Re: [OT]UN operations

>
> Not as far as I'm informed. The Osprey Elite on 'UN Forces 1948-1994
lists
> 29 US

""UN", I assume

>operations in that period, including the Korean War and the Gulf War.

> The only ones where the UN (at the urging of over-wary member
states)
> abandoned people to genocide are Rwanda and Kosovo. 2 out of 29 is
bad
> enough, but not really typical.

Unquestionably the US has screwed up some missions.  And 180 years is
time enough for a lot of changes--I doubt people would argue that the
US Army in 1944 changed a lot from that of 1969, and again by 1991,
not just in terms of equipment but also in morale and leadership.
Hopefully the UN will improve, although I suspect it will take a major
disaster to cause that to happen.

And of course, with the current set up, you could get some really top
notch troops, or you could get something worthless--something for
everyone.

Per Carlos Laurenco, 3/21/01:

"Not that I want to really get into this but having spent extensive
time (up
to six months at a clip) working with and for the UN I've seen time
and
again that the majority or UN forces (and administration) are
absolutely
WORTHLESS in just about any type of confrontation or sticky situation
or any
situation that requires firm response or backbone. Outside of a few
isolated
pockets you are looking at reliable partners in such situations from
my
experience being:

Canadian forces (particularly the RCMP..they get a red chit)
Other western European UN forces
A smattering of odd little countries

Notably horrid, unreliable, or otherwise "we'll leave you in the lurch
at
the first sign of trouble" countries: (give all these guys a green "3"
chit):

Anyone units from or near the Indian subcontinent, Middle East or
African
Nations

I have no experience working with the Aussies or Kiwis but I've no
doubt
they are in the first column from what other colleagues of mine have
told
me. Also there have been notable exceptions of occasional individuals
good
or bad from all sides.

I know one thing for sure, whenever there was any threat of violence
and
danger in any UN operations I worked in, everyone always came to us.
Hopefully this doesn't offend anyone, it's not meant too though I can
see