IRAQ - Special Operations Chief Describes Vast Scope

NewYorkTimes ^ | 7.28.2003 | THOM SHANKER

[swarthyguy]

At the Pentagon, though, military officials have said more than 10,000 members from Special Operations units were committed to the conflict.

[Travis McGee]

I can't wait until the history of the SOF contribution to this war is written!

[CholeraJoe]

General Harrell, who served with secret commando forces during the first Persian Gulf war and was a major participant in the "Black Hawk Down" battle in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993

Somehow, I don't think I'd brag about the last one.

[Squantos]

Don't know if we "should" every see such as the asymmetrical warfare we see these days needs to have a series of effective countermeasures from our Spec Ops community that stays a secret as long as possible, forever or till no longer effective. I know it won't happen ........just my opinion of course. Would be a great read though.

Stay Safe !

[Travis McGee]

I expect that lots of soldiers who get out will write tell-alls to make a buck. It's true though, that our best tricks will be compromised in this manner. Of course, so much silly garbage is written about this stuff (Tom Clancy, call your office) that it's hard for the bad guys to know what to believe.

[BOBTHENAILER]

It's pretty easy to take on these large numbers of enemy forces when you've got an aircraft carrier in direct support of an O.D.A.," he said. "Now an O.D.A. is 12 men. So 12 guys and some pesh merga took on a division — and moved it."

Just incredible.

I can't wait until the history of the SOF contribution to this war is written!

It is going to be some of the most amazing military reading for a long time to come.

[Travis McGee]

I just hope we can keep some things secret in case we need them in N. Korea, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia etc.

[BOBTHENAILER]

just hope we can keep some things secret in case we need them in N. Korea, Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia etc.

No doubt we should, however, we may see solutions to those "thorns in our side countries" before the definitive narrative of special forces usage in Iraq is ever written.

[swarthyguy]

Well, I hope the boys are enjoying some new assignments in the Tragic Kingdom after some R&R.

Where's Robin Moore been for the past year anyway?

[RoughDobermann]

Somehow, I don't think I'd brag about the last one.

Oh? Why is that?

[CholeraJoe]

It was a clusterf**k
We got our butts kicked.
We left the country with our tails between our legs

Ever hear anybody brag about Desert One?

[RoughDobermann]

It was a clusterf**k
We got our butts kicked.
We left the country with our tails between our legs

Would you agree that the above were caused by politicians' failures, and not the failures of our fighting men?

[CholeraJoe]

Would you agree that the above were caused by politicians' failures, and not the failures of our fighting men?

Only in part. Politicians didn't plan the raid, politicians didn't fail to anticipate that UH-60s could be brought down by RPGs, and politicians didn't send light infantry in unarmored vehicles into a city teeming with armed citizens.

[RoughDobermann]

and politicians didn't send light infantry in unarmored vehicles into a city teeming with armed citizens.

No, they sure didn't. Les Aspin denied the request from Gen. Montgomery, remember?

[SLB]

I work with a veteran of a portion of the battle in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1993. He monitored the radio traffic at higher levels, but was in country. Said it was pathetic to hear the White House trying to control the firefight as it was in progress.

[Squantos]

Bubbafucco version of Playstation........Stay Safe !

[Spruce]

...12 guys and some pesh merga took on a division...
That is Kicking some ASS. Beautiful!

[Jimmy Valentine's brother]

Doubt if Harrel was much above major in Somalia. Otherwise he would not have been a major particpant in the battle. I do agree that there was a lot of hubris and lack of respect for the enemy. I believe some stars should have been put on the table prior to giving the order to move out.

[Grampa Dave]

The history of our SOF in this recent Iraqi war, combined with our Air Force, Naval Wings and Army air will not only make history.

They will change the face of American Warfare/tactics for the better part of this century.

This is why so many old line generals/admirals hate Rummy so much. Rummy refuses to fight a war in this century using the tactics and use of manpower of WWII!