What happened to Saddam's Army?

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Request for Question Clarification by tutuzdad-ga on 09 Jul 2003 11:01 PDT

Can you be more specific with your question?

Regards;
tutuzdad-ga

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Clarification of Question by kgy-ga on 09 Jul 2003 12:08 PDT

Hi

There were approximately 15,000+ Republican Guards providing personal
protection for Saddam Hussein.   There were also the remnants of
several other lesser Iraqi units amounting to at least 100,000
soldiers who evidently melted in with the local populations.   There's
nothing from the Administration or what now serves as our fifth estate
that has commented on where all these folks have gone.  I don't know
of any other conflict where the invading force was unable to even
locate units or unit commanders and provide safeguards for the
occupying troops.

If you have a pretty good idea of why we've been so remiss or
incapacitated in our efforts to find Saddam's missing Army I would
like to hear some kind of explanation.  If it's one of those great
mysteries of this unfolding conflict, then no need to come back.

Thanks!

KGY-ga

Hi kgy,

Although no one can be 100% sure, I am confident in my answer. 

His soldiers simply walked away, and went home.

It's the most logical explanation, and I have provided documentation
to bolster my position. They didn't leave the country, and the
majority were not killed or captured. There was no leadership to tell
them "not to" after Saddam and his henchmen went underground. They are
not hiding, unless they have their drapes closed and chose not to
answer the door...

There is _N_O_ Army left, so the most probable answer is most likely
correct.

Also, with the Allied forces rounding up members of the Army for
interrogation, it would seem prudent to take off your uniform and
become a regular guy.

This first link illustrates my point:

Death of an army foretold
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_232964,00300006.htm
This is an enlightening article by Lt Gen (Retd.) VR Raghavan, former
DGMO, who has had first hand experience of Iraq’s military and
operational conditions.

And more speculation...

What happened to Saddam's army?  (click to read quotes from soldiers
that deserted)
http://newcrusader.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=253
..."People have worriedly asked me in conversations, "Where are all
the Iraqi soldiers?" Implying there might be some sort of trap being
laid. Nonsense, I told them. The average Iraqi soldier is not stupid
or suicidal. Between the aerial pounding by coalition planes and the
gun in their back in the hands of their own commanders, the Iraqi
soldier's will to fight for Saddam is not likely to be very high. As
soon as the chance presented itself most walked away from their guns
and equipment..."

Looting Rampage, soldiers walk away...
http://www.sabcnews.com/world/north_america/0,1009,56840,00.html
..."Amid reports of the remnants of Saddam's army throwing down their
arms and walking away from Kirkuk, Kurdish fighters moved into the
centre of Mosul, apparently unopposed..."

'I deserted Saddam's army' (one soldier's story)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2966007.stm
..."Iraq had a huge army, but only a fraction of its soldiers were
killed or captured during the war. Hamed Nissam was one of those who
took off his uniform and simply melted away..."
 
Iraq Sanctions Now Gone, Saddam's Army Abolished 
http://www.rense.com/general37/arnn.htm
..."Iraqis voiced cautious optimism for the future at the end of years
of crippling UN sanctions, as Washington used its new powers to
dissolve Saddam Hussein's armed forces and markets awaited the
resumption of Iraqi oil exports..."


Hope this scratches that curiousity itch you've got!

Best regards,
~~Cynthia


"Where is Saddam's Army"
"Saddam's Army" "walked away"
"Soldiers walked away" Iraq
Saddam Army Deserted
mystery "Saddam's Army"

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Clarification of Answer by cynthia-ga on 10 Jul 2003 09:11 PDT

Hi again kgy,

Thanks for explaining the reason for your question, because as
Researchers, it is more likely than not, that we don't learn the real
motivations for questions asked here. It is very satisfying to turn on
the computer and read my answer gave you a measure of peace.

Also, thanks Very Much for the kind remarks and the generous tip, you
REALLY made my day! --And of course, I hope you return to Google
Answers when you have another burning question...

~~Cynthia

Hi Cynthia

I'm a news buff and political watcher and your answer was very
convincing. . I'm glad I asked and glad you answered.

As a retired Army officer (Korea)I feel a great deal of sympathy for
the troops that have been led into this tactical situation.   In Korea
there were millions of civilians killed because they were intermixed
with North Korean and Chinese troops.  This is a similar situation.
.but even worse because the combat setting is in builtup urban areas
and not small villages and open terrain.

I note that the Army War College is predicting a steady attrition of
our forces by small Iraqi units (cells) that are capable of hanging on
indefinitely.

Thanks for your research!


KGY-ga