Christin Slough Introduction
The issue of prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA) soldiers is one that has plagued nations throughout history. The failure to recover and bring home those who served their countries and never returned is a painful and haunting legacy. In the case of the United States, the historical failure to recover POW/MIAs has left a profound impact on the families of the missing and has raised questions about the government’s commitment to resolving these cases.
The Cost of Conflict
From World War II to the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other military engagements, countless American soldiers were reported missing, captured, or left behind in the chaos of battle. The cost of conflict extends far beyond the battlefield, as families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones and clung to the hope that they would one day return.
A Troubled History
The historical failure to recover POW/MIAs can be attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate intelligence gathering, logistical challenges, political considerations, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. In many cases, the lack of reliable information and the passage of time made it increasingly difficult to locate and identify missing soldiers.
During the Vietnam War, for example, the U.S. government faced challenges in accounting for the thousands of soldiers who went missing. The chaotic nature of the conflict, coupled with the difficult terrain and the lack of cooperation from the North Vietnamese government, hindered efforts to locate and recover POW/MIAs. Additionally, the war’s divisive nature and subsequent social unrest in the United States further complicated the issue.
Promises Made, Promises Broken
Over the years, the U.S. government has made promises to the families of POW/MIAs, vowing to spare no effort in bringing their loved ones back home. However, the implementation of these promises has often fallen short. The families have encountered bureaucratic hurdles, limited resources, and a lack of transparency that has added to their pain and frustration.
The establishment of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in 2015 was a step in the right direction, bringing various agencies and expertise together to centralize and coordinate recovery efforts. However, significant challenges remain, including the difficulty of accessing restricted areas, obtaining necessary permissions, and identifying remains that have been recovered.
The Lingering Pain
For the families of POW/MIAs, the pain of uncertainty persists. Many have spent decades searching for answers, hoping for closure, and seeking recognition for their loved ones’ sacrifices. The emotional toll on these families cannot be understated, as they continue to navigate a maze of bureaucracy and unanswered questions.
The Way Forward
To address the historical failure to recover POW/MIAs, there must be a renewed commitment to transparency, increased funding, and enhanced cooperation with foreign governments. The families of the missing deserve unwavering support and access to all available resources and that is the Mission of Tours of Duty – to exhaust all means necessary to complete the work that was promised to our Gold Star families.
By pairing skilled Veterans with the appropriate funding, resources and technology, Tours of Duty can and will recover our lost heroes and bring them home.
