Just recently, senior officials at the Pentagon proposed separating the Marine Corps and Army in the Middle East. The Army would then occupy Iraq and the Marines Afghanistan. The Marine Corps, who are now occupying the al-Anbar province in Iraq, have greatly improved this area. The province is safer than it has ever been. Now, officials want the Marines to do the same in Afghanistan and allow the Army to uphold the safety in al-Anbar. According to Fox News, defense officials argue, "it would allow the services to operate more efficiently." Although they do have a good argument, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration.
The Marine Corps is much smaller than any other branch of the United States military. They do have a reputation of being the most disciplined and well trained, but they do not receive the same amount of funding as other military branches. Still in good condition, most of their equipment is handed down from the Army. How would they afford to occupy an entire country? They do not have the funding or enough bodies to be successful.
The officials also argue that the Marines can control land and air assaults where as the Army can rely on the Air Force. Once again, the Marines do not have enough people. The United States has been in Iraq for nearly five years, one of the many challenges is shortening the length of deployment. Yes, the Army would be in a better situation to rotate troops, but the Marines would not.
As of right now, this change is only an idea. The proposal from the officials at the Pentagon seems sound until the size of each branch is taken into consideration. It would work if the Marine Corps were larger. As of right now, the United States military has its different branches working together as a team. This war may never end if the Army, Marines, and Air Force are broken up. They all need each other to specialize in what they do best.

Marion Jones was a role model to runners. She won five Olympic medals at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Although she did not reach her personal goal of five gold medals, she won three gold, two bronze, and recognition from people all over the world. On Friday October 5, 2007, she admitted to using performance-enhancing steroids. Now, Jones, one of the world's greatest athletes is facing serious consequences. She may loose her medals and faces time behind bars.
Throughout her career, there was suspicion that Jones used steroids. There were signs everywhere that she was using restricted drugs. Her ex-husband, C.J. Hunter was caught and the father of her son, Tim Montgomery, lost his title for holding the world record in the 100 meter because of his connection with the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BLCO) scandal. She denied her use of performance-enhancing drugs in every interview. Jones announced that she began using the steroid associated with the BALCO scandal when her coach told her it was flaxseed oil. During the BALCO scandal, Marion Jones sued BALCO founder Victor Conte after accusing her of using steroids and said he saw her use them.
"It's with a great amount of shame that I stand before you and tell you that I have betrayed your trust," Jones said.
"I have been dishonest, and you have the right to be angry with me," referring to her family, friends, opponents, and fans.
Marion Jones was the center of Nike's campaign during the Olympics. She is not the only athlete, featured by Nike, to use steroids. Others include Baroid Bonds, Justin Gatlin, and Lance Pharmstrong. Although they are forbidden, performance-enhancing steroids have become popular among athletes.
Now, Jones is left with nothing. Her dignity, integrity, money, medals, and much more have already been or will be revoked. Jones' dishonesty and poor decisions can be used as an example for all competitors. People always strive to be better and dishonesty does not get you anywhere. It is a shame that she allowed fame to take over her natural talent and cheated. She is due in court January 11th for sentencing.