[AMP-L] Afghanistan War Cause Surge In Double Amputees Among U.S. War Wounded

[Wayne Renardson]

American soldiers and Marines walking combat patrols in Afghanistan 
have suffered a surge of gruesome injuries, losing one or both legs 
and often their genitals to crude homemade bombs Taliban insurgents 
bury in dirt roads and pathways.

In some cases, American military surgeons tell The Huffington Post, 
these traumatic amputations occur so close to soldiers' hips that it 
is difficult to fit prosthetic legs, severely limiting the patients' 
future mobility and rehabilitation. In addition, the loss of sexual 
function for formerly healthy young men in their early 20s causes 
severe anxiety and depression and can wreck new marriages.

The latest wave of severe injuries comes after Gen. David Petraeus 
ordered U.S. troops in Afghanistan last year to get out of their 
protective armored vehicles and start walking. "Patrol on foot 
whenever possible and engage the population," he directed in guidance 
to his troops last August. 

The rest of the story, with photos, here: 

<http://spedr.com/1TZSTFqR>

Wayne R