NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

maddog, Seattle, WA — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:34:28 GMT

Another fine example of our "great" government!! Make decisions but not responsible for making decisions....kind of like going to war to avenge an attempt on papa!!! Or "Mission Accomplished" and 5 years later...still have troops where they don't belong!!!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Roy Wolford, Rochester, IN. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:35:59 GMT

Give all combat soldiers a chip on ring with their name inside. Anyone caught with an unauthorized ring on will be tried as a spy or a traitor. It is time to get tough since lives are at stake. If the Liberals do not like it, draft them and send them to Iraq with the flag.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

JD, Utah — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:52:36 GMT

Thanks to the idiots on the media for highlighting something else for the bad guys. If they didn't know about these things before, they surely do know. There is no news story worth reporting if it endangers even one american life.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Randy Loewen, Windom, MN — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:09:14 GMT

I believe that openly reporting of issues like this could be construed as a breach of national security. I also believe that this may be the only way to get the message through to our government that something is amiss. The government is very slow and ponderous when it comes to change, and yet all it takes is for some nutcase jihadist to read this article and buy all he can get his hands on before we can react. I believe that information like this should be willingly kept private by the news media and given to the proper authorities and not blabbed to the whole world. Anyone with concerns about our country's security should be more than willing to set aside the "hot scoop" temporarily and take the initiative and responsibilty to ensure that information such as this does not go public until action has been taken to shut down breaches of security such as these. How many soldiers lives do you think that an article like this could cost? All for the sake of getting an article published ? Shame on you!!!!!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Louis Snyder — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 23:14:41 GMT

More reasons to think maybe our worst enemy is ourselves.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Sheryl Robinson, Welches, Oregon — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:13:08 GMT

It's not about national security. It's about big business. War is about BIG BUSINESS. This is just another example, how someone can make money of this war.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

John Shotzbarger — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:51:06 GMT

Thank you for the information. In substance, helping the enemy by U.S. companies is not new. Two books, from scholarly research, illustrate the point: WW I "Merchants of Death"; WW II, "Trading With the Enemy". The latter covers, among other things, that Opal, the german manufacturer of trucks, etc., for the Wehrmacht (NAZI army) was a deliberately named subsidiary of General Motors. This was done to "cloak" GM making profit from both sides of the war. They were not the only ones.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

John Lemay, Brooklyn, NY — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:57:21 GMT

Welcome to the nitty-gritty world of a 21st century army on the learning curve of cyber protection and procurement. This sword cuts both ways folks. You should see my new, limited edition, autographed turban from Osama (gets me into every mosque's backroom in the city).

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Rich, G.R., MI — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:17:41 GMT

Except for the inability for our troops to obtain these IR Flag patches, I don't believe there is as big a problem as is believed. First, the "enemy" does posess night vision gear (courtesy of the USSR... er... I mean Russia), two the enemy hates our flag and wouldn't wear one even if Allah gave it to them, three they would be afraid of being shot at by their own forces mistaking them for real American troops. Not to mention, if they really wanted to get things of that nature they can surely find it there in one bazar, market place, or elsewhere. After all, where do we send this stuff to be used?

Now if we were making available something really sensitive, radio communicatios gear, military computer technology, I'd say yes we really have a problem. Don't cry wolf untill there really is a wolf threat to deal with.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Baghdad Bob — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:18:04 GMT

It is a KNOWN FACT that "Anti-Iraqi Forces" (AIF) can purchase US Military Uniforms at markets in BAGHDAD. ACU, DCU, BDU, even Army PT Uniforms. Nametapes, Unit Patches, Flags, Ranger Tabs. YOu name it you can buy it.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Bob, Baghdad Iraq — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:21:58 GMT

It is a KNOWN FACT that one can purchase US military uniforms in BAGHDAD at open air markets. Make your choice of ACU, DCU, BDU, or PT's. Name tapes, unit patches, flags, rager tabs. We have it, they steal it or copy it.

I'm in the Army, and I'd rather NOT have the chip.

