Unmasking the Terps??

Late last week, this little tidbit in the Chicago Tribune (originally from the Washington Post) caught my attention: some idiot bureaucrat (these days, is there any other kind?) declared that Iraqi interpreters could no long wear masks:

BAGHDAD — The U.S. military has barred Iraqi interpreters working with American troops in Baghdad from wearing ski masks to disguise themselves, prompting some to resign and others to bare their faces even though they fear it could get them killed.

Many interpreters employed by the U.S. government and Western companies do everything they can to avoid being recognized on the job because extremists have tortured and killed Iraqis accused of collaborating with the enemy.

"The terps are the No. 1 wanted here," said A.J., a 36-year-old military interpreter, using the shorthand for his profession. "More than the Americans. More than anyone."

When I mentioned this to my son, he immediately (and loudly) said, "Who is that idiot? Is he nuts?? He's going to get a lot of good people killed! Someone should remind him that the terps are part of the Good Guys!"

I do understand the whole, "We are a professional Army, and professional units don't conceal their identity by wearing masks..." thing -- but really, Col. Stover -- these guys aren't working at Ft. Benning or Ft. Hood or even on the FOBs. There is still danger on the streets and especially for these guys.

So today, comes this from the Washington Post:

Thirteen members of Congress and an association of interpreters this week urged the Pentagon to rescind a policy that prohibits interpreters who work with U.S. troops in Baghdad from wearing ski masks to conceal their identity.

[snip]

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and 12 members of the House of Representatives on Thursday sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urging him to allow interpreters to wear masks.

"Members of Congress were dumbfounded," Wyden said in an interview yesterday. "The Pentagon's position defies common sense."

I believe Ms Clementi sums it up nicely:

"There seems to be a disconnect between the command and the people on the ground who appreciate what the interpreters are doing," said Lillian Clementi, a spokeswoman for the American Translators Association, which has more than 10,500 members in 90 countries. "We have received messages from members saying that this is outrageous -- that we have to do something. They're baffled, dismayed and even outraged at this really inexplicable policy."

Maybe others should drop him a line?

Dr. Robert M. Gates
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000