastructure to support basic services and medical support. But, why the military? Why not civilian contractors.
This is potentially putting Soldiers lives in jeapordy in order to "combat" a medical illness. Is Ebola considered an "enemy" against the Constitution?
This is potentially putting Soldiers lives in jeapordy in order to "combat" a medical illness. Is Ebola considered an "enemy" against the Constitution?
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SSG Jacob Wiley
MAJ(P) (Join to see) - I wish this had two thumbs up buttons for your last sentence.
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I don't think there is any question that it increases the risk of more cases in the United States. Exposing thousands of service members, even if adequately protected, is a risk.
I agree with some of the earlier discussions that this is not an appropriate mission for the military. It is better suited for the Public Health Service and non-governmental organizations.
I agree with some of the earlier discussions that this is not an appropriate mission for the military. It is better suited for the Public Health Service and non-governmental organizations.
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SGM (Join to see)
COL Burleson--I am a huge fan of universal--mandatory public service. I personally don't think anyone should be considered a full fledged citizen--with the right to vote--until you've served the country in some way, including noncombatant roles--for at least two years as used to be the norm. Not a fan of the draft but in some ways it did much for the country although the cost-benefit ratio is likely not good. Not a fan of pardoning draft dodgers either because some other poor fellow took his place. Not a fan of awarding citizenship because momma touched a toe on American soil either.
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SGT Jay Ehrenfeld
that idea of this current administration want this country as a third world. check the border and the statics someone need to prove me wrong on this.
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SGT Jay Ehrenfeld
Sgt(p) you need to wake up how much people is on Food stamps esp in the military without any protraction from people coming in it will hurt United States and it their military as we speak the DOD is cutting more money from the military to help with the third world status because they refuse to stop the illegal flow of these people will hurt us in the long run and the short run
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Of course the more people who come into close contact with the infected will increase the chances of the virus spreading. But what is more dangerous is people who do not realize that they are exposed in the first place. I would expect the military to take every precaution if we will be placing people in the "hot zone" to combat this thing. And it is much easier to quarantine and monitor Soldiers for symptoms before they are released back into the general population.
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SPC (Join to see)
I agree with most everything you say PO1. Containing disease in its original habitat is the most efficient way to eliminate it. I also agree that the organization the military provides would be helpful in quarantine situations. However, I have been reading several pages on this subject. I understand that there are some differences in the mission between Army and Navy, but militarys as a whole, are created for war. I believe our job is to fight for the freedoms that our families enjoy. I believe our job is to keep the blood shed off of our soil, but mostly, I believe our job is to fight the wars that our civilian counterparts wont. Civilians outnumber us 10/1, easily. They have organizations that are created specifically for disease outbreaks, and emergency services for that matter. It should not have to fall on the soldiers, the airmen, the sailers, or the marines to clean up what they dont want to deal with. At least that is my personal opinion. Of course I will do as I'm directed, but just because we're capable of completing the mission does not mean that we should be given it when there are more qualified bodies out there.
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MSG Brad Sand
CPT (Join to see)
Sir, I do understand what people are trying to say but senior medical officials in the region like Dr. Umar Khan, Sierra Leone's leading virologist, and Dr. Bernice Dahn, Liberia's chief medical officer and deputy health minister, have run into issues with Ebola on a personal bases. Dr. Umar Khan is dead and Dr. Bernice Dahn has had to quarantine herself and much of her staff when her assistant died from the virus! If a nation's leading virologist and assistant chief medical officer are dropping from this plague, what are we doing putting anyone more into the Hot Zone? I hope I am wrong and no one even comes close to being sick, but the people who 'know' how to protect themselves are dropping like flies, and how much time have our troops been training to protect themselves? Oh, that's right, we need them there now.
Sir, I do understand what people are trying to say but senior medical officials in the region like Dr. Umar Khan, Sierra Leone's leading virologist, and Dr. Bernice Dahn, Liberia's chief medical officer and deputy health minister, have run into issues with Ebola on a personal bases. Dr. Umar Khan is dead and Dr. Bernice Dahn has had to quarantine herself and much of her staff when her assistant died from the virus! If a nation's leading virologist and assistant chief medical officer are dropping from this plague, what are we doing putting anyone more into the Hot Zone? I hope I am wrong and no one even comes close to being sick, but the people who 'know' how to protect themselves are dropping like flies, and how much time have our troops been training to protect themselves? Oh, that's right, we need them there now.
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SGM (Join to see) ,
I believe this will open us to extended opportunities for infection. My belief is based on the lack of a training program which are likely not fully developed to ensure appropriate protection. I do not know, but is our Mission Oriented Protection Posture (MOPP) gear rated for disease protection? While I recognize Ebola is not airborne, there are still risks. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk.
