OT: Forth Of July for Marines In Afghanistan

Whether you are against the war or for the war, you would probably agree this is not the way to celebrate the Fourth of July, even if they chose to be in the military.

Marines march in grueling Afghan sun for July 4
(7/4/09 AP via My Way News)

"Taliban militants were nowhere in sight as the columns of U.S. Marines walked a third straight day across southern Afghanistan. But the desert heat proved an enemy in its own right, with several troops falling victim Saturday to temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

"The Marines carry 50-100 pounds (23-45 kilograms) on their backs. But because they are marching through farmland on foot, they can't carry nearly as much water as their thirst demands.

"The high heat, heavy packs, limited water and three straight days of walking through tough farmland terrain were taking a toll, he said. Several Marines threw up or were dry-heaving from the heat. Three passed out, and other Marines rushed to share the weight and pour water on overheated bodies.

"It's pretty taxing on your body. There's no way to prepare for this," said [HM3 Navy Medic from Dallas] Trujillo.

"One cruel irony: A helicopter dropped off a load of water to the Marines early Saturday, but because they hadn't yet reached their final destination, they took only what they could carry and left hundreds of bottles behind for Afghan villagers to drink."

These Marines are marching in desert heat as part of President Obama's new Afghanistan initiative: Operation Khanjar ("sword strike"). It is General McChrystal's first major move in Afghanistan since his appointment.

The president says "America’s Key Goals Can Be Completed ‘Without Us Increasing Our Troop Levels’". (That sounds awfully familiar. It is also difficult to believe, as the US is to build a new embassy in Islamabad bigger and pricier than the one in Baghdad.)

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