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2005-11-23 Iraq

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Posted by Steve White 2005-11-23 00:03|| || Front Page|| [1 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 "hampered by poor logistics"

This is the hard part - and the second most important thing the the US has as an advantage over all other armies in the world: the ability to sustain, rather than burn out, a unit in combat.

The most important US advantage? The individual soldier, Marine, sailor or airman - treated and trained as an individual, which produces the best NCO corps in the world, NCOs that fill the leadership roles reserved for officers and aristocracy in almost all other armies.

The IAF and ISF are both learning how to "grow" grow NCOs - and that takes time. Once those "American" type of NCOs are in place along with a proper command structure that respects them and expects them to provide tactical leadership, then the Iraqi units become effective in combat.

Adding the logistics layer to sustain the NCOs and lower enlisted instead of using them up as cannon fodder is the key element left before the US in Iraq now. Growing these good NCOs and setting up a proper "US Style" command structure requires experienced lower enlisted and NCOs in order to function at high levels of tactical ability. And the only way to get experienced lwoer enlisted and NCOs is to keep them alive and thriving: give them adequate food ammunition and supplies, proper working gear such as uniforms body-armor weapons and vehicles, and prompt medical attention in battle as well as in garison.

Its all interconnecting - and thats why it takes a long time to stand up a fully effective modern army. We probably have another 2 years to go in Iraq before they have sufficent numbers to fully take the lead in counter-terror operations nation wide in Iraq. And another 1-2 years after that until they are logistically proficient enough to sustain their forces without direct US involvment in the supply chain.

But there are sufficent numbers (with US Log supt) to let the Iraqis start militarily handling well defined regions, which is what we are starting to see.

When you start hearing about Iraqi supply units, you will then know we are on our way home.

Nice side effect: Iran will be scared sh*tless - they will have a well trained and well organized neighbor that will have sufficient numbers and expertise to kick their asses in any border war.

Posted by Oldspook 2005-11-23 10:09|| 2005-11-23 10:09|| Front Page Top

#2 Thanks, OS. I appreciate the realistic and informed info. One of your posts blows away a month of MSM bullshit, heh. So post more often, plz, lol. Thx.

Posted by .com 2005-11-23 10:59|| 2005-11-23 10:59|| Front Page Top

#3 Fine post, OS. Thanks.

Posted by Matt 2005-11-23 11:02|| 2005-11-23 11:02|| Front Page Top

#4 "When you start hearing about Iraqi supply units, you will then know we are on our way home."

I echo comments #2 and #3.

Posted by DepotGuy 2005-11-23 11:21|| 2005-11-23 11:21|| Front Page Top

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