The regular brass have told our gallant Special Forces warriors in Afghanistan to shave their beards, polish their boots and break out the starch. The Perfumed Princes in the conventional army didn't like their unconventional appearance. This proves my point: there are two armies. One for warriors and the other for parades and fairs. -- Hack

Sir,

Haven't heard if it was official, but I have heard about the NGOs complaining. The problem has been the SF guys have be out on their own far from any kind of conventional troops and they can't afford to look like U.S. Soldiers. That goes for vehicles also. Due to the terrain American uniforms and vehicles stand out and become targets. Just ask the 82nd trooper that caught a sniper round in the chest a few weeks back. (His body armor stopped it luckily). Most of the CAS and TGO mission for the SF guys have been inside 1000 meters well within small arms range. That is why the guys have been dressing the way they have. They can't afford to not blend in. They won't come home. As far as beards go if there is limited to no potable water and the patrols last for 7-10 days the last thing the guys need to worry about is shaving. This smells like 82nd Airborne B.S. They have been screwing with the guys since they went over there. The 82nd can't even last 48 hours on patrol due to their command making them carry too much equipment. I can't believe this crap. The word from the SF underground is the 10th Mtn and 101st were ok, but the 82nd is all Fd up. I will send you any information as I get it. Attached is a couple of new pictures of a SF warriors in action.

(Authors name removed for publication)