I get all the Afghanistan comparisons because it's so true but in may ways it's even worse and is 'Hellmand & Friedmans' Vietnam. They've inherited a right old mess and unless they get some key people in there pretty quick 2006 to 2009 is going to seem like a pleasant period compared to 2010 to 2012. For those us in the jungle so to speak have you actually met any significant IRIS users who aren't thinking about jumping ship over the next few years? Also every time you bump into one of the IRIS conscripts all they want to do is go home so to speak. I haven't met a more disillusioned bunch of troops in the sector in 25 years. Message to Hellmand Towers - they're burning the papers in the embassy and the Vietcong are on the edge of town.