Politics: How Not to Get Answers

The Captain's Journal is complaining that the Marines aren't supporting his blog after they refused to answer some of his questions. This response doesn't surprise me because the question he asked were stupid:

1. What units will deploy between now and mid-2007?
2. Will these units be issued the new “Modular Tactical Vest” prior to deployment?
3. Will there be any units deployed without having been issued the Modular Tactical Vest?
4. Will any of the units deployed between now and mid-2007 be deployed without having been issued the new helmet padding system in lieu of the webbing or sling suspension? (Editorial note: This last question pertains to a new helmet padding system that will help prevent traumatic and permanent brain injury from IEDs).

Basic Operational Security (OPSEC for short) regulations very obviously cover all of these questions. You are not allowed to discuss specific troop deployments (1). You are not allowed to discuss the equipment of specific units (2, 3, and 4). It may be allowable to answer the third and fourth question with a simple yes or no, but the use of the word "units" implies they want to know which ones. That's not going to happen.

So upon receiving this request for classified materials, the Marines said "who the hell are you again?" At which point the Captain said "a blogger" and the Marines told him where to stick it. Good for them.

Via Instapundit

UPDATE: The original post has been updated since I wrote this. A Light Colonel responded with:

1. Elements of some very large units, but we aren't giving too much in the way of specifics. Oh and we can't tell you when.
2. Beats me.
3. See number two.
4. Everyone is getting the new helmet liner system and will have it when they deploy (meaning this is not sensitive information).

I'm betting the answers to two and three will look like "yes everyone will have these when the deploy" or "we're getting these to everyone as soon as possible." I'm willing to bet you will not get details, especially if people aren't deploying with the latest equipment.