February 27, 2008
Posted: 07:50 AM ET
 Sen. Barack Obama says he knows of a platoon sent to Afghanistan with a shortage of personnel and equipment.
Sen. Barack Obama says he knows of a platoon sent to Afghanistan with a shortage of personnel and equipment.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Army chief of staff Gen. George Casey, testifying on troop strain before the Senate Armed Forces Committee Tuesday, said there is "no reason to doubt" Sen. Barack Obama's military shortage story during CNN's debate in Austin, Texas, last week.

"You know, I've heard from an Army captain who was the head of a rifle platoon — supposed to have 39 men in a rifle platoon. Ended up being sent to Afghanistan with 24 because 15 of those soldiers had been sent to Iraq," Obama told CNN moderator Campbell Brown.

"And as a consequence, they didn't have enough ammunition, they didn't have enough Humvees. They were actually capturing Taliban weapons, because it was easier to get Taliban weapons than it was for them to get properly equipped by our current commander in chief," he added.

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Filed under: Barack Obama


julian   February 27th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

obama's inexperinace is showing and only the young and foolish
don't se it.his spiritual leader is friend with a fair con who is a anti
jewish and white bird of a feather stick together he don't know who to meet with.

Independant   February 27th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Face it,— our troops are "running on fumes". Our trucks, tanks, and material are running out faster than they are being replaced. The way this war was conceived and carried out was disgraceful. That`s what happens when you allow Neo-Con`s ( Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld ) to basically run the war. Rumsfeld should be court-marshalled for stupidity. Colin Powell tryed to tell them but they knew in all and ignored his "sage" advice.

Bubba   February 27th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

"Thruth" might hurt, but truth is usually painless. CNN, where DO you find these people?

slapstick, FLORIDA   February 27th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

OUCH!! I FELT THAT SLAP OVER HERE. Now this has got to be something that will be useful in the Fall 2008 for the Dems.

Obama 08

California Independent   February 27th, 2008 11:55 am ET

No reason, but they do. The inconsistencies in his story were written about already. Note, this is an event from 4 years ago.

The shortage in bullets was at TRAINING before they ever went in to battle.

They are required to capture weapons. Why would troops leave behind weapons to be used against them.

The standard piece of equipment on their humvee was replaced with a more effective piece of equipment.

More little ditties in the story. But in Obamaland, Obama never lies, he just 'developes' on an issue.

AJ   February 27th, 2008 11:54 am ET

There is a reason to doubt Obama's story – it came out of his lying mouth. Obama is a con-man.

B. Smart   February 27th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Anyone, after listening to Obama, and top military personel verify his
superb capability as a leader, still can't grasp his readiness, may not be capable of cerebral thinking.

OBAMA 08

Marty, Orlando Fl   February 27th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Thank you Obama for being so consistent. I aplaud you.
I know many people don't like Obama but you really have to give the guy credit for being consistently right.

Hate him for the right reasons, not because you support Hillary.
Give credit where credit is due

Obama '08

Roberth Holeman   February 27th, 2008 11:46 am ET

I just want to say the world has not seen the likes of a man like Sen.Obama in a long time. We need to be thankful. He is a man that is very humbel yet bold and un ashame to tell the nation what it needs to here to help get over the past and move it forward. I stood up to to the Cliton camp. It's time the nation stood up for Sen.Obama
Ohio Vote for Sen. Obama for jobs jobs jobs…………

JohnS   February 27th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Some women sound so angry, when highlighting Hillary's years in the White House– as a wife, and management of a failed healthcare initiative!!!

Please do not blame the news media. The Clintons have built what is coming down on them. They created these problems. The nation was virtually in love with the Clintons when they took office. But look at what the Media and the Republicans have in store to replay for them!

Hillary is doing this to lay foundations for Chelsea, not to highlight the "women's" movement. Hillary is a poor representation of that movement. Leadership is the ability to BRING together the best and the brightest to work for the nation or orgainzation. I hate a crabby boss, period!

cecil   February 27th, 2008 11:22 am ET

The thruth hurts. Great job Sen. Obama

Sen. Obama 08

Alan   February 27th, 2008 11:17 am ET

they never show Hillary's endorsements because a news worthy endorsement is either a superdelegate or a organized labor endorsement. Hillary has not had one of those in about 3 weeks.

Teresa   February 27th, 2008 11:01 am ET

Hey CNN!! Why do you never show all of HILLARY'S SUPPORTERS and ENDORSERS??? WHY NOT SHARE THE NEWS!!!!!! remember YOUR own WORDS " KEEPING THEM HONEST"

Theresa   February 27th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Bettcha if Sen Clinton make those comments…CNN would have been all over it. Obama is full of hot air….hope enough Americans wake up before March 4th or nobody will be sleeping well after January 09.

Too bad CNN couldn't lose their signal for the next week….let the candidates earn the votes without the slant and bias that has been offerred by CNN. CNN is working hard on Obama's behalf.

Hazel cawkins   February 27th, 2008 10:50 am ET

I'm apalled at Hillary clintons behavior. she in no way acts like a leader- more like a cry baby. She doesn't defend a issue or take a stand but rather rips down her opponent and whines like a two year old. What would she do if meeting with a leader of another country when they raise their voice at her? turn the tears on? that would get us a long way now wouldn't it? I can't imagine how she ever got to be a senator. Money maybe?

