Withdrawal.

This is coolbert:

“Every NCO [non-commissioned-officer] needs to be able to do three things”:

* “Organize a defensive perimeter.”
* “Employ indirect [supporting] fires.”
* “Operate a radio in two different nets.”

- - as said by a survivor of the Battle of the Ia Drang valley - - Vietnam - - 1965.

From the Chicago Tribune today:

“NATION & WORLD”

“Military’s plan differs from Obama vision”

“WASHINGTON - - U.S. military commanders in Iraq have outlined troop reduction plans that remain at odds with President-elect Barack Obama’s preferences but believe they may be able to reconcile the two goals.”

“Commanders suggest a more gradual reduction than Obama’s proposal for a withdrawal of combat troops within 16 months.”

“Obama has proposed removing all combat troops in 16 months, he has proposed a residual force after May 2010.”

A “residual force” where combat troops are reclassified as “training units” But still a reduction overall to about 50,000 by May 2010.

A withdrawal of COMBAT TROOPS within 16 months. Those units classified as combat arms - - infantry - - armor - - artillery - - air defense - - army aviation!! This is what the President-elect has stated is his goal.

Remove FIRST the combat troops and leave behind a “residual” force of combat support and combat service support units.

This is what I PERCEIVE IS THE STRATEGY!

NO, NO, NO, A THOUSAND TIMES NO!! NOT THE RIGHT WAY TO GO!! ASS BACKWARDS!!

This policy is based upon the ASSUMPTION that the current situation in Iraq will remain stable and that the need for involvement of U.S. combat troops will continue to be diminished?

What if - - however - - the situation in Iraq deteriorates in a marked manner? Where the continued presence of American military units becomes untenable?

A deteriorating situation requiring a sudden, precipitous and unforeseen immediate withdrawal of those remaining U.S. forces!

AMERICAN COMBAT SUPPORT AND COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT MILITARY UNITS MINUS COMBAT ARMS HAVING TO FIGHT THEIR WAY OUT OF THAT COUNTRY, DOING SO UNDER THE MOST PERILOUS OF CIRCUMSTANCES.

A fighting withdrawal by American military units, those units NOT BEING ORGANIZED, EQUIPPED, TRAINED OR READY TO DO SO!!

If and when the withdrawal from Iraq is made, withdraw the same way you went in! Combat arms went in first - - combat arms goes out last.

NOT ASS BACKWARDS!!

Has anyone thought this through!!?? This General Jones is on the ball and will see that the withdrawal from Iraq is done right??

“Organize a defensive perimeter” - - “Employ indirect [supporting] fires” - - “Operate a radio in two different nets”!!

coolbert.