I would much rather have every Iraqi (pro and anti-US) entered into a fingerprint database (BATS) -- which is what we should have done in 2003.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Christopher A. Domenick — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:07:14 GMT

Here we go again, I seems President Bush is now responcible for the supply system set up under Kennedy. NBC is just now finding out what ANYONE who has put on the uniform knows, you can buy the stuff everywhere. There is not a fort or base in this Country that doesn't have a store outside the gate. So I guess it is the Presidents fault that I had to buy my stuff for Ranger school at Ranger Joes in downtown Columbus Ga.?. Glade you guys are on top of things..

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

s.p. wichita, ks. — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:11:49 GMT

What a serious breach of national security. Maybe there ought to be some 'reeling in' of those who sell this stuff to the public.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

charlie wills, las vegas, nv. — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:34:05 GMT

It appears that once again that no one in power in our government is responsible, for anything, ever. What if everybody used this attitude to get away with whatever they care to, what then, total chaos? This is so wrong on so many levels that it is almost unbelievable. How sad that getting a straight answer is an impossibility and endangering every American everywhere seems to be ok with people entrusted to protect us.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Libertarian, Chicago IL — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 03:34:45 GMT

The ChickenHawks that started this war don't care. Old 5 Deferment Cheney would rather see his Halliburton stock go up than spend more money to prevent death to US soldiers.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Alfred Zimmerman — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:00:23 GMT

What's next? Cruise Missles on Craigeslist? Your Tax Dollars at Work People. You wonder why the military takes one step forward,two steps back.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

John, Ft Huachuca, AZ — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 04:31:13 GMT

Uhm...the enemy gets most his [stuff] from rifleing through our garbage that we throw out there. Not everyone burns their sensitive items before trashing them.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Tom Paine, Philadephia PA — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:22:22 GMT

Nuke Islam, problem solved, you are next Russia and China, no more problems, got a problem with that Mexico? Venezuela?

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

sharon melbourne australia — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:46:49 GMT

having family and a loved one in iraq,the sale of these items, is a act of treason, jail the owners and sales people who are selling this gear, we should be doing everything to protect our troops, not help the bad guys,and the media should not be exempt either,jail them for assisting the bad guys by passing on this imformation, now it has been made public, i hope the big guys put a stop to the sale of these items, very quick, be interesting to see how long it takes them to act

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

B. L. Bowman, Walla Walla, WA — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:34:49 GMT

This is testimony to the ability and intelligence of most of our government officials, and the so called controlling agencies. It would appear to me that the bottom line is that they only care about their salaries, retirement and perks. If these "pesky little items" keep popping up, they are not important to them anyway. It is way beyond time for us, the little guys, to stand up and be counted. Vote the bums out of office, and make every attrempt to find those who will do as they promise when they are sworn in.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

willie Brandon, Wi — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:18:52 GMT

Where could this possibly lead to? Essentially, the underlying bottom line is foolish greed.
Some things should be restricted, like the flags.
Someones head should roll for thes things NOT being regulated!! NO accountability.
Dont worry though, this nation cannot continue to follow its foolish international policies of trading with its enemies, and policing the rest, for much longer. The strain is everywhere.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

B Smith, Fallujah, Iraq — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:34:04 GMT

As a vet currently serving my third tour in Iraq, please allow me to first say that the Infared 'flags' or patches are no longer necessary in this war. I would hate to see the media take the fact that we don't have patches and make it look bigger than it really is. (Which, of course, the media is extremely good at). I do think that the Defense Department does need to get a hold on our uniforms and equipment, though.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

B Sumner, Kokomo Ind — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:17:25 GMT

Considering that many of the uniforms and US gear is being manufactured by the Chinese it doses not seem surpising that the these items come up for sale. Since China has been suppling our enemies with hardware for years it is logical that they would supply them with field gear as well.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

US military in Iraq — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:51:11 GMT

Anything is possible by a determined enemy. The places I have been to in Iraq have not had house addresses nor even mail service. IR flags are only one means of identifying US forces. Targeting internet retailers is ridiculous.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

