Veterans warn US Iran ground ops could be costly
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- U.S. military is deploying two Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs) to the Middle East, each with over 2,000 Marines, as part of preparations for a possible ground operation in Iran.
- 82nd Airborne Division is planning to send a brigade combat team of roughly 3,000 troops to support potential ground operations in Iran.
- Virginia Burger warns that seizing Kharg Island could be a “suicide mission” and questions the potential loss of American lives and equipment.
- James Webb says Iran’s mountainous geography and large population make offensive operations difficult, likening a prolonged conflict to Gallipoli rather than Vietnam.
- Mike Prysner notes that many service members are seeking conscientious objector status, citing the Minab school massacre as a key reason.
- Pentagon is moving THAAD missile interceptor systems from South Korea to the Middle East, raising concerns about weakening U.S. ability to respond to other threats.
- John Byrnes warns that a ground deployment could be protracted, with casualties occurring over weeks or months rather than a short operation.
Why it matters: U.S. service members risk increased casualties and eroding morale, while the Pentagon’s shift of THAAD missile systems and dwindling munitions stockpiles strains its ability to respond to other threats, potentially compromising deterrence in the Pacific and Europe and could force costly reallocations.
