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From our forums

ONE DOD. ONE BASIC TRAINING?

I always thought the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard could attend one basic training. It seems the Defense Department could save a ton of money and bring all components together for future joint operations by putting all enlisted personnel on the same sheet of music from Day 1.

— Combat correspondent

Hell no. A Marine is not a sailor is not an airman is not a soldier. I realize the ground training at Parris Island is limited, but it’s still way more than the average airman will ever need.

— Smeghead

CONTRACTORS IN THE WAR ZONE

We blew billions on private contractors to do the jobs military members have traditionally done simply because politicians didn’t want it to look like we were as heavily invested in Iraq. Contracting is a game of smoke and mirrors. That being said, I don’t think these individuals are evil, malicious or unpatriotic. They’re just doing their jobs — the one the American people (through our elected officials) hired them to do.

— Sergeant T

RECONCILING WITH AL-QAIDA

We lose nothing by talking. I’ve always thought that announcing we won’t even talk to someone limits our options and weakens our position.

— Mustang7696