DL Norfolk — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:08:47 GMT

When bush took us in after 9/11, everyone was "lets go get them." Now everyone is playing the blame game. One, it is not the presidents fault any of this happened. He is responsible to the american people just like i, a military member, is responsible to my Chain of command. Listen civilians, HE CAN'T MAKE DECISIONS ON HIS OWN!!!! As far as patches and uniforms are concerned, who cares. We train the best fighting forces in the world. We will overcome. By you guys fighting about who is what, and this and that, ruins moral. Think about the sisters and brothers, moms and dads, sons and daughters that when they are "JUST FOLLOWING ORDERS" and are caught, they are the ones paying the price. Not us stateside. NEVER FORGET!!!!!!!!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

g.i. dan, every city, usa — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:20:51 GMT

ahhh....big time media. once again aiding and abetting the enemies of america. if it wasn't for you they wouldn't know so much about our tactics and equipment, or at least learn about them as quickly. and don't give me the "public has a right to know" line either, haji has the internet just like everybody else. it makes me sick the stuff i've read on here about our tactics and equipment that an enemy can use against us. we should bring back media censorship in times of conflict, even if it saves 1 American warfighters life...

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Sal Akbani, O'Fallon, Illinois — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:28:42 GMT

There is an old say: Colt 45, made all man equal. Technology is the 21st Century's Colt-45. What you have today will be duplicated and replicated in the back streets of Baghdad or in the labs of Tehran within 24-months. You shut them down and they will be made in Kandahar and so on. There is not enought technology gap when a little bribe abd a cell phone cannot upload and download blueprints, infomration and whereabouts of enemy on both sides. Today wars are fought remotely from inside offices placed in Langley, Tehran and Beijing. We need to get off this wariior mentality and figure out how to live with the rest of the world. The days of robber barons stealing land and gold from the Native Americans and stealing and Exxon Mobile stealing oil from Iraq at the expense of the bllood of the poor and un-employed youth of this country with taxpaqyers money as source to bankroll such adventures must come to an end.

The other day someone commented that Americans have always voted and supported war predisdents and hawkish admisnistrations. Perhaps, we need to look at ourselves before it is too late. You cannot carry on endless conflicts with borrowed money from the Chineses, Japanese and the world without sooner or later running out of assets to mortgage. America is in dire need of credit counselling before it files it bankruptcy.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

cdugga — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:38:46 GMT

It would be interesting to know who the companies are that are producing the american uniforms and their distinquishing patches. Like would an american company, in america, ship american uniforms overseas without some official authorization or questions. I doubt it, but we all know that most corps would do anything for profit. Is that a liberal comment? Anyway I would not be surprised to find out that some of our biggest competitors and potential enemies are the ones manufacturing the uniforms, like china, and are laughing all the way to the bank and the unbelievable gullibility, apathy and ignorance of american govmnt officials and their corporate sponsors who distribute the uniforms. I score this as another point for the bush legacy and the republican unregulated free market agenda in this unending multi-trillion dollar boondogle sold to us as the priceless war on terror. Who dat gettin awl dat money?

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

David Bradley, Atlanta, Georgia — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:41:24 GMT

...The assertion that private corporations began supplying the US Army under Kennedy is moronic and about a hundred years too late, considering private companies outfitted both sides in the Civil War.

Yes, ... it is your government's fault that you can't be properly supplied on base, and I say that as a former supply specialist. Private profiteering is the law, thanks to politicians putting "free enterprise" (bribes and kickbacks) over real security. That is the cold hard truth, and another cold hard truth is that the invasion of Iraq was to stop Hussein from selling oil in Euros, nothing more or less. Every person who has died there since March of 2003 has been murdered in the name of profit or Allah or both. And if aggressive reporting to protect American lives is good enough for General McCaffrey, it ought to be good enough for you...

