The National Guard troops, now yanked from civilian jobs and classrooms to counter international terrorism, usually are called out only to protect people and property during localized disasters.
Not only are they poorly equipped and trained for combat-related duties, but reservists tend to retain their civilian attitudes while in uniform.
The mud-wrestling flap is just the latest demonstration of that phenomenon. Acceptable in college and other party venues, semi-naked grappling by female soldiers is a military no-no.
So is scavenging vital parts from unwanted equipment, following unlawful orders to harass terrorism suspects and refusing to commit suicide by driving unarmored vehicles.
Significantly, two of those four embarrassments involved military police officers sworn to uphold and enforce the law. (13 FEBRUARY 2005)