Vince   February 27th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Don't cha just HATE it when you go after him and he makes you look FOOLISH!

JA Cook   February 27th, 2008 10:48 am ET

The bottom line is that this stupid invasion of Iraq has cost us dearly. We've lost or maimed thousands of our young as well as many more Iraqis. We've burned through billions of dollars, much of it going into the pockets of those who thrive on war. And we've failed to finish the job in Afghanistan.

Bush/McCain tactics have been devastating.

It's time for new leadership, even if it has to include inspiration and hope.

MICHAEL BURNETT L.I.N.Y.   February 27th, 2008 10:47 am ET

This story is sickening to the people of this country, not to mention the troops that put their lives on the line everyday. "BUSH" I will not use the word PRESIDENT, do to the fact that this man is without a doubt an idiot! All you people that voted for this man need to be ashamed of yourselfs, This man is going to leave this country in shambles, to say the least! I think about this war and I just get sick, sad, and very mad about the way AMERICANS ARE DYING, AND DYING FOR WHAT? I say bush you put on the uniform and take a gun and you fight!! What I want to know is how could the people of this country elect this man as President? I have a lot to say but I do not want the F.B.I. or the S.S. to land on my door steps!!! What ever happened to freedom of speech?

Jonatan (Ohio)   February 27th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Yes Obama is consistent

Brian   February 27th, 2008 10:43 am ET

Of course it's true. Obama is one of the most honest straight shooting politicians you'll ever meet! His "straight talk" isn't just a campaign slogan like how McCain uses it. Obama cares about American troops and citizens, and the stories he hears on the trail really get through to him.

He'll do far more to support our servicemen and women (active and retired) in his first year than President Bush has in his last seven!

Obama '08!!!

Terry For Texas   February 27th, 2008 10:39 am ET

What Obama stated is true but my sources came from lower ranking personal where some my company clients are Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. The truth is a lot of money is being placed into this war and I am sure after it ends we will hear details of corruption on the funding.

LadyLeo   February 27th, 2008 10:36 am ET

I just want to know why did you guys doubt what Obama said in the first place?????? What I see is that Hillary or any one else can not attack Obama on his political issues so they pick silly personal issues. This was not something that Obama said, he said that he heard this from an Army Captain. Since it was hear say it should not have even been addressed.

Billary Huckabee   February 27th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Sorry Adam – You are WRONG. Obama's facts check out. Congress has not denied funding for the troops, as a matter of fact…they keep giving money to "W" to fund the war despite the failed policies of this administration because "Conservative Nuts" would say they were un-American if they cut the funding off.

Out troops have done all that is asked and more!!! It is "W" who has failed them and the American people. The RepubliCONS have spent more money on earmarks and less on this country the ever before under "W", and failed the troops in support, both in Iraq and when they return home – Medical and otherwise.

These real times require REAL LEADERSHIP and JUDGEMENT – Vote Obama!!!

seyi   February 27th, 2008 10:30 am ET

Sound judgment. That's all it is. Some sort of political common sense, that he thankfully has. Obama 2008/2012.

B. Smart   February 27th, 2008 10:28 am ET

Obama would take good care of the troops.

Anonymous   February 27th, 2008 10:25 am ET

the guy is bright and appears to be a quick study. I guess we will
see what happens when and if he is put on the front lines.

ele   February 27th, 2008 10:22 am ET

I agree, if his story so real why are the vets,other solders ,war vets,they feel he is not the one and that he insulted them,why dont you print this and for those of you looking who send the picture,it was on Obamaaa site back in Dec,so he must have send himself or anyone but it was wrong to blame anyone he should have just come out with it.It appears to me that the people are going to make him the runner,shame,you will get whjat you ask for,we are all in for heartache,and I will have a hard time sleepoing at night,just wait and see.
I will vote for Mcain over Obamaaa ,at least I feel he will keep the country safe.
My vote is for Hillary first.this country is just plain stupid to think he has enough or the right experience to be i the white house,god save us all.

TC   February 27th, 2008 10:19 am ET

WOW. Shortly after he told the story many people began doing fact checks and even the top officials wanted to know his sources. Now, the truth comes out even in a separate suitation in which another military commander is demanding equipment and wants to know what the delay is.

Adam   February 27th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Am I wrong, or has Bush been the one TRYING to promote military spending, while senators like Mr. Obama have pulled back the budget? You can blame W for being in Iraq, but you can't say that he is responsible for "them to get properly equipped." For a guy that prefers to "stick to the issues" he sure doesn't mind Bush-bashing at every turn.

BL - NYC   February 27th, 2008 10:09 am ET

I really think this guy makes crap up as he goes along… Madness.

Victoria   February 27th, 2008 10:06 am ET

This guy is clean, I knew it!

Corey   February 27th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Well, if you didn't realize by now… OBAMA knows what he is talking about! He is CHANGE that you CAN BELIEVE IN! GOOOOO OBAMA!

OBAMA '08

Adam   February 27th, 2008 10:04 am ET

Thank you CNN but wasn't this story LAST WEEKS News?
Perhaps you'd like to offer barack a pillow too?

seriously….

Texasboo   February 27th, 2008 10:00 am ET

GOBAMA!! You keep staying consistent and well informed on supporting the military efforts. As a former female army vet, i am so proud of you for not going with the trend.

TEXAS FOR OBAMA

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