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Jeff Hall — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:47:37 GMT

For years, container shipments by US forces in Afghanistan through pakistan to the Port of karachi have been routinely highjacked. Sensitive equipment flows out of Afghanistan by a more secure route; however, the contents of all of the hundreds of milvans pilfered has invariably been soldier personal items and uniforms. Anything the soldiers do not want to carry home with them on the plane goes into those containers. It is reported that about 10% of the equipment moving through the Pakistan corridor is stolen; the numbers are far higher than that. The milvans usually arrive in Karachi filled with sandbags instead of what they left Afghanistan with. So, basically, everything that our soldiers have in the way of uniforms has been readily available to the enemy for years. When they steal it by the milvan load, who cares if they can buy one or two on Ebay or at a Pawn shop? The ones who buy it that way are obviously not well connected.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Noel C. Hubler, USAF, Retired Wisconsin Rapids, Wi. — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:54:22 GMT

Here again is another example of why vetrans and active duty military has a very wary eye on how we are treated. This goes to show that all we are to them is someone to do their becking call for them to reap finicial gains while using us. They and I say this would be the president, congress, and anyone associated with our government doesn't care about how many get killed or maimed to meet their objectives.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Ed Oliver — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:29:24 GMT

Why don't you just send terrorists catalogs and an attack plan while your at it? I hope you ran this investigation by the pentagon at least 90 days before you ran the story, just to give them time to think about cleaning up this mess.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Charlie Everett Lexington KY — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:53:58 GMT

Blaming the media for a failure on the part of an administration who has constantly told us how they are protecting us? You're either short many IQ points or get all of your news from comic books. This is just one more highly disturbing example of a massive failure on the part of an administration to protect the troops they say they value so much. This is a national embarrasment with the potential for unforgivable lethal consequences!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Another Solider, Iraq — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:04:53 GMT

Military gear available through commercial means is an economic response to soldiers' efforts to accomplish our mission when the Government does not provide us all the resources we require.
With our own money? Yes. It's yet another sacrifice we make that earns us honor we carry for the rest of our lives.
And thank you for the care packages. If you want to send candy, the chocolate always goes fastest, followed by Twizzlers.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

ticked off NEPA USA — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:22:52 GMT

OK B Summer... All Individual Equipment is made in the USA. I know I work the company that makes it and ships it by the truckload weekly

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

dan,indianapolis,in — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:31:41 GMT

Are we sure the military hasn't altered the tags to show up as unfriendly

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

R.E. Lucero, US Army, going back to Iraq. — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:45:03 GMT

I don't think the issue about the patches is such a big thing. I would rather like to know what ever happened to all of those weapons that the US Government gave to the Iraqi government that cannot be accounted for. What ever happened concerning that?

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Cav Scout, Paliwoda — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:58:39 GMT

I am a soldier deployed in Iraq and my unit wears the IR flag only on night operations and even then its not really needed. There are many other ways that we mark ourselves to make sure we know who is who on the battlefield.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Randy Loewen, Windom, MN — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:17:35 GMT

What a bunch of idiots. Blaming the government for the greed of the private sector? Think about it....Do you just need any possible reason to blast our government? I don't see any of you people that are complaining running for office. It's way easier to sit back in your comfortable rocking chairs, sipping on your soda's, while everyone else does the work for you. Just who do you think you are? It's easy to lay blame on our government and especially President Bush. Do you think he has an easy time of it being the CIC of our armed forces? Do you think he alone has control over what determines policies overseas and in our country? Maybe you need to take a civics class or something. Maybe it would introduce a little intellience into your comments instead of just being critical of our policy makers. You talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Delta Trooper, Fayetteville NC — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:24:13 GMT

There are strips, like tape we wear when conducting nite ops. They leave an IR signature. When it comes to CAS, we are the ones sparkling our IR designators, so the pilots know where we are. Then we "rope" the target with that IR beam, and its bombs away. I been to A-stan 3 times, 45 months in all, and a 15 month tour in Iraq. You can buy almost ANYTHING in Iraq. Iran is the one benefitting from our presence, coz when the time comes for us to strike, our ground component is tired, there are rows of Abrams, Bradleys, and Strykers that are beat from 5 years of war. Our ground component is depleted. It will be up to the flyboys to degrade the Iranians, stop them at the border. On the other hand, they will be dealing with our "special" ground component, and target 1 is thier nuclear facilities.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

LS biddeford maine — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:12:56 GMT

ridiculous, this is hardly a threat to our troops! the millions of artillery warheads, the poison gas, the countless military supplies we sold them under saddam are the real threat.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Brian Peterson, Austin Texas — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:53:27 GMT

Jesus, how can we occupy a country when we sell the keys to our soldiers lives online?

