It is public knowledge that top level commanders in the field have repeatedly requested that ADS be sent to protect our brave troops. Yet the disease of political correction has our stateside decision-makers choked with caution.

Northrup can say the same thing about MTHEL or Skyguard. Despite the disappointing results of the latest test this laser system has proven itself capable of downing mortar and artillery shells in flight.

As of the last 48 hours three more American service men have been killed in the Green Zone from mortars launched from hidden locations. Once mortars are launched there is no current defense except to take cover, usually after the first salvo. Even the prototype MTHEL would at least give them a better chance of intercepting mortar shells than simply doing nothing.

How many more of our brave men and women have to die before the Pentagon and their superiors do the right thing and ship these weapons ASAP to Iraq?