The troops support the war. Says who?

Posted By Mike Boyer Thursday, April 13, 2006 - 2:09 PM Share

A couple years back, I read a book about life in the American infantry in Northwestern Europe during WWII called The Boys' Crusade by historian Paul Fussell. Fussell knows something about combat. He led a rifle platoon in the 103rd Infantry Division and was severely wounded in France. In the book, Fussell concludes that "Ninety-nine percent" of American troops "would have escaped if there had been any non-shameful way out." That conclusion shocked me. After all, WWII to this day lends legitimacy to America's role in the world. But it makes sense.

That's why the headline of an op-ed by Vets for Freedom Executive Director Wade Zinkle in today's WaPo surprised me. "Troops in Support Of the War," it declares. Zinkle says a majority of troops in Iraq are just having a dandy time in Mesopotamia. Those who are there, he says, want to stay. Those who have returned home want to go back. Zinkle says he is basing this assertion on "what I and others know and hear from our own colleagues."

I thank Zinkle for his service and his sacrifice. But I respectfully disagree with his conclusion. Consider a poll of nearly 1,000 troops serving in Iraq conducted by Zogby International in which 72 percent think the U.S. should get out within a year. Three quarters of reservists and National Guard troops and about half of regular Army troops told Zogby that the U.S. should withdraw from Iraq within six months. I suspect 99 percent would prefer to be at home with their families, loved ones, and friends.

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