Who is responsible, Mr. Bush? Surely not you?

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Bob Sprague, Cocoa FL — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:32:10 GMT

Gee, I wonder where the rest of the world's terrorists, like the Colombian FARC, get their uniforms? Probably even use Paypal....

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Baghdad Bob — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:54:30 GMT

Umm, LS biddeford. I have a surprise for you. WE (the US) did not supply Saddam with his Chemical, Biologial Weapons. That was dome by our ALLIES:
France, West Germany (then Germany), Sweden, Switzerland, Britian, Belgium, The Netherlands, Poland, etc.

Additonally, our pseudo-allies also supplied Saddam. Russia, China, either Korea. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, and yes Iran.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

RLB — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 07:09:09 GMT

while American Idol rakes in the money for other issues to insure a better way of life...our Military Men and Women cant even have the amo and protection needed to battle to insure a better way of life...for that matter...to even make it..why dont they rake in the millions to protect and take care of our own?...gee...I guess Bush does"nt look at their lives as worthy....after all, as he stated" War is romantic" and if he were younger he would like to be part of the history in the making of Iraq....lol...as if he is not!!!! perhaps he should spend more time in the "front lines" so he he can see just how romantic war is...instead he and congress will continue to give 50thousand dollors to the company who make "peeps"you know...the little chicken marshmellows treats kids eat at easter! while our Military Personal eats I.E.D.s an RPGs and then thats a good one...lets let our insurgents have the abilities to look like one of our own...wake up....let the Military run itself...instesd of Bushes bandaids...an he"s not to old to go over and be "part of this"romantic adventure...and course...he doesnt have a Son or Daughter who will eat an I.E.D. for lunch...wake up America...we are being bought and sold....and what ever happened to all the arms that the goverment lost? and they had no serial numbers....remember that? maybe are guys are getting shot with those "missing guns, and all the other things that kill...and then back home our Miitary cant even be taken care of with a better way of life...at 18 you really dot know what you dont even know...harsh realitity to come into...and, whats going on with the so called borders here?...Canada.Mexico.and the U.S.A? what is up with the amero that is already out there? I support the Military...but I feel the Military needs to be supported....more...more...more...haven't we learned yet? raise money on american idol to support a better way of life for those who are putting their lives at risk....because some do not come home....wake up...ralley to get the goverment moving...we are the people...we need to be there for those who serve...and there is money...its just not as important as the peeps, and senitors who take 20thousand dollors to join health spas and buy jets to travel 100 miles to have meetings ...not to mention all the thousands of dollors just to shut someone up....put it where it needs to be....THE MILITARY....so that they can feel like maybe they might make it another day....

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

rooferjatc@msn.com — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:35:31 GMT

You are all sucked in with this hype.Take a good look at what is really happening around you.USSA Its real Our country as we know it has vanished Big Brother owns this group of citizens called Amerika,we are falling faster than thought possible/ very soon US-Mexico-Canada ONE Nation

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Police Officer, Ricmond VA — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:29:05 GMT

Once again I must say I love the press doing the terrorists work for them. Remember the live reports showing the lack of security at our chemical plants, even telling them if they blow two side by side plants that the mixed chemicals would cause a gas to kill hundreds of thousands. And explaining how often a weapon makes it thru the TSA tests etc. The terrorits dont have to do attack planning, the press already does it for them, complete with arial views, target locations and amount of casualties from a strike. Got to love the American Press.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

THOMAS Clarksville Tennessee — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 18:29:25 GMT

im suprised that yall havent heard of the us cav store heck or any other amry surplus store of course being near fort campbelle helps you need to think

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Amanda, Savannah GA — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:36:04 GMT

I agree with the people that are mad at the media. If there were Iraqis that didn't know about this now they do. Good job in giving them a hand just to show a story. and now I can worry even more about my husband who is currently serving in Iraq.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Eric Bartlett, Louisville, Kentucky — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 20:57:22 GMT

This is an issue for our troops. Pease remember that not everyone buys these items with bad intentions, but important things like infrared I.D. patches should probably not be sold overseas. However there are people like myself who may playe paintball or airsoft games. We use camoflauge but we are sure not to add any name tags or other items that a service member would wear.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Anthony Wrifford, Columbia, SC — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:56:55 GMT

One reader above commented, "If the liberals don't like it, draft hem and send them to Iraq".
I doubt that anyone, regardless of their politics, would see this kind of situation as anything but problematic (at best).

