I wish we could have completed the mission we began in Somalia, during the Clinton years. We wouldn't have the problems we do now.
Somalia is a fantastic example of what happens when you fail to properly support military objectives in a given region, out of fear of "escalating" a presence, and then hastily withdraw when the under-supported tactical presence is overwhelmed by an angry populace. Lets hope we have truly learned from our mistakes in that region, and do not repeat them.
Even though it rarely makes the news, the US Military does have personnel operating in that region of the world.
Perhaps this incident will spur the current administration to loosen the ROE and permit them to actually kill or capture the targets they watch day after day.
This problem could have been solved years ago, and it can be solved today.
It all depends on this Nation's resolve.
Reg: 08-24-2005
Posts: 361
Loc: Northern California
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Alyssa,
I am afraid the first attempt by Clinton to deal with issues in Somalia was doomed from the start. On December 9,1993, 1800 fully armed troops landed on a deserted beach in Mogadeshu (sp?). They were greeted by waiting news crews (cameras rolling) just in time to be broadcast for the evening news. It was purely political ...
such a waste!
I'm not aware of anything the US Government does that isn't political.
As far as being doomed from the start... it was only doomed when Clinton refused to send the reinforcements that Task Force Ranger was begging for.
If the 24th ID had been sent BEFORE Gothic Serpent instead of AFTER, things would have been mighty different.
If the 75th had been given M1s and Bradleys (though why anyone would want a Bradley is honestly beyond me...), as requested, things would have been mighty different.
Reg: 08-24-2005
Posts: 361
Loc: Northern California
Offline
Exactly my point. If he had been serious and not used it in a blatantly political fashion, the correct military actions would have been taken in a timely manner. I agree that the US government is overly political in everything, but when there are lives on the line ... it infuriates me.
Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
Posts: 3389
Loc: Richmond Va
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Just talked to a Surface Warfare trainer, merchant ships can hire armed private security firms to protect thier interest. Sounds like an oppurtunity for Blackwater
Is the M14 still the preferred sniper rifle for the Seals?
I was one of the last (Army) to get that as standard issue. At the time the M15 was only for those going to Nam.
Loved, loved, LOVED that M14!!
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