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Speaking of Good Solid COIN Advice
By John
I'm halfway into Chris Cocks' Fireforce, an inside look at 3 Commando, Rhodesian Light Infantry. The RLI's actions during the Rhodesian Bush War are a fascinating case-study in modern COIN ops -- some of their tactics groundbreaking (like the Fireforce concept, a highly effective aerial envelopment technique), others just stupid (like the RLI's strict "White's Only" rule). Don't have time for a big review, just think that any students of COIN ops should read into the Rhodesian War aggressively. Much to learn, both from their monumental successes and strategic failure.
Many thanks to Col P for initially sparking my interest in the Bush War, this must be the sixth book I've read on the subject.
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One old person complained to the doctor that his right ear was giving him trouble; he couldn't hear.
So the doctor checked, checked, checked, listened, listened and said, "Oh, you know your ear trouble is an old age problem? Your ear is getting old, that's all.That's why you can't hear."So the patient said, "Nonsense, the left ear is just as old.
I am a Rhodesian (now and American by choice) and I am pleased to read this.
There is much to learn from the success of the Rhodesian forces that can be applied to our current wars - and future ones.
The birth of the Rhodesian tactics came out of the successful war against the communists in the jungles of Malaya.
My father was one of several Rhodesian volunteers in that war, his CO was Ron Reid-Daley who went on to become General Reid-Daley overseeing the Rhodesian Army and its development of COIN techniques and units.
He was also the "father" of the Selous Scouts.
The Rhodesian Malay Scouts went on to become C Squadron, Rhodesia Regiment, Special Air Service - a very, very quiet unit that was very, very successful in silence throughout our bush war.
I take personally your chiding of the RLI being all white.
Black Rhodesians did not have to fight (unlike white males who at 18 were headed off on "call-up", the draft).
This did not deter many black Rhodesians who joined many units in the Army, AF and Police.
The Rhodesian African Rifles, the black regiment, had a proud history going back to WWI.
And the unltra tough Selous Scouts were over 80% black, with all the white troopers fluent in Shona and Matabele.
Please understand Rhodesians got along well, black and white. Hard to explain to you, you had to live it.
Keep up the great blog.
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Damn fine book. Best infantry memoir I've ever read.