Soldiers Use Live Pigs for Target Practice

The Army has definitely ruffled some feathers this time. In an effort to save lives and educate soldiers on the intense possibilities of war, they have created a new training technique. It is more realistic, hands on and life-like, but unfortunately it has thousands of people riled because of its cruelty and lack of ethics.

CNN has revealed that the Army has decided to have soldiers shoot live pigs and treat their gunshot wounds in preparation for the events they may face in Iraq. This activity has received intense opposition from PETA, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, but the Army is not stepping down. Continuing with their exercises and teachings, the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii will host medical trauma exercises beginning Friday, July 18, using pigs to give heart pounding experience and wrenching visuals that could not otherwise be performed.

Maj. Derrick Cheng, spokesman for the 25th infantry division, said that the exercise was created to "teach Army personnel how to manage critically injured patients within the first few hours of their injury." He also pointed out that the project was being conducted under a U.S. Department of Agriculture license, the supervision of numerous veterinarians, and a military Animal Care and Use Committee.

However, PETA and countless other animal rights activists do not share his enthusiasm and feel there are more humane options available. Simulators are what most rioters are pulling for, saying that they are more effective, readily available and animal friendly.

Holly Beal, PETA spokeswoman, said "there's absolutely no reason why they have to shoot live pigs." For many, such mistreatment is parallel to the abuse of a beloved cat or dog, and to put our soldiers through such misery is unnecessary. Her argument is backed by an outpour of letters urging the Army to reevaluate their actions and to remove all animals from training activities.

Cheng said the exercise would be conducted in a controlled environment with the pigs anesthetized throughout their training. He didn't actually know the amount of pigs that would be taken to the barracks, but he was excited about the possibilities that lay ahead, saying he had "no doubt whatsoever" in the effectiveness of the exercise. To him, it was not only the best on the base, it was the best option available anywhere at this time, giving soldiers "live tissue training" and a small glimpse into the quick thinking must haves that create a great soldier.