WELCOME TO THE LAUNCH OF THE AMERICAN SENTRY
In an unprecedented time of change, The American Sentry stands post to preserve and protect in the arena of public opinion those concepts, ideals, and traditions that are uniquely American. The Sentry is a former Marine Officer with over 20 years of defense, intelligence, and security related experience. He has travelled and lived all over the world to include Asia, Europe, the Former Soviet Union, and spent much time in the Middle East and Africa. He has two Master Degrees from predominant universities in International Security Affairs and Business, including in Europe, and works and consults in the Crisis Management arena with large companies and high value individuals. With his experience, education, and tenacity, the American Sentry concludes there is literally no place like home, and the fundamentals that make America the greatest achievement in human history are worth preserving, standing up for, and defending. You can learn more about Crisis Management Consulting Services at www.agemusgroup.com.
I invite spirited, though civil, debate, and look forward to sharing and exploring in the world of political, social, defense, and intellectual discourse to raise the bar for discussion leading to bettering our country and our way of life.
Today's Topic: The "Gitmo" Debate
Here in Southern California, there is a considerable amount of hyperbole about the potential housing and maintenance of the remaining "Gitmo" detainees at US Marine Corps Facilities at either Camp Pendleton or Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, both located just north of San Diego. Today's San Diego Times Tribune had an editorial raking the Freshman Congressman, Duncan D. Hunter, over the coals for his rhetoric about opposing the closing of "Gitmo" and the placing the detainees under Marine Corps control at one of these facilities.
The Editorial Board of the "Trib" , in addition to taking pot shots at the young Congressman, argues that the Marines are "perfectly capable" of taking care of the detainees, and that we should not have anything to fear. Though I may not share the congressman's rhetoric, did touch on some key points that set the argument in the right direction. One, that giving it to the Marines from a "capability" stand point is not the issue...the Marines Can probably run the Editorial Board at the Trib better if given the chance...but the congressman's pint is it is not a "core competency" for the Marines. The Marines, specifically that branch of our Armed Forces, is designed, trained, and equipped to be a first strike force for dynamic and kinetic entry..period. Having the Marines acting as "hall monitors" for Al Qaeda terrorists is not the best, nor most effective, utilization for our already task saturated forces.
The Marines will salute smartly if this is determined to be the course of action decided by the National Command Authority. It is incumbent on us, the citizenry, to voice our opposition to this misappropriate of capabilities by writing, emailing, calling our Senators and Congressmen. (Feinstein, Phone: (202) 224-3841, and Boxer, (202) 224-3553)...and stay away from the "not in my backyard" chant...the Marines just aren't the right tool for this mission, whether the mission is FUBAR or not.
Your Thoughts?