Army Maj. Gen. William Webster says the push by US lawmakers to establish a definite departure date is “a recipe for disaster.” According to the Washington Post, Webster, who commands 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq, told reporters that setting a date diminishes the sacrifices of the troops in Iraq. He said that US troops “believe they’re doing the right thing” and that “they’re helping” Iraqis. Webster believes “setting a date is a loser.”
Poor event planning and staffing contributed to a fatal mishap last April at Kadena Air Base, Japan, when rotor wash from an HH-60W helicopter knocked over a Japanese teacher from a Department of Defense Education Activity school attending a public aerial demonstration, according to an Air Force investigation.

