July 16, 2010: USS Pampanito

[Adak]

In the 18th and 19th century, that was true. We didn't even have a Navy, for several decades. Didn't need one. Each state raised it's own "Army" (a militia really). and decided how many "soldiers" to send to any battle or campaign. It was a nightmare.

That's just not the way of things, today. Our biggest trouble spots in the world, are heavily militarized - Iran with new SAM's it's getting from Russia, North Korea with it's huge militarization and help from China, probably top the list.

If we get involved - when we get involved, because we have close ties to both Israel and South Korea, it would sure be good to have those newer fighters.

I don't know if you can REALLY feel the importance, if you don't have close relatives in the Navy/etc. Whether we lose 20 servicemen or 2000, in the next "clash", may not affect you, directly.

If you haven't seen the movie "Charlie Wilson's War", I heartily recommend it. It's a true story, quite funny, with Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts -- good stuff.

CLEARLY shows what having the right weapons means in a war.

Just the right weapons, and the Afghan's (not the Taliban), went from Cannon Fodder to Rambo, and sent the mighty Red Army/Air Force, right back where they came from.