Thank you for this interesting and thought provoking post,
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
I believe this will open us to extended opportunities for infection. My belief is based on the lack of a training program which are likely not fully developed to ensure appropriate protection. I do not know, but is our Mission Oriented Protection Posture (MOPP) gear rated for disease protection? While I recognize Ebola is not airborne, there are still risks. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk.
Thank you for this interesting and thought provoking post,
SFC Joseph M. Finck USA (Ret)
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SGM (Join to see)
SFC Finck, we appreciate and respect your keen observations. It's an ugly situation to be sure. We're told that current MOPP gear is "designed" to protect against CBR under certain conditions..that means not forever. "Designed" is also not a thrilling description that instills confidence, which is why we have training, to gain confidence in ourselves and our equipment. Current medical versions is more appropriate for a bio threat and will likely be the norm; yet not optimal for all people in all shapes and sizes in hot climates, nor for people not using to wearing them nor for long term use..although many improvements have been made. Some people with tough beards also have issues, etc. But you gotta do what you gotta do when ordered. Especially to survive. I don't like it any more than you.
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
SGM (Join to see) ,
I also spent 25 months in Monrovia, Liberia and the heat is oppressive during the warm season and the rain is horrid in the rainy season. Breakdown of equipment and, as you well stated, personnel is inevitable, but regrettable and perhaps deadly.
I always went where I was told and would again if needed, but I truly have empathy for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who get this assignment.
Thank you,
I also spent 25 months in Monrovia, Liberia and the heat is oppressive during the warm season and the rain is horrid in the rainy season. Breakdown of equipment and, as you well stated, personnel is inevitable, but regrettable and perhaps deadly.
I always went where I was told and would again if needed, but I truly have empathy for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who get this assignment.
Thank you,
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SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS
Cpl Joseph Radzinski ,
Honestly, I have no idea how you would survive in a MOPP suit. Triple Canopy jungle, no running water, no electricity, little way to complete hygiene. Interesting place with significant logistical challenges and many issues.
Honestly, I have no idea how you would survive in a MOPP suit. Triple Canopy jungle, no running water, no electricity, little way to complete hygiene. Interesting place with significant logistical challenges and many issues.
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Guys you are seeing what happens when we did not honor our oath to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic...the progressive enemy is behind the gates...and we rationalize...and say it will be okay with a new POTUS...it time to start taking care of our communities and families...Progressive Marxism and B. Obama's fundamental transformation is our judgement....normalcy bias this or not...but it's here.
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Why only the U.S.? Where in the heck is the rest of the world on this one???????
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I'll address this in two major points:
First, we are not deploying "forces to fight" Ebola; we're sending MP and Medical experts because this is a very real opportunity to train and test on necessary skills if this virus becomes a true, global threat.
Secondly, the military's role is axillary and support-oriented, which is similar to what our actual responsibility will be if a highly contagious bio threat hits the U.S.; the military will be expected to augment and support local authorities and response teams (law enforcement, medical, security, etc) when the local population is unable.
Ultimately, this is the absolute best opportunity we will have. Let's not wait until this stuff is rampant across the globe to test our response capabilities.
First, we are not deploying "forces to fight" Ebola; we're sending MP and Medical experts because this is a very real opportunity to train and test on necessary skills if this virus becomes a true, global threat.
Secondly, the military's role is axillary and support-oriented, which is similar to what our actual responsibility will be if a highly contagious bio threat hits the U.S.; the military will be expected to augment and support local authorities and response teams (law enforcement, medical, security, etc) when the local population is unable.
Ultimately, this is the absolute best opportunity we will have. Let's not wait until this stuff is rampant across the globe to test our response capabilities.
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Seems to me that we should worry about keeping our people safe and healthy. I think they should use a task force that is specifically trained in the treatment, quarantine, and clean up of infectious diseases to take care of this problem. Our troops are trained to fight wars...not fight diseases in another country. We have to do everything in our power to keep our people safe and to stop the infection from coming in the country. I also would hate to see our brothers and sisters put in harms way because they learn to fight people not to fight medical threats. This is just my opinion on it by the way. I also think if they choose to leave this country on their own free will and help with a contagious disease that they know what could possible happen and should not be allowed to freely enter this country. ESPECIALLY if they are sick. All need to be checked. So sorry if i'm rambling hahaha I have not had any time in days to think about anything else but school work.
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I believe that our soldiers would be put to better use guarding our borders and manning our international airports to prevent infected from sneaking in in the same way the Mr. Duncan did. But unfortunately that would be to strong of a position to take in this PC first political atmosphere.....
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SGT Jay Ehrenfeld
I do believe that too but you have to understand this is a anti military president and Secy of State in which Secy of state is Vietnam vet himself
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Suspended Profile
Step one erect a barrier
Step two patrol barrier
It really not that complected
Step two patrol barrier
It really not that complected
MSgt Randy Carpenter
From a Security Forces standpoint sure. Meanwhile, inside the the field hospital...it's a whole new ball game.
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