Posted on 05/02/2006 5:38:04 PM PDT by blam
Gung-ho US troops urged to be more British
By Francis Harris in Washington
(Filed: 03/05/2006)
A senior American general has ordered his troops to reduce the lethal force used against Iraqis, citing fears that trigger-happy behaviour is aggravating the insurgency.
Lt Gen Peter Chiarelli, who commands operations for the 132,000 American soldiers in the country, told his men to display more sensitivity and reach for their guns less often.
"We risk the chance of creating an insurgent, of creating somebody who gets so disgusted. . . that they get off the fence and go to the wrong side," he told the New York Times. "That has probably happened in many instances."
Gen Chiarelli is known as an apostle of the British approach to counter-insurgency warfare that is increasingly favoured by many in America's military.
On a previous tour in Iraq, he worked to win Iraqi hearts in Baghdad through involvement in projects such as the provision of water.
American troops in the most violent areas of Iraq face regular attack by suicide bombers and gunmen. Iraqis have complained that the Americans are too willing to open fire first and ask questions later.
Now the troops have been told to use lethal force as a last resort. They are being issued with new equipment, including the wider use of the bright flashing lights of stroboscopes at night to warn Iraqi divers (drivers?) of an approaching checkpoint. Troops will also use warning signs in Arabic rather than warning shots.
In a further attempt to aid troops and reduce Iraqi casualties, intelligence officers have identified signs in the behaviour of suicide bombers and other assailants. A list will be issued to combat troops patrolling towns and cities.
The general said: "What we are asking people to do is think through and talk through with soldiers. . . and ask, 'When should you apply deadly force?' "
To underline his point, Gen Chiarelli sent his subordinate commanders articles from British newspapers criticising the sometimes tough tactics used by American soldiers at roadblocks and when driving in convoy.
"I don't think it hurts us at all to take a look at it. . . It falls in line with what I am trying to do in urging a higher level of understanding and cultural sensitivity."
But some American officers have criticised the new approach, saying that it could create more casualties among their men.
More than 2,400 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq as well as an estimated 39,000 Iraqis. One officer told the New York Times: "The restrained approach, as it is manifesting itself on the ground, is beginning to handcuff our soldiers."
British officers have told their men to use a softer approach with Iraqis. Troops are encouraged to use the traditional Arab greetings and spurn sunglasses, which prevent eye contact.
A-men.
Clown is on the mark.
"Gen Chiarelli sent articles(to subordinates)from British newspapers criticising the sometimes tough tactics used by American soldiers..."Generals like Chiarelli get American soldiers killed.This guy needs to get the boot.
I've read lots of stories about how our troops are building relationships with the locals and getting results. I'm a BIT put off by the "English" way and the "Wrong" way tone of the article.
"I read the news today, oh boy
The English Army had just won the war..."
Lennon-McCartney: Historians they weren't.........
Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
According to post # 16, the General does not speak Arabic either.
There's where he went wrong.
If that's going to be their orders...then bring them home. Their job is finished.
I wasn't trying to say there is a 'right' way or a 'wrong' way. Both approaches are valid, but in different context of military conflict.
The US no doubt is about as close to 100% as you can get for the prosecution of War.
The British approach is better suited to a kind of policing operation, once 'major combat operations' are over and done with.
Its a trade off, but I would say a necessary one if we are to get the Iraqi's on board as a nation. This is now a policing role, where 'force' really must be used as a last resort. The faster the Iraqis are on board in heart and mind, then the faster all of our boys and girls can come home. It will save lives, on all sides, in the long run.
Look how long it took the UK army to get over the 'Bloody Sunday' massacre. That was a perfect recruiting tool for the IRA, and we learned that such acts are in the end counter-productive.
I say, Zarqawi old chap, how about a spot of tea?
Wouldn't work. The Arabs dont take milk in thir tea...
i see someone has access to GOMO.........
-- I wasn't trying to say there is a 'right' way or a 'wrong' way. Both approaches are valid, but in different context of military conflict.---
Totally agree. I was meaning the tone of the original article from the UK - with its "superior" attitude. And while I'm sure we've learned a lot from them on "policing" issues, I think we learned lots of lessons on our own as well.
What is the quote for the Marines? Something like "No better friend, no worse enemy"?
The original article? Yeah, our press can be a bit like that. You just have to syphon out the buls**t and extrapolate the facts.
US much better at policing than at the start of the war. You cant change an army operating system over a few years, it takes decades. Promising signs.
"The same British tactics the author espouses were wasted on 30 yrs of warfare against the IRA, despite having a spy in every meeting of the IRA general council.One missile could have saved hundreds of lives."
And make a bunch of Marxist devils into martyrs that creates a thousand new IRA terrorist at the outrage of the incident, and we would still be cleaning up the mess to this day. Instead, they are locked in political discourse where they cant do any more harm. It might not be flash, but its effective.
Relieve this PC drone of his command immediately.
What? No milk in their tea? Who do those heathen barbarians think they are? Yankee Americans?
Not. No commander should expose his men to unnecessary risk. The Brits have not had to deal with Sunnis very much. Furthermore, commanders should use some common sense. Never send patrols out in a predictable way. For guys in the 4th got killed because their commander used bad judgement.
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