'War' in Southie

It seems the U.S. Navy is a little short-handed these days for viable training grounds to simulate Iraq-like combat. According to a report in today's Herald, the Pentagon is considering the South Boston waterfront as an arena for war-game exercises later this summer. Apparently the narrow street and proximity to water makes Southie the ideal location to prepare for real danger in Fallujah or Baghdad:

The Navy hopes to take over Drydock and Kennedy avenues at Black Falcon Terminal, as well as the Reserved Channel along the Boston Inner Harbor, for the "urban military training" games.

The Pentagon assures Bostonians there will be no interruption to their daily lives, and likely won't even use live fire or explosions. The plan has support from U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA) but is still under review by Mayor Tom Menino.

The real question, it seems to Bostonist, is if the Navy has looked at a map recently. Most of Iraq isn't actually on the waterfront like we are.