Not-So-Special Operation

National Review ^ | ? November 19, 2001, issue of National Review. | Andrew J. Bacevich

[Travis McGee]

My time for that has passed unless we get truly desperate. But in my twenties I was a junior officer leading elite specops troops. I see nothing in this REMFs bio which indicates he ever strapped on a parachute or a closed circuit rig or anything else which permits him to pontificate on the best application of specops units in 2001 in Afghanistan from his warm and cosy Georgetown manor. "War college commandos" like him make me want to puke.

[Razz]

First of all, depending on how 'junior' of an officer you were, you should have some idea of how the focus changes as you move higher up the chain of command.

I think you missed the forest for the sake of a tree. The article ISN'T about "the best application of specops units in 2001 in Afghanistan." Its about the state of the military. A military effectively feminized by Clinton's policies. Read the article again. The man makes some good points, and each time I read it, I find more that I agree with.

Air power doesn't win wars by itself (unless by dropping nukes?). Ultimately, it comes down to the grunts. Everything is else is just to help the grunts win. And halfhearted dedication, halfassed application of force - that's what gets soldiers killed. If we learned nothing else from 'Nam, we damn sure better remember that. If we're gonna fight, give em hell. Don't hold nothin' back. If we're not prepared to do so, then don't fight. Our military are SOLDIERS, NOT cops. Washington needs to understand the distinction, or our troops are gonna get killed when they don't need to.

[Whilom]

You're exactly right, and I think your view is gaining currency.