Special forces get free rein...
One official described the special-operations forces' (SOF) rules of engagement as an "unrestricted hunting license" for Taliban militia and Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist army
Roll,
i hear all the SF radio call signs now begin with double "0". we have 00 Jim, and 00 Mike, and of course 008 and 006.
jes kidding...
SF are trained to operate autonomously as a team for extended periods. in the absence of specific orders, a deployed team will continue to plan and execute combat operations. under normal circumstances, SF has a full staff compliment, and operations are managed at higher levels.
in afghani, significant combat decision making authority has been passed to the lowest imaginable level, the "A" team. these teams are planning combat operations, coordinating their own air and logistical support, and most importantly, establishing their own objectives. in the conventional army, these functions are done occasionally at "S" (battalion) or more often at "G" (brigade or division) staff levels.
what these A teams are doing is truly extraordinary...no way does a conventional rifle squad decide where, when, what and how to attack...then tell USAF how they are going to support the operation.
the situation is fluid and fast...decisions need to made swiftly too. allowing these guys such autonomy entails much risk both for the staff elements, higher commanders and the teams on the ground. coordination between combat elements must be extremely difficult. that creates its own set of dangers.
perhaps the biggest hazard after the enemy, is uncoordinated friendly fire. one of murphy's rules of combat states, "friendly fire isn't."
considering the extraordinary risks these guys are taking: deep behind the lines, in enemy controlled territory, operating in very small teams with very limited combat equipment, and no chance for artillery or tank support.
i am still amazed and impressed that a 6 man team risked everything to spare the lives of a few drivers the other day. it is the SF way to avoid wanton killing and to rescue folks whenever possible. it was not the first and will not be the last time this occurs.
on another day, 36 years ago this week, 56 Green Berets risked it all on a humanitarian rescue raid into Son Tay, north vietnam.
today we have several hundred Green Berets risking it all in afghanistan. what you may not know is that twice that number are, at this very moment, in harm's way in other places in the world.
Our current Green Berets are truly a special breed of men. within their ranks, extraordinary valor is commonplace. a personal code that includes the highest standards of honor and integrity is respected not as a goal but as a way of life. their Berets are truly a mark of distinction and a badge of courage. we are fortunate, very fortunate, to have such men. God Bless their wives, kids and sweethearts.
sfalx.com
Let's Roll
unclewest |
