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I'd add one more comment to the article. If the cause of death of Private Zeimer was due to a VBIED explosion, then the amount of training he had is completely irrelevant to the fact that he died. A Staff Sergeant squad leader with twelve years of experience, multiple combat tours, several advanced military schools (Ranger or Sapper, EMT, etc.), i.e. someone who the Army has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars training, would have died just the same. Thus, the hook this author uses is a complete red herring. That isn't to dismiss the question of how much training is enough.
Are we looking for sufficient or optimal training. If basic training isn't enough, then we need to lay blame there. If collective training with the unit with whom you are going to serve with is the requirement, as the article heavily implies is the correct standard, then how can you deploy individual replacements who are going to fill the gaps in fire teams, squads, platoons, etc., when a soldier is wounded and evacuated out of theater? An impossibility if we place unrealistic goal posts on training levels.
However, irrespective of my thoughts on the issue, my condolences go out to Private Zeimer's family and friends.
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"So little pains do the vulgar take in the investigation of truth, accepting readily the first story that comes to hand." Thucydides 1.20.3
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