It's not the "liberals" to blame, it's the reckless capitalists and they don't care about politics or about who wins what war, just as long as they can make a buck.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

William Ada OK — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:57:22 GMT

Is this news to any one, about the patches? It is just a piece of cloth, and there are producers to verify people even if they are in US uniforms.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

R Meador Joplin, MO — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:14:09 GMT

I think tunable infrared laser diodes attached to the clothing and helmets will be used more in the future.
The glow is better, easier to see. 808 nanometers for Monday, 1064 nanometers for Tuesday, etc.
Your point is well taken.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

a.c., seattle, washington — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:38:34 GMT

look for AK-47's, you idiots in the military!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

LadyDayJ — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:57:32 GMT

How can our USA Troops be special, when we dont even honor their uniforms. Their uniforms should be just for them. No one should be walking around in the same outfit as them. These men and woman put there life on the line for their Country and we allow anyone to wear their outfit. That goes to show you how the Government really feels and honor these men and woman. They should not allow these outfit to be worn by just anyone. You dont see policemen and fire fighters outfits being worn by just anyone.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Jen F. Usher — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:32:39 GMT

I side with Mr. MaCafferty.

During any on-going Military Action-No Sales-period!!!

Regarding the conduct of a Civilian Manufactuer, contracted to The DOD-NO OUTSIDE SALES-period!!!

Solution for violating DOD restrictions: FBI,DOJ and JAG enforcement-with penalties of Life In Prison, Forfeture of Citizenship, and Seziure of ALL Company Assets...Only then will Our Men and Women In Harms Way be Protected!!!!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

hsmith, RAF Lakenheath UK — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 03:01:19 GMT

as anyone in the miltiary knows if the gov quit allowing non DOD business to sell uniforms,name tapes,badges etc then many servicemen and women will be without uniforms. Half of the people I know have ordered the new ABU uniform through different stores not DOD authorized on the net. Why? Because AAFES both online and in stores can't keep any stock in of any parts of the uniform. Also when military members get rid of uniforms they can no longer wear they are told to remove all identifying patches and nametapes before disposing or selling their old gear. So if uniforms are being sold and worn with patches etc,either they were stolen from someones car or home(which happens on a daily basis near our overseas duty station or the military member is not practicing good opsec).

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Ronald Grow - Pocatello, ID — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 05:55:21 GMT

I used to think that the media should report what they find the government before broadcasting it. But I am afraid the government would not be inclinded to fix it under those circumstances. It seems that it would be very easy for congress to direct that military contracts for all items are for US military consumption only. Vendors that violate that would be prosecuted and jailed. I do not need the latest BDUs or secret decoder rings or anything the military currently uses and neither should any other civilian. Broadcast the names and addresses of these vendors. Put their faces on TV, make it damed uncomfortable.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Mike 0 Seattle WA — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:33:34 GMT

Blaming the messenger folks? What do YOU do when your kids teacher calls, jack up the principal?

If we had a decent watchdog agency maybe all this weirdness with losing warheads and selling F5 parts to Iran would cease.

Let's legislate absolute control of all the press, like, say, China - then we'd never have to worry about any negative news.

And yeah, people, the media DOES actively clear articles with the military, but if there WERE anything dangerous to American soldiers in Iraq, why wouldn't Al-Jazeera publish it first?

Oh... there are MANY other "war" fronts that ain't in the mass media at all.

