if they are there, let's at least PROTECT THEM

(Workers assembled body armor made of ceramic plates at ArmorWorks in Tempe, Ariz. Specially treated plates give troops extra protection. )

U.S. Struggling to Get Soldiers Updated Armor


For the second time since the Iraq war began, the Pentagon is struggling to replace body armor that is failing to protect American troops from the most lethal attacks by insurgents. The ceramic plates in vests worn by most personnel cannot withstand certain munitions the insurgents use. But more than a year after military officials initiated an effort to replace the armor with thicker, more resistant plates, tens of thousands of soldiers are still without the stronger protection because of a string of delays in the Pentagon's procurement system...............
..........Upgrading the plates for American troops in Iraq will cost at least $160 million, according to industry estimates..........

this is simply sickening. they (the powers that be), appear to have KNOWN we were going to war long before we did. why the hell didn't they prepare proper PROTECTION for our troops?