Here is an example of the problem our soldiers are dealing with:
CITY ON A HILL BLOG
Let's briefly revisit the ROE. We have discussed the standing rules of engagement, the theater-specific rules of engagement for Iraq, and even the rules on the use of force. Our problems with the existing ROE and RUF are legendary, and include the insurmountable initial problem that they are constructed around defensive operations and personal and unit self defense and include no discussion or guidance for offensive operations. This is why General Kearney wanted to charge two Army snipers with murder for targeting a Taliban commander who didn't happen to be holding a weapon.
Insurgents learn to game the system, as this event shows in Ramadi, Iraq, as reported by David Danelo.
>>> The vehicle commander, Corporal Ronnie Davis, is in front of me holding a pair of binos. Three other Marines peer down a street where Mujahideen have been firing at us from multi-story buildings scarred by gunfire and explosions. While we exchange fire with the Muj, other observation assets available to 1 st Battalion, 6th Marines are mapping enemy positions for future operations.
"That's the same two guys. They've crossed back and forth four times," Corporal Davis announces, referring to a pair of unarmed Iraqis who have run for cover. Because these men are unarmed, the Americans under the Rules of Engagement are not allowed to shoot at them—even though gunfire is coming at us from that direction.<<<
Get the picture? The insurgents had emplaced weapons, fired them, dropped them, run to the next station and picked up another weapon, fired, and were repeating the process as long as they wanted. The Marines couldn't return fire because they never saw the insurgents run across the street holding a weapon. Go to site with this info
City On A Hill Blogs - (27 September 2009)
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