'Member the War on Drugs? ;)

=M0=

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

A.P. Merino — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:55:34 GMT

If the press didn't say anything YOU wouldn't have known. People need to know that this is unacceptable and find a way to forbid the sale of sensitive gear to civilians in and out of the U.S.
If a U.S. enemy wanted to see if he could get ahold of these items, the would have tried one way or another, and they probably did way before the story broke. OUR troops are in danger because of a incompetent government and unacceptable regulations. WAKE UP PEOPLE!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Todd, Columbus, GA — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:16:11 GMT

Great Job MSNBC! Way to be a responsible news organization. What should have been quietly dealt with by the government once you found the loophole is now being broadcast to every wannabe bad guy in the world. Next time I'm down range I'll be sure to think of you when I catch some bad guys dressed like me!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Randy — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:49:06 GMT

In the words of Don Rumsfeld, "You play the hand you are dealt." If someone on that high level of government didn't care about armor for humvees, what makes anyone thing this military will care about flags for soldiers? Another example of how poor the military leaders really are. It makes me sick.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Randy — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:52:30 GMT

Oh, I see where you are blaming the press for doing the terrorist's work. DONT EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!! You are very simple minded if you think that this article will hand them information sensitive to our overall goals in Iraq. Don't complain HERE about it, flood your congressman's email box to show your displeasure. But don't EVER blame the media again for the stupid actions of this war loving administration!

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Steve B. San Antonio, TX — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:13:17 GMT

Regulate the stuff. We're all victims of our own 'free' democratic society. Certain things like this should be controlled without question. Our enemies know our 'weakness' and prey on that.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

pringle,anchorage,ak — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:21:40 GMT

i think it's hilarioius how everyone tries pinning everyones problems on bush. appearently he makes the world a bad place. guess what? he doesnt make every single decision. plus these flags arent that big of an issue. if it was they wouldn't be on the surplus market

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

Richard Dreadon, Nashivlle, Tn — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:55:50 GMT

This is the silliest mess I have seen in the news in some time now. Curent issue military uniforms have been available to purchase by the general public for decaedes. As soon as companies started to sell on the internet you could purchase these same items online. This is by no means a new dangerouse situation. It is one more case of the media trying to make ratings and scare the public over nothing. They make this sound like some new national security breach our government must do something about. I know for a fact, becuase I recieved the catalogs myself ih high school, you could order uniforms and equipment in the early 1980's. That was not the begining just my first personal experience with this. So where is the big breaking news story here? There is none, just a way to scare people, get ratings and rail against our government and military over nothing.

Is it possible that insurgents can buy these items, of course it is and the military takes precautions. These precautions reange from coded readio transmissions to passwords, things the insugents can not access nor but onlne or through the mail. These precautions have been taken my the US military since atleast the 1776 when we fought against the British Army. The ability to obtain uniforms and equipment has been a security measure to deal with since this nations first war. Claims that it is somthing new and dangerous and that nothing is being done about it it not only stupid, but proves the media is more about ratings and stories that scare the public. Any small amount of research done by a reporter would have uncovered this information. What does that mean, the rreports are too lazy to do there jobs, or they new the truth and din't care because they wanted to scare people and get ratings.

Why do I even wast my time reading the news anymore? I really wonder sometimes with reporting like this.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

RM, San Francisco, CA — Fri, 02 May 2008 02:40:30 GMT

great. Just keep exposing our weaknesses in the guise of being a 'watchdog' to help our soldiers, it is obvious that by continuing to print these revelations, your true motivation is to make the current administration 'look bad' with total disregard for our soldiers' lives. Who do you wacko liberal socialists think you're fooling? We can all see what you are really up to - and still, it won't work either. Our country is not perfect, but it is as close to perfect as man has ever gotten - or else, why would everyone outside the country want to either sneak in or take us over? Doh, dipwads are you all - and the true American patriots can see through your facade.

NBC News Investigation: Can insurgents buy U.S. military uniforms online?

James Winder Ga — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:12:23 GMT

Anybody with access to the internet can buy a military uniform. They did not need the media to tell them this because a Google search would. I was in the military and I have had to buy from off post vendors in order to have the uniforms/equipment that I was required to have.
I do think that it is a good idea to restrict the export of patches and uniforms.