Why not just issue Army and Marines serving in Iraq some Starfleet red shirts?

[D.B. Cooper]

Cannon fodder exists in the 23rd century too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA6JVbHiB5k

When I was a platoon leader, I never made anyone do anything I wouldn't do myself. I know General Petraeus had been in Vietnam, but would it be a moral booster if the troops saw some big brass put on the kevlar and do some patrols?

At least the Enterprise's CO (Kirk, pay grade O6) and XO (Spock, O5) were down there with the troops.
When I was a cop in one of the big cities, the 4 star Chief went on patrol once a year to see if any changes are required.

[Brycey G]

I don't believe many terrorists watch star trek in their spare time. Although I would take that job to see more action.

[Brycey G]

I don't believe many terrorists watch star trek in their spare time. Although I would take that job to see more action.

[isolation20]

That is because it is not the commanding general's job to do patrol's. His job is to maintain command and control of the entire armed forces in Iraq. On top of that, I am sure he would do patrols if he could. Whoever said that he refused to do it? You said it yourself that he served his time in Vietnam and judging by his present rank, he did his duty and then some. Besides, I would think it would put him and his men in even more danger than necessary. If the insurgents even had the slightest idea that the top commander in Iraq was out in the middle of the street and exposed, they would hit that patrol so hard it would be a nightmare for the Ameican armed forces.

Not trying to be overly critical of you and I see what you are saying, but you really should seperate fiction from reality. This is not Star Trek. This is not a fantasy existence. This is the real world.

EDIT: Again, you are comparing apples and oranges. A municipal police department is nothing like the military in Iraq. Point being, the police chief goes out for a routine patrol to spot check his officers. You could announce it on National TV and more than likely nothing would happen and most would not care. Gen Petraeus goes on patrol in Iraq to see how his troops are performing. You begin advertising this fact, and he and his men will be dead before they know what hit them the minute they begin their patrol.