No, you won't find some fancy links or quotations or trackbacks here, because quite frankly, there isn't a big pool of info out there regarding our military's exceptional service in the War in Iraq. Nope, this just just one man's observation.
Our Generals, our field commanders, our troops have shown in the past six months that not only are they a well-oiled, well-trained and relentless fighting force but they have tackled an area of combat that has placed them above the pedestal of "Hero."
Fortunately, there have been milbloggers out here in the blogosphere that have done a wonderful job of informing all of us about the progress of the new tactics associated with General Petraeus' "Surge." Even some of the Mass Mania/Media has been dragged kicking and screaming into reporting the successes and the change in momentum. But it dawned on me. There is something ELSE going on here....something I don't know if I've ever seen before.
That "something else" is the way in which the generals and commanders and troops have all interacted with the Awakening type councils in Iraq. It started in Anbar Province but has spread to Diyala and Samarra and now even is enveloping Shias in the south. Now, the tribes certainly have stood up and said that al Qaeda had become THEIR enemy as well, but look at the coordination, the listening, the assistance that the U.S. and Mulitnational forces have done in regards to the councils. Recently, one tribe even communicated to Multinational forces their intention to decimate and ambush al Qaeda in Iraq so that Mulitinational forces would not confuse the combatants.
I ask you, "Is this negotiation and healing skill taught at West Point or in basic training?" We are seeing our troops sitting down with Iraqi tribal councils weekly now, not just going over alliance protocol but sharing strategies and tactics. They are bonding. Our troops have brought sheik after sheik into the fold - they have stepped back when they needed and assisted when it was demanded. The Iraqi Police force numbers are burgeoning. And this is being accomplished by our commanders sitting down with sheiks and agreeing to the common good. It is being accomplished because our troops have shown Iraqi men that they are the truth and the way out.
It is my view that our troops have gone above and beyond what is expected of them in the War in Iraq. It is my view that these warriors have encountered a battefield situation that presented terrific opportunities to maximize the hurt on the enemy and even though sitting down at a table with tribes wasn't on their task list six months ago, they have done it. They have won the trust of much of the Iraqi councils and thus, the Iraqi people.
Not too many people in America doubt the tenacity and effectiveness of the American troops (unless you are the Speaker of the House, the Majority Leader of the Senate, or a marine Representative who gave up "Semper fi" for "Smile, you're on Camera"), but how many of us could foresee the engagement skills in negotiations these young men and women have shown? This is inspiring.
In a world of "Sorry man, it ain't my job", thank G_d for the valor, the patriotism, the heart of our American troops who have said, "No problem! We'll get it done, whatever it is!" As Americans, we can stand up and show our pride in our troops. Stand Up Tall and SHOUT IT! And if someone gives you shit for doing it...just smile and know that they are not worthy to lick the boots of our troops in harm's way.
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